Hundreds gathered in Smithfield Square yesterday for Lá Mór na Gaeilge in an all-day celebration of the Irish language.
Stages and tents were full of music, talks, craic and culture with all kinds of performances on show for the public.
Paula Melvin, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge said:
“There is so much energy in Dublin amongst Irish speakers today and Lá Mór na Gaeilge shows that there is a bright future ahead for the language.
“Lá Mór na Gaeilge welcomed everyone to use whatever Irish they have here today, with something for everyone in the schedule during the day.
“We saw the best of music on display at the Ardán Mór, with Danny O’Reilly (pictured above) from the Coronas, Ispíní na hÉireann, Louise Mulcahy, Tadhg, Battle of the Bands and much more throughout the day, even including a street céilí and a duet between Danny and Ardmhéara Bhaile Átha Cliath, Dáithí de Róiste!
“Lá Mór na Gaeilge showed how vibrant and full of fun the Irish language can be in the third year of this event.
“We can’t wait to see what Lá Mor na Gaeilge will have in store for us again in 2025!”
Mícheál Ó Nualláin, Director of BÁC le Gaeilge commented:
“It was fantastic to see huge crowds of people out today for Lá Mór na Gaeilge in Smithfield Square today.
“Hundreds gathered in Dublin 7 to celebrate our living language, with music, workshops, culture and craic in a busy programme from 12-5pm today.
“In the Lig Isteach Í Tent, we had workshops for those with fluent Irish as well as for people with a cúpla focal interested in the language.
“One of the busiest events of the day was Ó Sumud Go Saoirse, a workshop on cultural resistance in Palestine and Ireland taking place in the Puball Plé Discussion Tent.
“The event had an excellent panel with Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Gráinne Holland, Múlú, Stephen Loughran, Habib Ostaz and others.
“Also in the Puball Plé, there was a Culture Exchange Workshop with Tura Aruturo and friends, an Amhrán na bhFiann Workshop and music with Amhránaithe an Chlub.
“In the Spás Teaghlaigh Family Space, we had Fanzini Productions, a Bilingual Reading, Magic Performances, Face Painting and much more during the day for families and children.
“Overall, Lá Mór na Gaeilge 2024 was an incredible positive day full of energy and fun.
“Lá Mór na Gaeilge showed that the Irish language is alive and welcoming here in Dublin. We had great events throughout the day and it was great to see so many people out and enjoying the day!”
Lá Mór na Gaeilge is an all-day event run by BÁC le Gaeilge, supported by Conradh na Gaeilge, Dublin City Council, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and sponsored by Tesco.