Causeway Coast & Glens Irish Language Week - Song, dance, music, food and traditional music

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will celebrate Irish Language Week this year through a special programme of projects and events running 1st March - St. Patrick's Day, 17th March 2025. 

This year’s programme of events will give individuals the chance to enjoy the Irish language with a programme that gives everyone the opportunity to fully embrace and immerse themselves in all that Irish Language Week has to offer.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said:

“Whether you are a new learner or fluent in Irish, I would encourage you to come along to events held throughout our Council area this March.

“It is important that we all learn about our heritage and the medium of music, song, dance and poetry is a great way to do this. I look forward to coming along myself to what promises to be several weeks of exciting events this March.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Councils Good Relations Officer, Gerard McIlroy said:

“We are delighted to work with so many talented groups and individuals to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge across the Borough. 

“We have been building our programme for the last few years with partner groups and we look forward to this year’s events with excitement.”

Council’s Good Relations Office will be supporting the following events for 2025:

Saturday 01/03/2025   

Dianchúrsa Gaeilge, Bun Abhann Dalla - One day Irish course, Cushendall

With classes for all levels from beginner to advanced, this one-day event is a brilliant way to kick-start your Irish language journey or to enhance your learning and skills in a short space of time.

With highly regarded teachers and a welcoming community of learners, you are sure to enjoy this day hosted by Gaeil Ruairí Óg agus Gaeil na nGlinntí - Irish language community group in Cushendall, Co Antrim.

Includes a hot lunch.  Contact Áine Maire to book your place and let us know about food preference.  This year there will be a new class for glantosaitheoirí or absolute beginners.  All welcome. 

9.30 Tea and welcome.

10.00 - 12.30 morning classes with a break

12.30-1.30 lunch

1.30 - 4.00 afternoon classes with a break.

Ruairí Óg GAA, 1A Middlepark Avenue, Cushendall, BT44 0TH. 

Organisers:  Gaeil Ruairí Óg agus Gaeil na nGlinntí, Irish language community group, Cushendall.

Contact: Anne Marie 

Tel: 07515809019 or email dubhdoite@gmail.com  

Monday 10/03/2025

Céilí mór, Seachtain na Gaeilge,  - Primary schools Céilí, Ballycastle.

This much anticipated annual event brings together the children of primary 7 from local primary schools - Ballycastle Integrated PS, St Patrick's and St Brigid's PS, Gaelscoil an Chaistil and St Mary's PS Rathlin.   

The children learn the traditional Irish dances together in a relaxed and fun atmosphere and then all dance together.   Dances accompanied by young, local Comhaltas musicians. 

Location:  Ramoan Parish Hall, Ballycastle

10.00 - 11.30am.

Organisers: Glór na Maoile, Irish language community group in Ballycastle. 

Contact Deirdre 07935514343 for more information or email glornamaoile@gmail.com

Saturday 15/03/2025 

Ceol le Chéile, Dún Lathaí  - 'Music together', Dunloy

An interactive evening concert of dance, music, song and Gaeilge for all the family.  With music and céilí by Comhaltas musicians and local dancers singers. 

There will be an arts and crafts table for the children and table top games encouraging Irish language.  Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee - light refreshments provided. To help with planning,  drop us a message to say you're coming along.

7-9pm St Joseph's Parish Hall. A warm welcome to the whole community.  

Organisers:  CCÉ Dhún Lathaí - Dunloy Comhaltas group.

Contact: Maureen Gaston, Tel: 07780508366.

Friday 21/03/2025,

St. Patricks Celebration – Kilrea and District Ulster Scots Group

Kilrea and District Ulster Scots Group are holding a night of St. Patrick.  Working with George Dallas, local historian, and Blazing Belloes, local pipers, this event has a host of stories, tunes and talk. The evening will finish with a large bowl of Irish Stew!

Location: Kilrea Orange Hall, New Row, Kilrea

Friday 21st March 2025, 7.00pm

Organisers: Kilrea and District Ulster Scots Group. 

Contact Noel McQuillan on 07772228517