Raising children through Irish in the Gaeltacht
This article lists the main organizations that can help you raise your children through Irish in the Gaeltacht
Raising a child through Irish can provide them with valuable advantages in the following areas:
- Learning to read, write and count
- Learning new languages
- Developing communication skills
- Finding a job later in life
- Making new friends
- Strengthening their sense of identity
See the information below for organizations that may be able to help you.
Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta
Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta was set up in 2011. It is a voluntary organisation that gives support to Irish-speaking families in the Gaeltacht. Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta receives funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and from Ealaín na Gaeltachta. The group began in the Connemara Gaeltacht and has since spread to the Donegal Gaeltacht. They organise family events on a regular basis in both areas.
You can find more information about them here.
Tús Maith
Tús Maith is an initative of Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne in an effort to support families raising their children with Irish and also those who wish to use more Irish in their daily lives. We organise play groups, home language visits and Scléip an tSathairn to assist parents in their efforts.
More information on Tús Maith can be found here.
Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta
Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta is the nationally recognised Early Years Service Provider throughout the Gaeltacht. Over 100 services are provided by CNNG with offices located in all Gaeltacht areas. CNNG provide administration, support and training services for early childhood education and care services which includes naíonraí, crèches, breakfast clubs, afterschool services and parent and toddler groups in the Gaeltacht areas.
You can find more information about them here.
Muintearas
Muintearas is a community education and training organisation. The organization’s headquarters are located in Tír an Fhia, Lettermore, Co Galway; and they also have branch offices in Donegal, and Cork.
Education is provided for all age groups in the community, from pre-school to lifelong education for adults. Muintearas is working in all aspects of education, training and services for the Gaeltacht community and have years of experience in language acquisition and management in the Gaeltacht.
More information on Muintearas can be found here.
Óige na Gaeltachta
Óige na Gaeltachta is committed to providing a broad range of support services to youth clubs, community groups and voluntary organisations providing an important service to young people in the Gaeltacht.
One of Óige na Gaeltachta’s main aims is to improve community based youth services for children from the ages of 7 to 18 and to promote and increase the use of Irish within these services.
More information on Óige na Gaeltachta can be found here.
Date updated: July 2023
