The Irish language will be celebrated by Irish speakers all over the world in the coming weeks. As Seachtain na Gaeilge approaches, there is no better time to learn Irish or use what you already have and take part in language events around the world.

Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia is an international Irish language festival and is one of the largest annual celebrations of the country's native language and culture. Despite its title, Seachtain na Gaeilge lasts longer than a week. The festival, in fact, runs for nearly 2 and a half weeks, from 1 to 17 March.

“Why, then, is the festival called Seachtain na Gaeilge?” we hear you ask! Well, this festival has been around since 1902. It was first established as a week-long celebration and thus named Seachtain na Gaeilge. This festival gradually attracted more and more interest from the Irish speaking community and Irish speakers around the world. The interest and demand for language events grew and a decision was made to extend the festival as a result. However, the brand name, which was now widely recognised, remained the same.

Seachtain na Gaeilge continues to go from strength to strength and Seachtain na Gaeilge 2022 will be even better. Here are some ways you can embrace Seachtain na Gaeilge in your own life and celebrate the language during this special time of year.

1. Use what you already know

Most people living in Ireland, those who studied it at school and those who did not, have a sentence or two as Gaeilge. Why not take part in the event and use these phrases when chatting with your friends and family?

Dia duit. (Hello)
Conas atá tú? (How are you?)
Is deas tú a fheiceáil. (Nice to see you.)
An bhfuil aon scéal agat? (Any news?)
Abair as Gaeilge é le do thoil! (Say it in Irish, please!)
Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Pádraig ort (Happy St. Patrick’s Day)

And no one has an excuse not to say 'sláinte' if you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a few drinks.

2. Show that you speak Irish

Without a doubt, Seachtain na Gaeilge is a great opportunity to inject some words as Gaeilge into your conversations with friends and family, but what about stimulating conversations through Irish with people you don’t know? Badges and fáinní can be purchased on siopa.ie, which can be worn to that show you are able and willing to speak Irish. These badges cost just €2.00. Wear them with pride during Seachtain na Gaeilge and you will be amazed at how many people will speak to you in Irish. Who knows, you might even make a new friend.

3. Follow @gaelchultur_ on Instagram

We’re slightly obsessed with Seachtain na Gaeilge here in Gaelchultúr. Check out our Instagram account during the festival, where we will be running virtual events, bitesize lessons, contests, flash sales and many other surprises throughout the period.

4. Conversation Circle

Whether you’re in school or working, a conversation group, or ciorcal comhrá, is always a great idea. Set aside time during lunch and invite your classmate or colleagues to spend the break engaging in fun Irish conversations.

5. Multimedia Resources

There are many fantastic resources available online to inspire a love of the language among both young and old. Cula4.com offers exciting programmes and videos, contests and puzzles for young speakers and learners to enjoy.

For adults, we encourage you to turn your dial to Raidió na Gaeltachta and hear the authentic dialects from the Gaeltacht. Check out Galechultúr's Youtube channel and take advantage of the hundreds of fun videos we have created that focus on grammar, useful phrases and amusing insults.

6. Start an Irish course

No matter where you are located you can take part in interactive online Irish language classes. Meet Irish speakers and other learners from all over the world and learn Irish with Gaelchultúr’s live courses online. So, if you want to enrich your language skills or if you’d like to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge in an enjoyable way that fosters an affinity with the language, why not book your spot on our March courses today.