It was wonderful to see Irish speakers and learners from all across Gaeltacht an Eachréidh at our sold out ‘BBQ an tSamhraidh’ at The Arches Hotel in Claregalway on Saturday night.

The event sold out six days in advance, showing that we are starting to build a committed Irish-speaking community here in Claregalway, Annaghdown, and Carnmore despite the challenges faced by our native language.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful atmosphere at The Arches Hotel.

Thanks also to the traditional music group Ogma, based in Galway, who produced a rousing two-hour set.

As ever, the staff and management at The Arches Hotel could not have been more accommodating and the food was fantastic.

Afterwards, our Irish language planning officer, Ciaran Tierney, told the capacity crowd that Irish classes for adults are set to begin again at The Arches Hotel in the final week in September.

He also said that there would be two new ‘Ciorcail Comhrá’ on Thursday nights this winter, with a new one for beginners and learners from 7 to 8pm and a second one for people who are more comfortable speaking Irish from 8 to 9pm, with a guest facilitator from Connemara.

He said it had been a fantastic summer, with trips to the Aran Islands, Connemara, East Galway, a first ever ‘Sauna Le Gaeilge’ in Annaghdown, and teenagers enjoying Irish courses in Oranmore and Inis Oirr.

“It was fantastic to see our summer BBQ sell out again this year,” said Ciaran. “Gradually, we are rebuilding an Irish-speaking community here in Gaeltacht an Eachréidh. This event was about celebrating our language and our culture, with good food, and it was a huge success.

“How magic it is to see a room in a local hotel full to capacity with people speaking our native language!”

  • Photographs by Paul Fennell, Baile Chláir