Seachtain na Gaeilge: Fun for all ages in County Cork this March

Agallamh Beirte poster of two men sitting at a table.

Cork County Council has announced its 2024 Seachtain na Gaeilge programme, with a theme of storytelling running throughout the many events scheduled across the county.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is a national annual celebration of our native language and runs from 1st to 17th March 2024 and is delivered in Cork County by the Council’s Irish Language Office and Library and Arts Service.

Speaking at the announcement Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn said

This year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge programme in County Cork is a wonderful mix of events for all ages. Supporting Irish language events has always been important to Cork County Council, and we are happy to see the continuation and expansion of this through our Seachtain na Gaeilge programme, as well as funding streams such as the Irish Office Grant for Irish language events and Initiatives and the Irish Language Arts strand of the Council’s Annual Arts Grant.

“SEAL cois SULÁIN: Agallaimh Aeracha agus Lúibíní Luachmhara” is a two-part event in Ionad Cultúrtha, Baile Bhuirne. From 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday the 5th of March, Áine Uí Chuill and le Seán Ó Muimhneacháin will facilitate a workshop on developing Agallamh Beirte and Lúibíní, two famous storytelling methods embedded in the Muscraí Gaeltacht. This is a free event and open to adults and teenagers. It is an opportunity to share ideas, learn some more about the artforms of Agallamh Beirte and Lúibíní and to develop their own pieces.

The following week, on Tuesday 12th March, Ionad Culturtha will host a Taispeántas, for people to share their Agallamh Beirte, Lúibíní and stories. Led by Áine Uí Chuill, Seán Ó Muimhneacháin, Eibhlín Ní Lionaird and Paddy O’Brien, the event will offer a chance to share and celebrate Agallamh Beirte and Lúibíní, whether participants want to perform or remain in the audience. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome. Those wishing to present something should advise at the beginning of the evening. 

Both Agallamh Beirte and Lúibíní are forms of performed dialogue. Lúibíní are sung and include a refrain or choruses, while Agallamh Beirte is a conversation between two people. Both forms can have clever wordplay, be satirical or humorous. There are often competitions for these forms, and are included in the annual Irish language gathering, Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

The Seachtain na Gaeilge programme will also include storytelling events for schools in Kinsale Library by Paddy O’Brien and a poetry workshop for children in Skibbereen Library with Pól Ó Colmáin. Authors Alan Titley and Carmel Ó Cheallaigh will also visit schools and libraries in Baile Bhuirne, Cobh, Youghal and Midleton. 

Ciorcal Cainte groups for adults in Mitchelstown and Youghal libraries will welcome storytellers Dick Beamish and Paddy O’Brien. Those interested should contact these libraries for details on when their local Ciorcail Cainte groups meet.

For more information, contact Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service by emailing arts@corkcoco.ie. 
To sign up for SEAL cois SULÁIN please call or text organiser Paddy O’Brien on 086 873 2394.