Hundreds gathered in Smithfield yesterday under blue skies for Lá Mór na Gaeilge 2025, a vibrant celebration of the Irish language.
The Smithfield Square was full of music, colour, culture, and craic, with people of all ages enjoying a packed programme of entertainment - from live music and workshops to family activities and a bustling Irish language market.
Top-class performers took to the Main Stage, including An Chéad Ghlúin Eile, Burnchurch, and IMLÉ, alongside school performances and a Battle of the Bands featuring talented secondary school students. The Family Space was full all day with Ronaldo Fanzini’s Circus, Magic with Quentin, and a live reading by Sadhbh Rosenstock. The Culture Tent offered everything from boxercise and bodhrán workshops to a beautiful performance by the Ukrainian Soul Choir. The Next Generation Tent was one of the busiest areas, with open mic sessions, crazy bingo, and music buzzing throughout the day.
The event ended on a high note with a street céilí, featuring music from the Lost West Band—a truly special day full of community spirit and language celebration.
Speaking about the event, Mícheál Ó Nualláin, Director of BÁC le Gaeilge, said:
“The energy in Smithfield was truly special. Lá Mór na Gaeilge 2025 brought together so many from our Irish language community—from Irish language musicians and school choirs to street performers, young creatives, and families discovering the language in new ways. The Family Space was packed all day, the music never stopped in the Next Generation Tent, and the Culture Tent offered powerful moments—especially during the cultural exchange events. It was a celebration of a vibrant bilingual city and a reminder that Irish is for everyone, whether you’ve a cúpla focal or you’re fluent.”
John Prendergast, Tánaiste of Conradh na Gaeilge, said:
“Lá Mór na Gaeilge is a powerful reminder of the vibrancy and beauty of our language and culture. It was wonderful to see families, young people, performers, and businesses coming together in joy and pride in our native language. The festival shows just how cheerful, fun and full of life Irish is and that it has a bright future.”
Lá Mór na Gaeilge is a flagship event run by BÁC le Gaeilge, with support from Conradh na Gaeilge, Dublin City Council, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and proudly sponsored by Tesco.
ONLINE:
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Online: #LMNG2025
