‘Inis Dom!’ campaign to promote the Irish language in Ennis Launched

Clare County Council and An Clár as Gaeilge today (Saturday, September 27) launched the Inis Dom campaign, an initiative aimed at increasing the visibility and use of the Irish language in the retail and service sectors of Ennis town.

Clare has the second-highest proportion of Irish speakers of any county in the State at 47%. Aiming to capitalise on this, the Inis Dom initiative encourages businesses to use Irish in customer service, signage, menus, websites and social media, with support provided through assistance with funding, translation services, training and promotional resources.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Flanagan, former All-Ireland winning Clare hurler and campaign ambassador, said, “Irish is part of our identity in Clare. It’s great to see local businesses embracing the language and making it part of everyday life. Inis Dom is a brilliant way to bring Irish into the community in a practical and positive way.”

Emer O’Flaherty, singer, composer and musician and fellow ambassador, added, “Language and culture go hand in hand. I’m delighted to support Inis Dom because it creates a space where Irish is visible, heard, and celebrated. It’s about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

The campaign aims to highlight the economic and cultural benefits of integrating Irish into business. Inis Dom is supported by Foras na Gaeilge under the Business Support Scheme, which provides funding for bilingual signage and resources to help businesses engage with the Irish language. The initiative is also supported by Glór na nGael, Ennis Chamber, Ennis 2040 and Clare’s Local Enterprise Office.

Ruairí Henchy, Irish Language Development Officer/Communications Officer, Clare County Council, said, “The campaign’s motto is: ‘Frásaí Beaga, Tionchar Mór – Small Phrases, Big Impact’, and aims to take Irish off the pages of books and into the streets and businesses of Ennis and beyond. Shoppers are encouraged to start with: “Dia duit – Hello” and to watch out for the Inis Dom! badge and sticker when shopping in Ennis.”

Leah Ní Thailtigh, Language Planning Officer, An Clár as Gaeilge, added, “Inis Dom builds on Ennis’s status as an Irish Language Network by making Irish more visible and usable in everyday business. This campaign gives local enterprises the tools and support to bring the language to life in practical ways.”

Participation in the initiative is free, and businesses receive tailored support to help them incorporate Irish in their operations. To join the scheme and receive support for your business contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our Irish language classes will begin on 22nd September at Cois na hAbhna, from 7–8 p.m., and will run for 10 weeks.

Three different levels will be offered, so there will be a class suitable for you, no matter your experience with Irish.

Fee: €60.00 for the full course (10 weeks)

A certificate will be provided to every participant at the end of the course.

Special Class for Leaving Certificate:

This year, we are taking the opportunity to run a special class for students preparing for the Leaving Certificate Oral Exam, at a reduced cost of €30. This was extremely helpful for students aiming to improve their spoken Irish and build confidence before the exam. This special class will be offered again this year.

Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your Irish in a friendly and supportive environment!

Register here: https://forms.gle/gndK1nubzDoL7Mjc9

📞 Contact Us:
For more information or to register, write to us at:
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call us at:
📱 065 686 4474

Join us and develop your Irish in our lively and fun classes at Cois na hAbhna!

🎶 Ritheadh na Rithime – Oíche Chultúir 2025 🎶
Join us for a high-energy night of live Irish music with KRC upstairs in Steeles, Ennis!

📅 Friday, 19th September 2025
🕗 Music from 8pm
🎤 Free Entry – Bígí Linn!

An unforgettable Culture Night filled with rhythm, fun, and great music!