Senior-cycle students from Gaelcholáistí and Gaeltacht schools came together to discuss the future of the Irish language and the issues facing young Irish speakers today.
Over 120 secondary school students from 18 schools across the country gathered at Coláiste Chamuis, Cois Fharraige, Gaillimh for Ard-Fheis na nÓg 2025. Students travelled from Baile Átha Cliath, Dún na nGall, Gaillimh, Corcaigh, Luimneach, Ceatharlach and Cill Mhantáin to take part in energetic debates, creative workshops and cultural events.
This year’s event began with an inspiring welcome from Conradh na Gaeilge President, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin. Tuesday was packed with activities including a tour of the Ros na Rún set, a creative writing workshop with Stiúideo Cuan, and workshops on language rights and how to draft motions for the Ard-Fheis. Teachers were also offered a dedicated session with Edel Ní Bhraonáin from Gael Linn.
Evening events included a lively céilí with music from Clann Sonny, bringing students together to celebrate their language and culture. On Thursday, each school delivered a presentation on one of two central themes: The Role of the Irish Language in a United Ireland: Opportunities and Challenges or Language Campaigning: Examples and Impact. These presentations gave students the chance to explore major issues affecting the Irish language today.
Speaking about the event, Róisín Ní Chinnéide, Advocacy Manager with Conradh na Gaeilge, said:
“Ard-Fheis na nÓg is one of the highlights of the year for us in Conradh na Gaeilge, and this year's event was no exception. Facilitating discussion of questions, themes, opportunities, and challenges facing the students as young Irish speakers couldn't but raise your spirits. It was a pleasure to have such a capable, well-spoken, inspired group with us over the last few days who handled significant themes such as the role of the Irish language in the case of a United Ireland with ease, giving us plenty of food for thought with their recommendations.
We are very grateful to Coláiste Chamuis for providing such an incredible space in Ros a Mhíl, and to Fóram Chois Fharraige um Pleanáil Teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, and Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán for their support.”
Máire Ní Neachtain, Chairperson of Fóram Chois Fharraige um Pleanáil Teanga, added:
“It was a great pleasure to welcome Ard-Fheis na nÓg to Cois Fharraige this year. The energy and enthusiasm the students brought was truly inspiring, and it was so encouraging to see young people truly engage with the Irish language. Events like this are essential in ensuring a vibrant future for the Irish language, and we at Fóram are proud to be part of that effort.”
Conradh na Gaeilge have organised Ard-Fheis na nÓg annually since 2019 alongside Irish language and Gaeltacht groups around the country. Ard-Fheis na nÓg was founded to give a voice to young Irish speakers and to encourage them to take part in national conversations regarding the Irish language. Students are given the opportunity to meet and get to know new people through Irish, and is set in a different Gaeltacht area every year.
