7 Seachtain na Gaeilge events that will get you flexing your cúpla focail

Taking place from March 1-17, Seachtain na Gaeilge — or Irish Week — is a ten-day festival that gives everyone and anyone the opportunity to enjoy Irish, whether you’re fluent, a learner or are just dusting off the old cúpla focal through a schedule of events for every type of interest and every age group.

From dancing at the céilí to sitting around a table of storytellers, Seachtain na Gaeilge events take place during the day and into the evening, and feature workshops, exhibitions, competitions and a whole lot more.

There are events happening throughout the length and breadth of the country — and you can check out what’s happening in your own locality right here — but we’ve rounded up seven events that thoroughly piqued our interest.

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Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste, ná Béarla cliste!

Tráth na gCeist le Gaeil na Gaillimhe

Friday 3 March, Dominick Street, Galway

Taking place in Áras na nGael this Friday with Gaeil na Galway GAA, this general knowledge table quiz will have rounds of questions based on many different topics, and there will be plenty of prizes awarded on the night for top notch performances. The event costs €20 per team, and there are four players to a team — all proceeds will be going towards the development of the GAA club.

Lights, Camera, Action: The Irish in Hollywood (as Gaeilge)

4&11 March, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Custom House Quay, Dublin

Irish people have played crucial roles in Hollywood and beyond for decades and have helped to shape the modern film industry as directors, actors, writers, animators, producers and more. Emigrants like Dublin born inventor Lucien Bull was an early pioneer of high speed photography, without which the Hollywood film industry would not exist. Others like the legendary actor, choreographer and Oscar winner Gene Kelly had roots in Ireland while the original designer of the famous Oscar statute Cedric Gibbons was also a proud member of the Irish diaspora.

Docklands Architectural Heritage Tour ‘as Gaeilge’

5&11 March, La Touche House, IFSC, Dublin

This informal guided walking tour of the Docklands, North Wall and Spencer Dock area, with architect Brendan McEvoy will focus on the historic architecture and engineering of the area. The tour will take one and a half hours, starting at La Touche House IFSC (directly opposite Busáras) and ending at the Luke Kelly statue on Guild Street.

Seachtain na Gaeilge @ ComedyYard

8 March, 29 Clanbrassil Street Upper, Dublin

This event — which also happens to be dog-friendly — will offer the unique opportunity to enjoy some comedy as Gaeilge. The laughs will be provided by Aideen Mulqueen, Bláthnaid Daly, Rían MagFhloinn, Louisa Ní Éideáin and Louise O’Toole.

Féile na Gealaí

9 March, Áras Pobail Ráth Chairn, Meath

Marking the first full moon of the spring season, this Irish language music and arts festival will include events ranging from yoga guided as gaeilge, spoken word and comedy performances, as well as musical performances from well-respected local and national names.

Féile Aistear / Journey Festival

Until 11 March, Uonad Uíbh Eachach, Belfast

Taking place in 34a Iveagh Crescent, Belfast, Féile Aistear is made up of a series of intensive Irish courses, music and dance workshops, and talks and family events. Celebrating the local multicultural community, this festival provides a fantastic immersion in the language and culture.

Ceol, Caint agus Craic le Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

14 March, LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre, Queen’s Road, Dublin

This bilingual event will see Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council welcome Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of the traditional music of Ireland since its foundation in 1951. After the trad concert, there will be an interactive session where people can try their hand at playing traditional instruments such as the bodhrán and get a taste of the richness of traditional Irish music.

Featured image via Anna Church on Unsplash