Irish is having a moment – but could you speak it for 24 hours?

Over 20,000 students from more than 200 schools will speak only Irish for 24 hours as part of Conradh na Gaeilge’s annual challenge, Gaeilge24.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 11 November, more than 20,000 students from over 200 schools across Ireland will take part in #Gaeilge24, a national challenge that encourages young people to speak only Irish for 24 hours – at home, at school, in shops, at sports clubs, and with friends.

Now in its thirteenth year, Gaeilge24 continues to grow as one of the most dynamic school events in the country, inspiring students to bring the Irish language beyond the classroom and into their daily lives.

This year’s theme is ‘The Future of the Irish Language’, encouraging young people to think about how they can help keep the language alive in their own communities and in their futures.

Both English-medium and Irish-medium primary and secondary schools, as well as Gaeltacht schools across Ireland, will take part in this year’s challenge, and certificates will be awarded to all participating students.

Speaking about the campaign, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, said:

“Gaeilge24 proves that young people want to use the Irish language – not only as a school subject, but as a living, social language. If we want to secure the future of Irish, we must continue to create opportunities like this that inspire young people to use it confidently and proudly in their daily lives.”

During the day, students will immerse themselves in Irish through a full programme of exciting events — from a live panel discussion with special guests, to a TikTok challenge, a Quiz, Crazy Bingo, and an engaging series of workshops.

Reflecting on his experience with Gaeilge24 over the years, Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development and Deputy General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge, said:

“We in Conradh na Gaeilge are delighted that over 20,000 students from schools in all 32 counties are taking part in the Gaeilge24 challenge this year. It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm for the language, and to watch students using Irish confidently throughout the day. Gaeilge24 continues to show that there is a huge appetite among young people to use and celebrate our national language.”

Máire Eibhlín Ní Chlochartaigh, a teacher in St. Flannan’s College, Co. an Chláir said:

“Gaeilge24 is one of the highlights of the school year here in St. Flannan’s College. The atmosphere is always electric, and students of all levels take part –  from beginners to fluent speakers. It’s amazing to see how much confidence it gives them, and how they realise that Irish can be part of everyday life.”

The television series “No Béarla” by Manchán Magan originally inspired the campaign back in 2008, when a group of UCD students decided to try speaking only Irish for a full day. A few years later, Conradh na Gaeilge developed the idea into a nationwide annual campaign under the name Gaeilge24. This year, Conradh na Gaeilge remembers Manchán Magan, who sadly passed away recently, and celebrates his lasting influence on the Irish language movement.

The Irish language community around the world is encouraged to join the challenge online by using the hashtag #Gaeilge24 on social media.

For more information about Gaeilge24, visit cnag.ie/gaeilge24