New ‘Cruthaigh’ Campaign by Dublin’s Four Local Authorities Launches
Their latest initiative, ‘Cruthaigh’ (meaning ‘Create’), is a call to action for individuals and communities to launch their own Irish-language projects, whether in business, the arts, or social spaces
What do a queer arts collective in the city centre, a GAA club in Lucan, a yoga school in Portmarnock, and a coffee shop in Tallaght all have in common? They’re all operating ‘as Gaeilge’ and are part of a bold new campaign to inspire Irish speakers to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship across the capital and further afield.
Irish is thriving in communities across the country, with more people finding ways to use the language in their daily lives. To support this momentum, Dublin’s four councils: Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, have joined forces on Gaeilge365, a language innovation programme designed to integrate Irish into everyday activities.
Their latest initiative, ‘Cruthaigh’ (meaning ‘Create’), is a call to action for individuals and communities to launch their own Irish-language projects, whether in business, the arts, or social spaces. Among the pioneers already leading the way are:
• AerachAiteachGaelach (AAG): A queer arts collective founded in 2020 by Ciara Ní É and Eoin McEvoy, AAG provides a space for LGBTQ+ people to connect through the Irish language. The collective has over 110 members, including playwrights, poets, musicians, drag performers, and academics. “Irish can be used to discuss any topic, nothing is off the table,” said co-founder Eoin McEvoy.
• Na Gaeil Óga CLG: An all-Irish GAA club that has grown to over 600 members since its foundation in 2010. With over 40 teams across football, hurling, and camogie, the club provides a welcoming, immersive space where learners and fluent speakers alike can play and socialise through Irish. “A key part of our ethos is making sure Irish speakers feel supported and confident in using the language naturally,” said the club’s Ciarán Ó Feinneadha.
• Aon Scéal? Café: A fully Irish-speaking coffee hub run by Dawn Nic Íomhar, offering a welcoming space for both fluent speakers and learners.
• Gaelgáirí: An Irish-language comedy collective led by Louisa Ní hEideáin and Aideen McQueen, bringing the language to stand-up and improv performances.
• Óga Yoga: Founded by Ciarán Mac Fhearghusa, this initiative delivers mindfulness and yoga classes to schools through Irish.
• Píosa Me: A social club for Irish speakers, set up by Stephanie Ní Chonchúir, creating spaces for conversation and connection.
• Croí na Coille: An Irish-language daycare for children aged three and above, founded by Cris Uí Bhriain.
• Macalla Teoranta: An Irish-language production company and sound studio run by Cúán Mac Conghail.
Grassroots Creativity and Community
Daithí de Buitléir, Programme Manager with Gaeilge365, highlighted how Cruthaigh is central to the programme’s vision: “Cruthaigh is a vital strand of Gaeilge365, ensuring that grassroots creativity and community-led initiatives are embedded in our language innovation strategy. By integrating these projects into the wider programme, we are fostering a sustainable, living Irish-language ecosystem across Dublin.”
The campaign is being highlighted on bus shelter advertising, on Social media and through podcasts. For further information see https://www.gaeilge365.ie/en/cruthaigh
Note to Editors
To arrange an interview with any of the groups taking part in ‘Cruthaigh’ or to find out more about Gaeilge365, contact Eimear Ní Bhraonáin on 086-0200016 or email <span>[email protected] .
