The Irish language is having its moment — from the first-of-its-kind dictionary aimed at ending the need to understand Irish words through the lens of English, to a new president devoted to the use of Irish in the Áras, there is a new pride in speaking the native tongue. In itself, the census substantiates research from the Department of Education that among the younger citizens, “positive sentiment for the Irish language is widespread”. Budget 2026 saw record funding — €159m for the Gaeltacht, Irish language, and the islands, an increase of 29%. "The Irish language movement is a community, ultimately, where people connect with each other. The “groundbreaking” work provides people with a new way to understand, use and learn the Irish language — without relying on dictionaries in English or in other languages, publishers Foras na Gaeilge, the body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language, said.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2026 07:30 UTC