Bígí linn to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025

Date: 01-03-2025

With Seachtain na Gaeilge Mhaigh Eo off to a flying start, Mayo County Council is offering a wide range of free Irish language and bilingual activities across the county from now up until St Patrick’s day.

For those who are looking to brush up their Irish and have a cupán tae with other learners, ciorcal comhrá sessions will be running in Castlebar, Ballina and Westport Libraries. Crafties with all levels of Irish will be treated to a special bilingual arts session in Westport Library while those with an interest in song can come along to listen to acclaimed Erris Sean-Nós singer, Astrid Ní Mhongáin, in the Castlebar branch.

Mayo County Library are also providing a wide range of activities for children in conjunction with schools across the county, from circus tricks and juggling to acting for camera. Castlebar library will be a hub of activity for younger participants, with Pop Up Gaeltacht na nÓg bilingual activities being held on Saturday March 8th. Budding artists will be in for a special treat, as Ce’Nedra Cullen O’Brien, the inaugural recipient of the Oonagh Bean Uí Shúilleabháin (Ní Chéilleachair) award will lead a flip animation workshop, while a special songs and rhymes session will be held for toddlers earlier in the day. Local library branches will also be holding a number of storytime and play sessions as Gaeilge for this younger cohort over the next two weeks.

Mayo County Council’s Irish Language Officer, Fionnuala Nic Pháidín welcomed the start of the festivities:

“Seachtain na Gaeilge highlights the brilliant benefits speaking and learning Irish can bring, no matter your level of ability. As well as the Mayo County Council programme of events, Irish language and Gaeltacht groups across the county have been busy planning many imaginative activities across the county including table quizzes, traditional music sessions, yoga, cookery and much more. There is something there for everyone and I would encourage all to get involved – bígí linn!’

Austin Vaughan, Mayo County Librarian said:

“We are very excited to be supporting Seachtain na Gaeilge in our library branches once again this year. The Irish language is a key part of our county’s creativity and heritage and I am delighted that we are able to provide this wide programme of events over the next two weeks.’

All Mayo County Council Seachtain na Gaeilge events are free however registration is required in some instances. Event times and further details can be found on our Seachtain na Gaeilge webpage.