FINGAL County Council has launched an exciting programme of events for an Irish language festival that is beginning next week.
Seachtain na Gaeilge starts on March 1 and will run to March 17. Its motto is: encouraging everyone to use whatever Irish they have – Bain Triail Aisti.
Council events are taking place at venues including County Hall Swords, local libraries, Swords Castle and Ardgillan Demesne while many other events are being organised by Irish language groups throughout the county.
The Seachtain na Gaeilge programme is available at www.Fingal.ie.
Local events include:
•Tuesday, March 10 at the Atrium County Hall Swords, there will be Ceol, Craic and Gaeilge with musicians Paudie O’Connor, Aoife Ni Chaoimh and Caoimhín O Fearghail and musicians from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Dublin.
•The stunning chapel in Swords Castle will be the setting for a Lón le Gaeilge on Tuesday, March 3 from 1pm.
•A guided walk will take place at Ardgillan Demesne on Thursday, March 12 at 11am. You are invited to join head gardener Dominica McKevitt and enjoy the beautiful grounds and stunning views over the Irish Sea.
•Events in local libraries include music by Antaine Ó Faracháin and Nollaig Mac Cathaigh in Blanchardstown on March 12 at 1pm.
There will be a Ciorcal Comhrá with poetry in Balbriggan on March 12 at 6.45pm and Ronaldo Fanzini will be in Blanchardstown on March 19. Malahide will host a Maidin Spraoi on Wednesday March 11 from 10.30am to 12noon with conversation, music and games. There will be Óga Yóga Yoga as Gaeilge also in three libraries.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said he is looking forward to attending some of the events during Seachtain na Gaeilge, particularly the music in County Hall on March 10.
“There are some great events in the programme and Seachtain na Gaeilge gives people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to engage with the language in a fun way,” he said.
Chief executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Seachtain na Gaeilge is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Irish language and culture.
“That culture will be celebrated in Swords in July when the Leinster Fleadh comes to the town and Fingal County Council is proud to support this. I am delighted to welcome Comhaltas musicians and the Fingal Community to County Hall during Seachtain na Gaeilge.”