Féile na Gaeilge / Irish Language Day 2024

This year's dynamic day of Irish language programming and community features documentary screenings, talks, and conversation circles exploring stories of historic and current day Irish speakers. 

Sinéad Ní Uallacháin, the renowned radio and television broadcaster from the West Kerry Gaeltacht, will be joining us to give a special presentation about her experience creating the film PEIG, which revisits and reclaims the iconic Peig Sayers, whose autobiography was part of the Irish Leaving Certificate course for many generations. In juxtaposition to Peig’s bleak tale of life in 1936, the day’s program also features an introductory episode of TG4’s Éire Eile series examining the subcultures and scenes of Ireland’s youth today, and Ó Bhéal, a look at the rise of hip hop and electronic artists in Ireland through Irish language rappers Seán “Mory” Ó Muirgheasa and Oisín Mac, multi-instrumentalist Fehdah, and Limerick rapper Strange Boy.

This is a bilingual event for speakers of all levels, including absolute beginners and those simply curious about Irish cultural heritage.

SCHEDULE

11am // Workshop: Intro to the Irish language for total beginners

12pm // Keynote speaker Sinéad Ní Uallacháin: Peig Sayers—The Program and the Woman Who Inspired Me

1pm // Film screening: PEIG
Plus post-screening Q&A with creator Sinéad Ní Uallacháin

2:30pm // Tea and conversation circles

4pm // Film screening: Ó Bhéal and Éire Eile (episode 1)
Plus post-screening Q&A with Ó Bhéal director Ciara Nic Chormaic, joining virtually

5:30pm // Cocktails and conversation circles 

Presented with generous support from Culture Ireland, the Irish Institute of New York, National Endowment for the Arts and CIE Tours.