Cork County Council to host Gaeilge events for language fest

Cork County Council is set to host more than 20 events across the county for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is an international Irish language festival that runs each year from the start of March to St Patrick’s Day.

Whether people are fluent speakers, learners, or have a cúpla focal, the festival allows an opportunity to enjoy Irish, with a calendar of entertaining and fun events for every type of interest and every age group.

Cork County Council’s Seachtain na Gaeilge arts programme is being delivered in library branches, schools, and other venues.

Storyteller Paddy O’Brien will deliver events for schools and Ciorcail Cainte groups, while bilingual poetry reading and open mic events will be hosted by poets Bernadette Gallagher and Jeanna Ní Ríordáin.

Various library branches will feature a brief introduction to the poetry and work of Seán Ó Riordáin, one of the most important Irish poets of the 20th century.

Abair Amhrán — say a song — is a relaxed, supportive environment in which to explore the deep tradition of Irish song and improve your Irish while doing it, with each session inviting singers to share their Irish songs.

Cúpla Focail is a fun, bilingual creative writing workshop that explores the creative space between Irish and English.

For younger gaeilgeoirs, Creative Beginnings is a bilingual (Irish/English) and inclusive creativity and wellbeing event for children aged up to six years and their parents or carers.

Launching the Seachtain na Gaeilge arts programme, the Mayor of Co Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said the county has two Gaeltachts and many communities who come together to speak Irish.

“I hope a lán duine come out to celebrate as Irish is for everyone, Seachtain na Gaeilge is for everyone,” she said.

All events are free to attend.

See www.corkcoco.ie.