Clare County Council launch campaign aimed at increasing Irish language use across Ennis

Clare County Council and An Clár as Gaeilge have officially launched the Inis Dom campaign, an initiative aimed at increasing the visibility and use of Irish language in retail and service sectors across Ennis.

Clare has the second-highest level of Irish speakers in the country, at 47%. Aiming to capitalise on this, the Inis Dom project encourages businesses to use Irish in customer service, signage, menus, websites and on social media. Support is  provided for this through assistance with funding, translation services, training and promotional resources.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Flanagan, former All-Ireland winning Clare hurler and campaign ambassador, said, “Irish is part of our identity in Clare. It’s great to see local businesses embracing the language and making it part of everyday life. Inis Dom is a brilliant way to bring Irish into the community in a practical and positive way.”

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Emer O’Flaherty, singer, composer, musician and fellow ambassador, added, “Language and culture go hand in hand. I’m delighted to support Inis Dom because it creates a space where Irish is visible, heard, and celebrated. It’s about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

The campaign aims to highlight the economic and cultural benefits of integrating Irish into business. Inis Dom is supported by Foras na Gaeilge under the Business Support Scheme, which provides funding for bilingual signage and resources to help businesses engage with the Irish language. The initiative is also supported by Glór na nGael, Ennis Chamber, Ennis 2040 and Clare’s Local Enterprise Office.

Ruairí Henchy, Irish Language Development Officer/Communications Officer, Clare County Council, said, “The campaign’s motto is: ‘Frásaí Beaga, Tionchar Mór – Small Phrases, Big Impact’, and aims to take Irish off the pages of books and into the streets and businesses of Ennis and beyond. Shoppers are encouraged to start with: “Dia duit – Hello” and to watch out for the Inis Dom! badge and sticker when shopping in Ennis.”

Leah Ní Thailtigh, Language Planning Officer, An Clár as Gaeilge, added, “Inis Dom builds on Ennis’s status as an Irish Language Network by making Irish more visible and usable in everyday business. This campaign gives local enterprises the tools and support to bring the language to life in practical ways.”

Participation in the initiative is free and businesses receive tailored support to help them incorporate Irish in their operations.

To join the scheme and receive support for your business contact: anclarasgaeilge@gmail.com