Council set to celebrate Irish language and culture week

ANTRIM and Newtownabbey Borough Council is set to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge, the world’s largest festival of Irish language and culture, which runs from 1–17 March.

The range of free events include One Day Irish Language Courses on Saturday 7 March at Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim (09.30am–2.30pm) and Ionad Teaghlaigh Ghleann Darach, Crumlin (10.00am–2.30pm) and Comhrá, Ceol & Cupán Tae – Conversation, Music and a Cup of Tea is on Wednesday 11 March, 11am–2pm at Ionad Teaghlaigh Ghleann Darach.

In addition to these events, the Council is creating a playful children’s animation featuring the voices of pupils from Irish-medium schools and nurseries across the Borough including Naiscoil na Fiobha, Naiscoil Ghleann Darach, Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach and Gaelscoil Éanna.

Children from local schools will also take part in fun Céilí events at Theatre at The Mill featuring live music from McAuley Céilí Band and in the Old Courthouse, with Céilí caller, Ronan Eastwood.

The Good Relations Team is coordinating further Irish language activities for nursery and primary schools, including story packs, daily Irish words and phrases, and an optional themed Irish Myths and Legends dress-up day.

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour said: “Seachtain na Gaeilge is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to experience the richness of our language and culture. From fun workshops and storytelling to music, dance, and even animation, there really is something for everyone. We encourage everyone in Antrim and Newtownabbey to join in and enjoy the festivities this March.”

All activities are supported through the District Council Good Relations Programme, funded by The Executive Office as part of the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy.

More information, including booking details, can be found at: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/SnaG26