Gaeilge’s New Era: A Surge in Learners Signals a Renewed Interest in the Irish Language
By Tíarna Baggot
Irish nationalists are expressing a deepening passion towards learning Gaeilge, through which they seek to establish a stronger connection to their cultural identity.
Historically, Gaeilge was Ireland’s first language, which shaped our culture long before English became our anchoring language. As everyday use declined, so too did a shared sense of cultural continuity. In recent years, however, a newfound love and commitment towards the language has become evident, following a resurgence in speaking Gaeilge. According to the 2022 census, 42% of Ireland’s population reported that they could speak Irish, [1] a significant rise from 27.7% in 2011, which suggests a growing desire to reconnect with our past, rather than leaving it in history.
As Ireland experiences a rapid influx of refugees and immigrants, many people feel that aspects of Irish identity and culture are being diminished. The renewed interest in Gaeilge reflects a desire among Irish people to unite and reclaim our cultural identity before it fades further. The question of – why Gaeilge? – may baffle many due to its low exposure and confinement to Ireland itself, yet this resurgence not only brings a sense of who we are, but gives Ireland something to be proud of while it reflects a collective instinct to safeguard identity and celebrate something distinctly our own.
“It’s a beautiful language; it gives you a perspective on the world that’s utterly different than the English language,” [2] says Catherine Connolly.
Media and the arts have also played a significant role in the revival. Groups such as Kneecap have brought Gaeilge into contemporary music, sparking debate and drawing national attention in which they spew their moralities through the Irish language. Many argue that their popularity reflects Ireland’s ongoing drive to reclaim and re-express its individuality. Television programmes such as TG4, Beo ar Éigean, and What the Focal? have helped create an environment in which the Irish language is increasingly normalised, encouraging many people to engage with it and learn.
Due to the increasing popularity of Gaeilge, many students nowadays are finding ways to incorporate the language into their daily lives. Notably, in Queen’s University Belfast, there has been a 227% increase in the number of students who are registering for Irish courses at the university this year [3]. As a result of this, new courses are set to be added in 2026, namely Law with Irish.
As well as this, students at Queen’s also have the option of staying at Irish-speaking accommodation – a development that boosts daily exposure to Gaeilge and helps students improve their fluency in a social, communal setting.
An Cumann Gaelach has been instrumental in pushing for this scheme, providing weekly events such as conversation circles, running clubs, and lively activities, while also offering a support system that helps make Irish part of student life, creating a strong legacy that will be carried on for generations.
References:
[1] Central Statistics Office, 2022. Census of Population 2022:The Irish Language and Education. [online] Available at: https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cpp8/censusofpopulation2022profile8-theirishlanguageandeducation/
[2] TikTok, 2023. JoeDotie on Irish/Learning Gaeilge. [online] TikTok. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@joedotie/video/7556630608626142486
[3] Instagram, 2023. Gaeilge Promotion / Irish Language Content. [online] Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQl11W3CGrk/
[4] Belfast Media, 2022. Senior QUB Figures and Irish-Language Campaigners Gather for Historical Launch of Irish-Language Residential Scheme https://belfastmedia.com/senior-qub-figures-and-irish-language-campaigners-gather-for-historical-launch-of-irish-language-residential-scheme
