An Cumann Gaelach can be a place on campus for everyone
Eibhlin NicCormaic
Belfast is a city full of different languages, cultures, and traditions. One that has a special place in my heart is the Irish language community.
There are many Irish Language events ran by various groups and organisations throughout the year, but for students at Queen’s and people living in the surrounding area it can sometimes be difficult to know where to go to enjoy these events – luckily, there is a society at Queen’s that offers all aspects of the Irish language, craic, ceol agus cultúr!
Whether you are a fluent Irish speaker, have the cúpla focal, or are a complete beginner, Queen’s Irish Language Society, An Cumann Gaelach, is suitable for all levels of Irish.
There are beginner and intermediate classes
As one of Queen’s oldest societies, founded 115 years ago, it is a great option for anyone looking for a fun, friendly, and enthusiastic society to join. William Mac Artúir founded An Cumann back in 1906 while a student at Queen’s University. He studied medicine and later went on to join the British Army.
An Cumann Gaelach, as I mentioned, is one of the oldest societies at Queen’s and it was also the first language society. It is dedicated to the promotion and the development of the Irish language on campus.
Every year An Cumann Gaelach hosts a wide range of events that cater for every level of fluent Irish speaker and beginners. The Cumann has many events planned for this year and is hoping to come back better than ever after a year of no in-person events.
The Cumann offers Irish language classes at both a beginner and intermediate level. These classes run on a weekly basis, with members of the society organising and teaching the classes. They are open and welcome to everyone, so if learning Irish is something that you are interested in, I would highly recommend signing up and attending these classes. The classes will cover a wide range of topics throughout the year, with weekly Ciorcail Comhrá afterwards, where those who attended the classes can meet with others in the Cumann and chat away in Irish in a less formal setting.
Our society was established in 1906 by William Mac Artúir. In 2019 we organised a festival to celebrate Mac Artúir, ‘Féile Mhic Artúir.’ This festival has now become one of our most anticipated events of the year. The festival takes place during Seachtain na Gaeilge in March and offers a wide range of events to suit everyone. These events include, but are not limited to, – music from local artists, lessons, classes, debates and talks. The festival attracts many attendees and is our biggest event of the year.
If you are a beginner looking to learn Irish, classes at the Cumann would be perfect. If you are looking to partake in quizzes, debates or céilís our regular events will suit you. If you fancy informal chats our nights out or ciorcail comhrá, are open to all.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, An Cumann Gaelach has an event for you.
Eibhlin NicCormaic is the Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union part-time Irish language officer