Senior cycle students from Irish-medium secondary schools and Gaeltacht schools came together to discuss the future of the Irish language and the issues facing young Irish speakers today
Ard-Fheis na nÓg 2026 took place from April 21-23 in Gaeltacht na nDéise, Co. Phort Láirge, bringing together more than 100 students from 12 schools across the country to take part in lively debates and cultural events.
The official opening was held on Tuesday evening in Coláiste na Rinne, with guest speakers Máire Seó Breathnach, Irish Language Officer with Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge; Aoife Ní Chonchúir from Údarás na Gaeltachta; and Caibríní de Barra, Development Manager with Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise.
On Wednesday, students took part in a range of excellent workshops, including sessions on language rights and social media, as well as a nature walk . A lively céilí was held that evening, with music from local students bringing everyone together to celebrate their language and culture.
Over the three days, students delivered presentations on the main themes of this year’s Ard-Fheis: Artificial Intelligence - Opportunities and Challenges, or Recruitment Targets for Irish-language Public Services by 2030. Creative presentations, videos and songs were among the ways they expressed their ideas. Students had the opportunity to vote for or against the motions presented, and the motions passed during the event will now be submitted to Conradh na Gaeilge’s Executive Committee.
Some of the major motions passed were:
- “This Ard Fheis na nÓg proposes that the Government's Action Plan for the Irish language is not sufficient, and that it should focus on promoting the language effectively for the general public, and not just for the public sector."
- “This Ard-Fheis na nÓg proposes that Artificial Intelligence has completely changed learning since it was introduced.”
- “This Ard-Fheis na nÓg proposes that Artificial Intelligence has more disadvantages than advantages.”
Sibéal Ní Dhuibhir, Youth 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 truly uplifting. Over the course of three days, young Irish speakers discussed relevant questions, themes, opportunities and challenges, responding thoughtfully, skillfully and energetically to the big questions of our time. This event showed just how strong, confident and capable the next generation of Irish speakers is.
We are extremely grateful to Coláiste na Rinne for providing an excellent venue in Gaeltacht na nDéise, and also to Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, and the Department for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for their support.”
Máire Seó Breathnach, Irish Officer with Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge said:
“It was a great pleasure for me to welcome Ard-Fheis na nÓg chuig Gaeltacht na nDéise this year. The energy and enthusiasm the students brought was inspiring, and it was very encouraging to see young people so passionate about the language. Events like this are essential to ensure a vibrant future for the language, and we are proud to be part of that effort”
Three awards were presented on Thursday in recognition of the high standard of presentations:
- Best Use of Technology - Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Cill Mhantáin
- Best Research Skills - Coláiste Íosagáin, Baile Átha Cliath
- Most Creative Presentation - Coláiste Cois Life, Baile Átha Cliath
A panel discussion on careers through Irish was also held on Thursday, chaired by Mollaí Nic Eochaidh, featuring Caibríní de Barra, Laoise Keevers, development Officer with the Barr na gCnoc initiative, and broadcaster Joe McGee, who shared insights into the wide range of professional opportunities available through Irish.
Applications are welcome from Language Planning Officers to the Conradh na Gaeilge team if you would like Ard-Fheis na nÓg to take place in your area next year!
ONLINE:
#AFnanÓg
IG : @gaeltachtx @cnagaeilge
X : @CnaG
CONTACTS:
Sibéal Ní Dhuibhir | Youth Manager
+353 (0)89 4488712 | +353 (0)1 4757401
66 Sráid Camden Íochtarach, BÁC2 |
Kate Ní Dhubhlaoich | Communications Executive
66 Sráid Camden Íochtarach, BÁC2
EDITOR’S NOTE
Ard-Fheis na nÓg is a project of Conradh na Gaeilge and is taking place this year in Coláiste na Rinne, Gaeltacht na nDéise, Co. Waterford. Funding for Ard-Fheis na nÓg has been provided thanks to Údarás na Gaeltachta, Waterford City & County Council, and the Gluaiseacht scheme under the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
