Celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025 in Waterford: A Diverse Range of Events Highlighting Irish Language and Culture
Seachtain na Gaeilge is once again being celebrated in the beautiful and historic Waterford, with a variety of events taking place throughout the City and County. The Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council has partnered with several local groups and initiatives to offer a range of activities that highlight the Irish language and the rich culture of the Déise. Below is a glimpse of some of the exciting events and activities that will be taking place over the course of Seachtain na Gaeilge that you can look forward to.
Events in Waterford City/ Imeachtaí i gCathair Port Láirge
Circles Day – Circles of the Déise/ Lá na gCiorcal – Ciorcail na nDéise
Waterford’s growing Irish conversation groups (Ciorcail Chomhrá) will meet for a chat and a cuppa on Wednesday, 12th March at the Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas. Members from Dungarvan, Stradbally, Tramore, and Waterford City will gather to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge. If you are interested in joining a Ciorcal Comhrá but do not know how, contact your local Library or the Irish Officer at gaeilge@waterfordcouncil.ie for more information on a group near you!
Bilingual Table Quiz/ Tráth na gCeist Tábla Dátheangach
This year’s Bilingual Table Quiz, organised by the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council, will be held at the Cove Bar on Dunmore Road, Waterford City, on Thursday, 13th March at 8:00pm. It is open to the public and offers a fun, relaxed night where you can use your ‘cúpla focal.’ There will be spot prizes, music, and plenty of craic. To register, email jlenane@waterfordcouncil.ie.
Waterford Library Services/ Seirbhísí Leabharlainne Phort Láirge
Staff from libraries across Waterford City and County have organised a range of free bilingual and Irish language events over the next two weeks. Dungarvan and Tramore Libraries will host their regular Ciorcal Comhrá and Rannta le Chéile (Irish rhymes for young children). Portlaw and Ardkeen Libraries will offer the popular ‘Bingó as Gaeilge’ for local schools, with booking required at your local library.
Waterford Library Sservice also has a vast selection of Irish language books, which will be displayed in various libraries during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Everyone is encouraged to borrow and enjoy these books that are available for both adults and children. For more details on events, visit your local library or check the Library Service website at www.waterfordlibraries.ie and social media.
Events in Dungarvan/ Imeachtaí i nDún Garbhán
Dún Garbhán Le Gaeilge
Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge is hosting several events during Seachtain na Gaeilge in Dungarvan, including Irish language film screenings at Movies@Dungarvan for local schools, a Pop-Up Gaeltacht at Alice O’Connor’s Lounge Bar in Abbeyside, and a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day Céilí at Lawlor’s Hotel, with a trad session for children beforehand.
For more information on these events contact Bróna at dungarbhanlegaeilge@gmail.com or 0874785054, or you could visit the official Facebook or X (Twitter) pages.
Ciorcail Comhrá – Tuesday and Friday @ 12 (weekly) in Dungarvan Library.
This is a weekly event that happens. It is an informal conversation group that come together once a week to talk as Gaeilge. No level of fluency is expected just a willingness to try.
Ciorcal Comhrá Dhún na Mainistreach – 8pm, 5th March (and every fortnight) in Minnies Bar
Same as above but in Minnie’s Bar in Abbeyside and happens fortnightly.
Pop Up Gaeltacht – 8pm, 7th Márta in Alice O Connors
This is an even more relaxed opportunity for people to meet as Gaeilge! This usually happens a couple of times a year however this one is specially for Seachtain na Gaeilge. We will meet up in Alice O’ Connors in Abbeyside. People tend to have a few drinks and chat and again, no level of fluency is expected just willing to try it out. We tend to have anywhere from learners to native speakers attend pop up Gaeltacht’s.
Céilí Dhún Garbhán – Bilingual céilí for families (with help from the Ciste Spreagtha) 17th March @4pm in Óstán Lawlors
- This céilí will take place on St. Patrick’s Day in Lawlor’s Hotel and is an event for families. There will be an Irish speaking and an English-speaking MC as well as a dance teacher who teaches the steps bilingually.
Prize for the best Irish language entry in the Dungarvan Parade – €200 voucher
The Dungarvan parade will take place on St. Patrick’s Day. Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge will be sponsoring a prize for the best group or float who use Irish as part of their float.
Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025 in Waterford offers an extensive range of events celebrating the Irish language and deep-rooted culture. From music and dance to bilingual quizzes, there is something for everyone to enjoy and embrace the rich heritage of the Déise.
Written and researched by Khalid Kadiri
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