Mayo County Council is taking part in Seachtain na Gaeilge, with a wide range of free bilingual and Irish-language events organised across the county in the first two weeks of this month (March).

Whether you’re a cainteoir dúchais (native speaker), líofa (fluent) or looking to brush up on your Gaeilge, there is something here for everyone. Those looking to practice their conversation skills can call into Castlebar, Ballina and Westport libraries for a friendly chat and cupán tae at a Ciorcal Comhrá, or venture out for an atmospheric evening of song, poetry and song as Gaeilge in Westport Library with Westport Comhaltas. Local history and heritage buffs are also in for a treat, with two workshops held by the Dúchas.ie team showcasing the wealth of folklore material available online from the Iorras Gaeltacht as well as the wider county.

Highlights for younger participants in Mayo County Library branches include a comic‑drawing workshop, sean-nós singing, treasure hunt, toddlers’ morning, storytime and a competitive Teanga Bheo table quiz. Children with all levels of Irish are welcome to join in.

Mayo County Council’s Irish Language Officer, Fionnuala Nic Pháidín says “We are delighted to partner with organisations such as Comhar Dún Chaocháin, Dúchas.ie and Maynooth University this year to create this programme of free events which links the Irish language with the arts, literacy development, play, local history and heritage”.

All Mayo County Council Seachtain na Gaeilge events are free, however attendees are advised to check www.mayo.ie/IrishOffice/SnaG or their local library for further details, as registration is required in some instances.