2023 really is the year of Gaeilge. From An Cailín Ciúin to Paul Mescal on the red carpet. We’re all about our native tongue!
Break out your cúpla focal for an Irish language festival which is coming to our capital city this year.
Lá Mór na Gaeilge is an Irish language street festival of free performances, workshops and more between 12 – 5 p.m. on Parnell Square, Sunday 30th April.
With all the buzz around Gaeilge it makes sense that this year’s theme is Irish Revival – 130 Years and the programme includes a series of workshops on the evolution of Irish and how it has grown during this time.
So what can we expect from the festival?
Well, Colm Bairéad and Cleona Ní Chrualaoí will join in an interview with Cormac Ó hEadhra at 1pm about the importance of Irish in cinema and its recent growth in film not to mention the meteoric rise to Oscar nomination with An Cailín Ciún.
They’ll also chat about what the future looks like for them, as well as for the Irish language on the silver screen.
At 2pm, Zimbabwe-born artist and Irish language campaigner Tura Arutura will be part a panel with Ola Majekodumni and others discussing their experiences learning the Irish language.
Bandia made up of Lauren Ní Chasaide, Aidan O’Leary, Jill Mc Mahon and Simon O’Carroll, play covers of the big music hits from the 80s, 90s and beyond but with one small difference – they sing as Gaeilge! They’ll take to the Main Stage at 2pm. Tadhg Griffin will perform on the Main Stage at 3pm. His performances flow from trad to jazz, funk, and rock, telling emotional stories of love, personal growth, and self-acceptance.
Guiding his 10-piece big band with expert piano playing and commanding vocals his show is a celebration of the power of music, and the complexity of life.
LEN Collective are a traditional music group from Dublin, often seen playing The Cobblestone or Pipers Corner regularly. They will take to the main stage at 4pm.
Last summer, they played at All Together Now, Electric Picnic, Courtyard at IMMA, Otherside, Áras an Uachtarán to name but a few. Be with them at the main stage at Lá Mór na Gaeilge!
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They will be put a lively end to the day being the music behind the giant street céilí! Get ready and have your dancing shoes ready to learn a few steps!
There will also be workshops in Bodhrán, Sean Nos and Uilleann Pipe.
If you want to engage in more history you can head on the History Walk with Lorcan Collins and Cuan Ó Seireadáin at 2pm and 3pm.
To book your free tickets head here.