Exciting events announced to celebrate this year's Seachtain na Gaeilge in Derry

A huge spread of exciting events have been planned in Derry for this year's Seachtain na Gaeilge which will run from 1-17 March. 

Derry's hub for Irish language and arts, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, will be at the centre of the programme aimed at celebrating and promoting the native language. 

The festival is open to all ages, abilities and interests. Whether you simply have an interest in where the names of our towns and cities come from or you're fluent and just want to meet fellow Gaelgeoirí, there’s something for everyone.

Derry has a long and rich connection to the Irish language being in such close proximity to the Gaeltachtaí of Donegal. To explore this fascinating history, local historian Mary Delargy will lead a bilingual walking tour and booklet launch.

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All are welcome to attend an open meeting which will be held for Derry residents to gain insights on how best to develop the language in the area and how it could benefit the people of Derry. 

The demand for the development of the Irish language in Derry has become increasingly clear in recent times with the Waterside’s first Irish-medium school opening last September.

As part of the festival, a family day which will feature a bilingual spread of gardening, art and live music will also be held to bring the the Irish language community together. 

This event is open to everybody and held in collaboration with Na Piarsaigh Doire Trasna CLG and Clooney Hall Methodist Church, where the event will be held.

Cultúrlann's Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations will also feature plenty of activities suitable for children, along with tasty bites from their café, and music from their music academy, Acadamh Ceoil.

A deeper dive into learning the language is also available through a weekend intensive course which has separate classes tailored for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. 

Bilingual yoga, conversation circles, short film screenings and a Pop Up Gaeltacht will also provide plenty of informal opportunities throughout the festival to practise what you’ve picked up as well.

In addition to this, there’ll be a Céilí led by Mary McGuiggan, with a bar available to quench any post-dance thirsts.

Commenting on the events lined up, Siiubhán Nic Amhlaoidh, director of the Cultúrlann, said: "This year has seen a record number of people signing up for our Irish courses, both here in our centre as well as with our waterside classes. There’s no doubt that we’re seeing a boom in interest in Derry and throughout the island, so we’re absolutely delighted to be able to share this festival with the community and all those interested in getting involved!

"Whether you’re excited to learn your first cúpla focal (few words), want to get back to it after a few years (or decades) away, or are keen to to use the Irish you have already - beidh fáilte agus fiche romhaibh, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

This festival is made possible by all our funders, Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Community Relations Council, Foras na Gaeilge, Arts Council NI, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We are immensely grateful for their support."

To see the full programme of what's on offer, you can visit Cultúrlann's website.