New festival as Gaeilge aims to promote fluency in Limerick, with all events free

A NEW festival celebrating Irish culture, heritage and everything 'as Gaeilge' is taking place in Limerick.

Féile na Samhna 2024, a festival celebrating the Irish language, is underway this week in Limerick city and county.

Running until November 17, the festival will offer a variety of free events designed for all ages and levels of Irish fluency.

The festival programme includes engaging social conversation groups over a cup of tea or a friendly lunch in local venues, giving attendees the chance to use their Irish in a relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights include a lecture on the artistic approach behind the acclaimed Irish-language film An Cailín Ciúin, a modern song-writing workshop, a guided nature walk, and a children’s music session.

For families, there’s also a children's club and a dedicated parent and toddler group.

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Board member Denis Kelly from Ahane is passionate about how the festival is not just about Irish:  "Comhluadar Luimnigh’s vision has always been about giving people opportunities that happen to be through Irish, through events that are also inspiring, rewarding and enjoyable social opportunities in themselves.

"We cater for all age groups and everyone is welcome – if readers have a look at our full programme on our website, they will see what answers to their own needs and interests."

Free Féile na Samhna 2024 events include:

• Social conversation groups and lóin le Gaeilge in various venues in the city and county 
• Song-writing workshop in Mary Immaculate College. Dive into modern Irish-language music and meet up with like-minded people with an interest in Irish and composing/performance  (18+) 
• Parent & baby group in Adare - meet with other parents with an interest in Irish
• Guided nature walk in Curraghchase
• Children’s music session

Ava Nic Searraigh, development officer for Comhluadar Luimnigh, is looking forward to what she describes as "a real grassroots programme, that's all about community, creativity, inclusion and making Irish accessible".

All events are free, (lunches/coffee at participants’ own cost and discretion) but registration is essential to ensure adequate space. Full details and registration can be found here.