Thousands of students gathered together to explore opportunities for careers, community and a future through Irish today at the largest ever Irish Language careers event organised for young people.
More than 5,000 young people from across the country gathered together today at the Convention Centre in Dublin for FÍS 2026, the largest youth event ever held through Irish. The landmark conference, organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Gaeilge365 as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge, brings together secondary school students, college students, young professionals, creators, businesses and Irish language organisations to highlight the opportunities connected with living a bilingual life.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to attend more than 110 exhibition stands from across the country and meet people that use the Irish language every day in their careers and communities - from media and education to technology, business and the public sector.
Across three themed zones - Careers, Community and Future - students discovered a wide range of possibilities connected to the Irish language, whether pursuing a career through Irish, participating in Irish language social networks, or using the language in emerging fields such as digital media, artificial intelligence and sustainability.
Leading voices from the media, creative industries and public service took part in the first two panel discussions this morning. Speakers included DJ Próvaí from Kneecap, Éadaoin Fitzmaurice, Instagram and TikTok star, Róisín Seoighe, singer with IMLÉ and Ambassador for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026, Caitríona Kenny from Dublin City Council, and Peadar Ó Caomhánaigh, host and Communications Manager. The panelists gave students a vivid insight into a modern bilingual life, showing how the language can open doors in work, social life and culture, and encouraging them to see Irish not only as a school subject but as a living, practical advantage for the future.
Speaking on today’s panel in front of thousands of young people, DJ Provaí, member of Kneecap, said :
“We are now at a point in the Irish language movement now where we’re not just doing things for the sake of it anymore; we’re creating a community of speakers. We are creating things that are every bit as good as - or even be better than what’s available in English. You are the people who will make that happen - the next generation who will be able to go out and do it. Try new things. Who knows, maybe the next writer, the next rap artist, or the next singer in Irish is sitting here today.“
Speaking at today’s event, Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development and Deputy General Secretary with Conradh na Gaeilge:
“FÍS demonstrates the amazing energy and unbelievable ambition that is thriving amongst our young people as they embrace the Irish language. Thousands of students have gathered in Baile Átha Cliath today not only to celebrate the language during Seachtain na Gaeilge, but to inquire and investigate all of the ways the Irish language could intertwine with their futures - through education, careers and in their social lives. There are more opportunities to use, learn and engage with the language than ever before, and major national events such as FÍS help shine a light on the lifelong richness that bilingualism offers.”
Finally, this afternoon, hundreds of university students and members of the public will attend the final session of the conference, with the concluding panel beginning at 5:00pm. Alongside Caitríona Kenny and Peadar Ó Caomhánaigh, new addtions to the panel include Hugh Carr, Radio Presenter with RTÉ 2FM, Caitríona Nic an tSaoir, Weather Presenter with TG4 and Liam Lonergan, PhD candidate with Abair.ie.
By bringing thousands of young people together with organisations and professionals that work through Irish, FÍS 2026 aims to inspire a new generation to see the language not only as part of the country’s heritage or as a school subject, but as a lifelong advantage and a practical added value in a bilingual society.
FÍS 2026 is being organised by Conradh na Gaeilge, in partnership with Gaeilge365 with the support of the Department of the Gaeltacht through the Gluaiseacht initiative.
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CONTACTS
Aodhán Ó Deá | Director of Development, Deputy General Secretary
+353 86 3102691 |
66 Sráid Camden Íochtarach, BÁC2
Sibéal Ní Dhuibhir | Youth Manager
+353 (0)89 4488712 |
66 Sráid Camden Íochtarach, BÁC2
