Cork County Council is organising more than 20 events for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026 including a healthy timetable for West Cork and Cape Clear.

The international Irish language festival takes place each year from March 1st to St Patrick’s Day, March 17th.

Whether you are a fluent speaker, learner or have a cúpla focal, the calendar of entertaining and fun events cater for every type of interest and every age group.

Cork County Mayor, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said: ‘We have two Gaeltachts in the county and many communities who come together to speak Irish. We are delivering over 20 arts and cultural events with musicians, seanchaís, and artists. I hope a lán duine come out to celebrate as Irish is for everyone, Seachtain na Gaeilge is for everyone.’

The programme is being delivered in library branches, schools, and other venues. Storyteller Paddy O’Brien will visit schools and Ciorcail Cainte groups. A bilingual poetry reading and open mic will be hosted by poets Bernadette Gallagher and Jeanna Ní Ríordáin.

Libraries will feature a brief introduction to the poetry and work of Seán Ó Riordáin, one of the most important Irish poets of the twentieth century. This will be followed by a performance by Kevin McNally featuring live reading of poems in Irish and English, as well as a soundtrack and an improvised score using electric guitar, Javanese gamelan, and electronics.

Abair Amhrán (say a song) is a relaxed, supportive environment in which to explore the deep tradition of Irish song and improve your Irish while doing it. Each session invites singers to share their Irish songs and learn new ones under the guidance of an Irish-speaking musician.

Cúpla Focail is a fun, bilingual creative writing workshop that explores the creative space between Irish and English. Through simple prompts, accessible resources and a bit of creative mischief, participants are encouraged to experiment and play with their cúpla focal in a relaxed, supportive environment.

For younger gaeilgeoirs, Creative Beginnings is a bilingual (Irish English) and inclusive creativity and wellbeing event for children aged six and under and their parents or carers.

Children and adults will explore art, music, movement, and sensory play together in various library branches. Musicians Alan Coakley and Aengus Kirakowski who will perform songs from ‘Throwing Time’, the new album of the traditional music group in schools.

The title comes from the Irish phrase caitheamh aimsire, which literally means “spending time” but is commonly used to mean “passing time.”

Through a mix of English and Irish, songs and stories from the traditional storytelling heritage will be shared with the students and their teachers.

All events are free to attend, and the full timetable can be viewed at: www.corkcoco.ie.