Derry and Belfast have emerged as two of the most vibrant centres of the Irish revival. Northern Ireland has proved to be a real growth area for the Irish language in recent years. For the third year in a row Derry won the Glór na nGael Competition, the All-Ireland awards for the promotion of Irish language. Indeed Derry is increasingly being recognised as one of the most vibrant and innovative centres of Irish-language activity on the island.
An Gaeláras is a partnership of Irish language and cultural groups, based in the wider Derry City area and is aimed at, among other things, the creation of a sustainable, economic base for the current phase of the language revival.
Gaeláras has demonstrated, through its impressive record of cultural activity in Derry, that the demand for cultural expression exists. But that in itself is not enough. The teaching of Irish and the revival of Irish culture cannot be undertaken in isolation from all other aspects of the community in which we live and function,” says Donnacha McNillis of An Gaelaras. “The re-instatement of a language is a whole-community exercise which must, if it is to work, have an economic basis.
The past year has seen a rapid expansion in the work of An Gaeláras, in terms of projects, personnel and events. An Gaeláras now employs directly, and indirectly, over twenty people and has reached a level of almost 70% sustainability. Partnerships with the University of Ulster and University College, Galway have enhanced the quality of courses and classes.
Activity within their new premises at 37 Great James Street has increased and An Caife has become a focal point for local Irish-speakers, as well as for those visiting the town.
An Gaeláras has ambitious plans to develop the entire site into the most innovative and creative Irish language centre in Ireland. Already this project has received support from Foras na Gaeilge, the Northern Ireland Arts Council, the International Fund for Ireland and the Local Strategy Partnership.
“One of the cornerstones of our success in recent years has been the support from statutory agencies within the city,” McNillis explains, “and it is important to acknowledge especially the help of Derry City Council and the North West Development Office. Both organisations have made substantial contributions to our success story.”
Meanwhile in Belfast Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich in Belfast, is at the heart of Belfast’s vibrant Irish language community. Named in honour of Roibeard McAdam, a Presbyterian businessman who pioneered the revival of the language in the 19th century and Tomás Ó Fiaich a 20th century Irish scholar, it is based in the former Broadway Presbyterian church on the Falls Road.
Cultúrlann is a dynamic arts and cultural centre, containing a cafe/restaurant, a 120 seat theatre/conference space, an art gallery and a book/gift shop. The Oifig Fáilte at Cultúrlann is an official tourist information point, offering a range of services to visitors including arrangement of accommodation. Among the many events organised by Cultúrlann are concerts, an Irish language choir, art exhibitions, the staging of plays, debates, book launches, poetry readings, a range of classes and a walking group.
Cultúrlann has an open door policy, which attracts both the Irish speaking community and those from home and abroad with an interest in the language and culture. A simultaneous translation facility ensures that all events are accessible to everyone.
It’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and reputation for good food has made Cultúrlann an established meeting place for international travellers, and indeed for the many celebrities who visit Belfast. Of course Cultúrlann is also the ideal place to meet the local people of West Belfast and the Irish Language community.

Open Sunday to Wednesday 9:00 to 9:00 and Thursday to Saturday 9:00 – 10:00, Cultúrlann is the beating heart of the Irish language community in Belfast.