Cork City Council Invites Everyone to Speak Irish This St Patrick's Eve

Cork City Council is calling on residents, businesses, and newcomers alike to embrace the Irish language this Monday, 16 March, as the city marks Lá na Gaeilge ahead of St Patrick's Day.

The initiative encourages people to dust off their cúpla focal and use Irish greetings and phrases throughout the day, with support from the local business community helping to raise the visibility of the language across the city.

Chris Dorgan, Cork City Council Irish language officer, said:

"We believe there is a great reservoir of Irish language greetings and phrases in the public consciousness that, more than anything, simply need an opportunity to be practiced."

He added that the initiative has also resonated with those new to Cork: "It has also been our experience that 'new Corkonians' who have not previously been exposed to Irish as part of their education are keen to learn and use such phrases."

Dorgan continued:

"To this end the Council, with the support of the business community, is urging businesses and customers alike to use simple greetings and blessings, and more if they are able, to raise the visibility and use of Irish in the city on the day and going forward."

As the centrepiece of the day, a giant Ciorcal Comhrá (conversation circle), titled Ciorcal na gCiorcail, will take place in the Millennium Hall at City Hall from 11.00 a.m. Special musical guest John Spillane will be in attendance, and the event is free and open to all.

So whether your Irish stretches to "Dia dhuit" or you can manage a full conversation, Monday is the day to let it out.