Clare County Council, in partnership with An Clár as Gaeilge, Clare GAA, Clare Libraries and Conradh na Gaeilge, has announced a co-ordinated county‑wide programme of events for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026, celebrating the Irish language across communities throughout Clare.

This year’s programme emphasises collaboration, bringing together public bodies, community groups and individuals to deliver one shared calendar of events for the entire county, ensuring that people of all ages and levels of Irish can take part.

Events will take place in towns, villages, libraries, sports settings and community spaces throughout Clare, with activities ranging from conversation circles (ciorcail chomhrá) to musical and family events. Full details of Clare‑based events are available on the Council’s dedicated Seachtain na Gaeilge page, while the most up‑to‑date event listings can be found on Scéal.ie, the national Irish‑language events platform.

As part of the programme, businesses in Clare are invited to take part in the Inis Dom Seachtain na Gaeilge Window Competition, which encourages shops to decorate their windows using Irish. Participants are asked to create eye‑catching displays that celebrate the Irish language and enhance its visibility in the town between 1 and 17 March. Businesses can register via An Clár as Gaeilge before 17 March, joining others in placing Irish at the heart of Clare during Seachtain na Gaeilge and in the lead up to St. Patrick’s Day.

Ruairí Henchy, Irish Language Development Officer/Communications Officer, Clare County Council, said, “This year we are making a conscious effort to move away from isolated events and towards one shared programme for the whole county. By working in partnership with An Clár as Gaeilge, Clare GAA, Clare Libraries, Conradh na Gaeilge, and most importantly with local communities and individuals, we are helping to create more opportunities for people to use their Irish and connect with other Irish speakers in their area.”

Leah Ní Thailtigh, Language Planning Officer with An Clár as Gaeilge and Irish and Cultural Officer with Clare GAA, added, “Seachtain na Gaeilge is an ideal opportunity to show how the Irish language can live naturally in everyday community life, including in our clubs, libraries and public spaces. Initiatives that increase the visibility of Irish in towns and villages, alongside community‑led events, help to make the language more accessible and more visible to everyone.”

Clare County Council continues to support the promotion and normalisation of Irish, with Seachtain na Gaeilge forming an annual focus for partnership and public engagement. Members of the public and community groups are encouraged to register their events on www.sceal.ie. They are further invited to attend events, support local initiatives and check online listings regularly, as new events continue to be added.

Further information on Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026 in Clare is available at: www.clarecoco.ie/council/oifig-na-gaeilge/seachtain-na-gaeilge-2026 and the live schedule of events can be viewed at: www.sceal.ie/imeachtai

To register for the Seachtain na Gaeilge Window Competition, businesses are asked to register at: https://forms.gle/SiijkyTdYP6KdXtt6 or to contact An Clár as Gaeilge at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Killinaboy Conversation Circle has been well established in the XPO for many years. The XPO building, where a range of cultural activities takes place, is owned by the local community in Killinaboy. Events such as singing sessions, book clubs, mapping projects, film screenings, and lectures are held there from time to time.

There is a real sense of growth and development among the group, who are delighted to come together once a week from September to June to speak Irish. They meet every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., except during the summer months – June, July, and August. The Circle has grown steadily over time rather than emerging overnight, with a strong emphasis on spoken Irish and encouraging fluency.

Guest speakers regularly drop in — including poets, writers, and individuals with a special connection to the local environment. Guided walks through the Burren are also organised through Irish with a local guide. A special bond has developed between the Circle and Inis Oírr, with an annual visit taking place at the end of each year. 

For more information about the Killinaboy Conversation Circle, call 087 2162351 Mick O'Riordan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

♦️ Join us for Péint & Pota night!

♦️ Location : Upstairs in the Clár as Gaeilge offices, V95 CD52

♦️ Time : 7:00 p.m.

♦️ Cost : free!

All equipment will be provided for free, but bring your own drinks!

Register with the link below:

https://forms.gle/KLp1eTFHF52yxtyh8