Féile na hInse – A Celebration of Language and Community

Féile na hInse was established in 1984 as part of the celebrations following Ennis’s victory in the Glór na nGael competition in 1983.

The award was officially presented in April 1984, and to mark the occasion, the organising committee decided to hold a small Irish language festival to promote and enhance the image of Irish in the town. That first year, five or six competitions were held on a Saturday in Cois na hAbhna, lasting around four hours. The formal awards ceremony took place the following Sunday.

Due to the success of the event, the decision was made to run the festival again the following year. A committee was formed to coordinate the festival:

Féile na hInse 1984 – Founding Committee:

  • Chairperson: Roibeárd Ó Ceallaigh

  • Vice-Chairperson: Pádraig Mac Mathúna

  • Competitions Secretary: Dónall Mac Mathúna

  • Treasurer: Máirtín Ó Dubháin

  • Public Relations Officer: Domhnall Ó Loingsigh

From those modest beginnings, Féile na hInse has gone from strength to strength, growing and evolving year after year. The festival quickly gained strong support from local schools, and teachers recognised it as a valuable opportunity for students to use their Irish outside the classroom in a fun and meaningful way.

Current Organising Committee:

  • Chairperson: Sister Eibhlín Ní Challanáin

  • Secretary: Aoife Ní Conchúir

  • Competitions Secretary: Róisín Ní Cheallaigh

  • Treasurer: Eoin Ó Ceallaigh

  • Committee Members:
    Caitlín Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, Daithí Ó Diollúin, Stephanie Ní Ghealbháin, Sharon Uí Riain, Catherine Seoighe, Niamh Nic Fheorais

Parents regularly express how delighted they are to see their children on stage, showcasing their talents through drama, singing, recitation, and dancing.

Today, Féile na hInse is the largest Irish language festival of its kind in the region.

  • Over 2,000 young people participate every year.

  • Up to 70 schools—both primary and post-primary—take part.

  • Prizes totalling €3,000 are awarded annually, including trophies, Gaeltacht scholarships, and other rewards.

  • The festival runs for eight days each March.

  • It requires the commitment of a 20-person organising committee, with support from up to 12 assistants and 20 adjudicators.

Féile na hInse continues to thrive, and each year it attracts even more entries, more talent, and more enthusiasm. The festival stands as a shining example of community spirit and a shared love for the Irish language.