The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan

In this bonus episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, Chief Executive Officer of Gael Linn, author, educator, and long-time Irish language advocate.
Together, they explore Réamonn’s personal journey with the Irish language, beginning with his childhood in Crossmaglen, his first joyful experiences of learning Irish through school, song, community classes and the GAA, and the powerful influence of teachers, family, and the Gaeltacht on his life.
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Throughout the conversation, Réamonn reflects on his 30-plus years with Gael Linn, the organisation’s role in strengthening and widening the Irish language, and the importance of giving learners real opportunities to use Irish outside the classroom.
This episode reminds us that Irish is not only a school subject or a cultural inheritance, but a living language that continues to inspire people in Ireland and across the world.
This Episode Celebrates:
* The lifelong impact of positive early experiences with Irish
* The work of Gael Linn in promoting and revitalising the language
* The importance of schools, families, communities, and the Gaeltacht
* The growing global interest in Irish among adult learners and new communities
If you’ve ever wondered how Irish can move from the classroom into real life, community, family, creativity, and cultural identity, this conversation offers a deeply thoughtful and inspiring perspective.
Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notifications on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Podcast Notes
A Childhood Introduction to Irish
Réamonn shares memories of growing up in Crossmaglen, where Irish first came into his life through a dedicated teacher, local GAA classes, songs, prayers, and small but meaningful moments that stayed with him.
The Influence of Teachers, Family, and the Gaeltacht
He reflects on the teachers who inspired him, the respect for Irish within his family, and the powerful effect of spending time in the Gaeltacht as a young teenager.
A Life’s Work with Gael Linn
Réamonn discusses joining Gael Linn in 1993 and how his career developed from cultural schemes to education and eventually to his current role as CEO. He describes the organisation’s mission as strengthening and widening the Irish language in Ireland and abroad.
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Creating Real Opportunities to Use Irish
The conversation explores Gael Linn’s work through debating, music, public speaking, sports, Gaeltacht experiences, adult classes, online learning, and school initiatives such as Gaelbhratach. Réamonn emphasises that learners need meaningful opportunities to use the Irish they already have.
Policy, Education, and the Future of the Language
Réamonn offers a thoughtful assessment of Irish language policy, education, exemptions, the growth of Gaelscoileanna, and the urgent challenges facing the Gaeltacht. While he recognises serious concerns, he also points to major advances and a growing confidence around the language.
Why Irish Still Matters
Towards the end of the episode, Réamonn reflects on what motivates him: the belief that Irish carries something essential about identity, belonging, heritage, creativity, and spirit. He speaks about the joy of seeing young people, adult learners, and communities reconnecting with the language in new and modern ways.
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Slán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan
More on Réamonn Ó Ciaráin
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin is the Chief Executive Officer of Gael Linn, the non-profit organisation dedicated to revitalising and promoting the Irish language and culture. He has been with Gael Linn since 1993 and previously served as Director of Education before becoming CEO.
He is also an author and cultural advocate, having written three books on Cúchulainn and the Ulster Cycle, including Laoch na Laochra and Cúchulainn, Ulster’s Greatest Hero. Réamonn is co-founder and Chairman of Aonach Mhacha, the Irish language cultural centre in Armagh City, and has served on the National Committee for the Irish Language of the GAA.
Learn more:
LinkedIn
Gael Linn
Aonach Mhacha



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In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, one of the most celebrated poets writing in the Irish language and a former Ireland Professor of Poetry.
Together, they explore how learning Irish (Gaeilge) can go far beyond grammar and vocabulary, opening powerful pathways into identity, heritage, and belonging.
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Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional power of Irish — from family connections and memory to the deep cultural meanings embedded within words.
This episode reminds us that Irish is not simply something to learn — it is something to experience, feel, and live.
A Note on TimingThis episode was recorded on 29 March 2026. During the conversation, Finghin refers to an interview with Gabriel Rosenstock that had appeared in the Sunday Independent the week before, as well as to a documentary that was due to air the following Sunday, which was Easter Sunday.
Since the recording of this episode, Gabriel Rosenstock has sadly passed away. Beannachtaí Dé air
This Episode Celebrates:
* The role of storytelling in learning Irish
* The power of etymology and folklore to unlock meaning
* The emotional connection between language, identity, and heritage
* The importance of accessibility and community in language revival
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from Irish — or unsure where to begin — this episode will inspire you to start again.
Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notifications on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Podcast Notes
Growing Up Between Languages
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill reflects on her childhood between England and Ireland and her early immersion in Irish upon returning to the Gaeltacht in West Kerry. Her experience highlights how language shapes identity and belonging from an early age.
The Gaeltacht and the Power of Storytelling
Influenced by the rich oral traditions of the Gaeltacht, Ní Dhomhnaill developed a deep appreciation for folklore and storytelling. These formative experiences would later inspire her distinctive poetic voice.
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Mythology, Folklore, and the Creative Imagination
Drawing from Irish mythology and the National Folklore Collection, her work explores themes of transformation, memory, and the subconscious. Her iconic mermaid (merrow) poems exemplify her ability to bridge ancient tradition with contemporary thought.
Writing in Irish: A Lifelong Commitment
Ní Dhomhnaill discusses her decision to write primarily in Irish, describing it as a language of discovery, creativity, and authenticity. Her work has brought Irish-language poetry to international audiences through translation and has played a pivotal role in the modern literary revival.
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Slán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan
More on Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill

Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill is one of the most celebrated poets writing in the Irish language and a former Ireland Professor of Poetry. Renowned for her lyrical and myth-infused work, she explores themes of identity, folklore, femininity, and cultural memory through the medium of Gaeilge.
Born in Lancashire, England, in 1952 to Irish physicians, she was sent at age 5 to live with relatives in the Kerry Gaeltacht. This experience profoundly shaped her linguistic and cultural identity. She later studied English and Irish at University College Cork in 1969, where she became a central figure in the influential Innti school of poets. Ní Dhomhnaill spent seven years living abroad in Holland and Turkey with her husband, Doğan Leflef, before returning to County Kerry in 1980. Her first poetry collection, An Dealg Droighin, was published in 1981.
Writing exclusively in Irish, Ní Dhomhnaill uses language as a powerful tool to give voice to the marginalised and to challenge traditional narratives within Irish society. Her work often reimagines mythology and folklore through a feminist lens, presenting women as complex, empowered, and multidimensional figures. Through her poetry, she seeks to transcend the fragmentation of Ireland’s colonial past and to affirm the vitality and relevance of Irish cultural identity.
Her work has reached global audiences through translations by some of Ireland’s most distinguished poets, including Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon, Medbh McGuckian, Michael Hartnett, and Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin. Ní Dhomhnaill advocates for creative freedom in translation, believing that English versions should capture the energy, beauty, and spirit of the original Irish.
Widely acclaimed both nationally and internationally, her poetry continues to play a vital role in the modern revival of Irish-language literature and in shaping contemporary discussions on language, culture, and identity.
Learn more:
Poetry Foundation


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In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Colm Ó Broin, Irish language advocate, researcher, writer, and campaigner with Conradh na Gaeilge.
Together, they explore the myths, misconceptions, and attitudes that continue to shape how Irish people think about their native language. From growing up through the Gaelscoil system in Clondalkin to working in Irish-language journalism and leading a nationwide myth-busting campaign, Colm shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Irish today.
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Throughout the conversation, Colm reflects on the importance of questioning assumptions about Irish, the role of Gaelscoileanna in shaping positive attitudes towards the language, the future of the Gaeltacht, and why language should be valued for far more than its perceived practical usefulness. He also discusses how historical attitudes towards Irish continue to influence modern perceptions and explores what a more confident relationship with the language might look like.
This episode reminds us that language is not simply a tool for communication. It is also a connection to place, history, identity, culture, and community.
This Episode Celebrates:
* The power of challenging myths and misconceptions about Irish
* The role of Gaelscoileanna in language revitalisation
* The importance of community-led Irish language initiatives
* The rich linguistic heritage that exists throughout Ireland, including beyond today’s Gaeltacht regions
If you’ve ever wondered why certain negative narratives about Irish persist, why bilingualism is viewed differently in Ireland than elsewhere, or what the future of the language might look like, this episode is for you.
Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Podcast Notes
Growing Up Through Irish
Colm reflects on his experience attending Naíonra Chrónáin, Scoil Chrónáin and Coláiste Chilliain in Clondalkin and how Irish became a natural part of his life from an early age.
East Timor and a Different Perspective on Language
After spending time teaching English in East Timor, Colm encountered a society where multilingualism was completely normal. The experience led him to question why bilingualism is often treated as unusual or problematic in Ireland.
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Busting the Myths About Irish
Colm discusses his work with Conradh na Gaeilge, examining common misconceptions about Irish, including claims that it is a dead language, impractical, elitist, or disconnected from modern life. He explains why these myths persist and what they reveal about wider attitudes towards language and identity.
The Future of Irish and the Gaeltacht
The conversation explores the challenges facing Gaeltacht communities, the growth of Irish outside traditional Gaeltacht areas, and the importance of supporting language transmission within families and communities.
Rediscovering Leinster’s Irish Language Heritage
Colm shares his research into the historical dialects of Irish spoken throughout Leinster and explains why understanding local language heritage can help people reconnect with Irish in a meaningful way.
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A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adult
Slán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan
More on Colm Ó Broin
Colm Ó Broin
Colm Ó Broin was born and raised in Clondalkin, Dublin, and attended Naíonra Chrónáin, Scoil Chrónáin and Coláiste Chilliain. His love of the Irish language grew after spending time in East Timor teaching English. Experiencing life in a multilingual society led him to question why Ireland often makes such a “song and dance” about bilingualism.
After returning to Ireland, Colm studied communications and worked with the Irish-language newspapers Lá and Gaelscéal. He now works in the non-profit sector but continues to contribute actively to public conversations about the Irish language, language attitudes, and language policy.
While working in journalism, Colm became increasingly interested in the myths and misconceptions frequently repeated about Irish. This led him to develop a myth-busting campaign with Conradh na Gaeilge that examines common claims about the language and their impact on public attitudes. The campaign has included public talks, webinars, educational resources for teachers, YouTube videos, media appearances, and a TEDx Talk.
Colm’s writing has appeared in The Irish Times, TheJournal.ie, and other publications, and he has been interviewed on RTÉ Radio 1, Raidió na Gaeltachta, Raidió na Life, Raidió Fáilte and BBC Radio. He believes that myths and misunderstandings about Irish continue to have a real and negative effect on the language, and much of his work focuses on challenging those assumptions through evidence, history, and public discussion.
Learn more:
Ted Talk
Instagram
Conradh na Gaeilge


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In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh, broadcaster, writer, folklorist, Irish language advocate, and founder of Bláthanna Fiáine Wildflower Walks on Inis Meáin.
Together, they explore the deep connections between language, landscape, folklore, and identity, and how Irish (Gaeilge) offers a unique lens through which to understand Ireland’s natural world and cultural heritage.
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Throughout the conversation, Aedín shares her own journey from growing up in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, to building a life through Irish on Inis Meáin in the Aran Islands. They discuss the importance of positive language experiences, the challenges facing Gaeltacht communities today, and the remarkable stories hidden within Ireland’s native wildflowers.
This episode reminds us that Irish is not simply a language we learn — it is a living connection to place, history, ecology, and community.
This Episode Celebrates:
* The importance of positive experiences in Irish language learning
* The unique relationship between Gaeilge, folklore, and the natural world
* The resilience and significance of Gaeltacht communities
* The role of language in preserving cultural and ecological heritage
If you’ve ever wondered how Irish can deepen your connection to Ireland’s landscape, history, and identity, this episode will leave you inspired.
Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Podcast Notes
Choosing Irish: A Journey That Began in the Gaeltacht
Aedín reflects on growing up in Enniscorthy, where Irish was valued within her family but was not the language spoken at home.
A formative experience at a summer Gaeltacht course in Ballybunion sparked a lifelong connection with the language. Supported by excellent teachers and positive experiences, she gradually developed both fluency and a deep commitment to Gaeilge.
Her story highlights the importance of encouragement, community, and enjoyment in language learning.
Learning Irish Is a Lifelong Journey
Although Aedín studied Irish at university level and built a successful media career through the language, she emphasises that learning Irish never truly ends.
From intensive grammar courses and postgraduate study to daily life on Inis Meáin, she describes language learning as similar to learning a musical instrument — something that requires dedication, practice, and continual growth.
Her message for learners is simple: enjoy the process and embrace the journey.
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Inis Meáin: Life in One of Ireland’s Strongest Irish-Speaking Communities
Aedín shares the story of how a folklore research project brought her to Inis Meáin and eventually led her to make the island her home.
The conversation explores:
* The unique history and character of Inis Meáin
* Why the island has preserved so much of Ireland’s linguistic and cultural heritage
* The challenges facing island and Gaeltacht communities today
* Housing pressures, population decline, and community sustainability
Despite these challenges, Aedín remains hopeful about the future thanks to the work being done by local organisations, language planners, and community leaders.
Wildflowers, Folklore and the Irish Language
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation centres on Aedín’s work documenting the folklore of Ireland’s native wildflowers.
She explains how Irish plant names preserve centuries of cultural knowledge, practical wisdom, and ways of understanding the natural world.
Through names such as Lus na bhFanní and Méaracán na Sí, we gain insight into how previous generations interpreted nature, medicine, danger, beauty, and belief.
For Aedín, Irish plant names are more than vocabulary — they are direct links to Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage.
Language, Ecology and Heritage
The discussion also explores the relationship between Irish and ecology.
Aedín argues that understanding Irish names for plants, places, and landscapes helps us better understand how people once lived in relationship with the natural world.
By preserving Irish, we preserve unique ways of seeing, describing, and valuing our environment.
This connection between language and landscape remains central to her work as a folklorist and educator.
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Slán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan
More on Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh
Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh
Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh is a broadcaster, writer, folklorist, and Irish language advocate originally from Enniscorthy, County Wexford, and now based on Inis Meáin in the Aran Islands.
Best known for her work with RTÉ and TG4, she has spent years exploring the connections between Irish folklore, language, and the natural world. Through her popular social media platform Bláthanna Fiáine, she shares the stories, traditions, and Irish-language names associated with Ireland’s native wildflowers.
Aedín is the founder of Bláthanna Fiáine Wildflower Walks on Inis Meáin and the author of Pabhsaeir Inis Meáin (Wildflowers of Inis Meáin). She appeared on The Tommy Tiernan Show in 2025, where she spoke about Ireland’s landscape, folklore, and cultural heritage.
Learn More:
Instagram
Wildflower Walks
Wildflowers of Inis Meáin (Free Download)


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In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Laura Pakenham, TG4 presenter, Irish language educator, author, and social media creator.
Together, they explore Laura’s remarkable journey with the Irish language (Gaeilge) — from attending English-medium schools in County Longford to becoming one of the most recognisable young voices promoting Irish online today.
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Throughout the conversation, Laura speaks honestly about imposter syndrome, identity, belonging, pronunciation, Irish-language education, and the emotional complexity many people feel around Gaeilge in modern Ireland.
The episode also explores her bestselling book Irish History & Culture Through Language, which opens the door to Irish through history, storytelling, etymology, and everyday phrases — helping learners experience Irish not simply as a school subject, but as a living part of Irish identity and culture.
This episode reminds us that Irish is not only something to study — it is something that can transform how we understand ourselves, our culture, and our place in the world.
This Episode Celebrates:
* The power of Irish to shape identity and belonging
* The importance of accessibility in language learning
* The emotional realities of learning Irish as an adult
* The role of social media, culture, and community in the revival of Gaeilge
If you’ve ever felt like Irish “wasn’t for you” — or struggled with confidence around the language — this episode will resonate deeply.
Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Podcast Notes
From Longford to TG4
Laura shares how she grew up in an English-speaking household in County Longford, attending English-medium schools with no family background in Irish.
Despite this, she developed a love of language, grammar, and storytelling from an early age — and gradually found herself drawn towards Gaeilge.
Her journey challenges the idea that there is only one “correct” background for becoming an Irish speaker.
Imposter Syndrome & The Irish Language
One of the central themes of the episode is the emotional complexity many learners experience around Irish.
Laura speaks candidly about feeling like an outsider in Irish-speaking spaces, especially when studying through Irish at third level alongside native speakers and Gaelscoil students.
Together, Finghin and Laura explore:
* The social pressures surrounding Irish in Ireland
* Feelings of inadequacy that many learners carry
* The myth of the “perfect Irish speaker.”
* Why there is no one-size-fits-all Irish language journey
The conversation highlights how deeply identity and language are intertwined in Ireland.
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Discovering Irish as a Living Language
A transformative moment for Laura came during her teaching placement in the Gaeltacht in Lettermore, Connemara.
Living with an Irish-speaking family showed her that Irish was not simply an academic subject — but a vibrant, living language connected to humour, relationships, community, and everyday life.
This experience changed her relationship with Gaeilge completely and helped her see Irish as something joyful, social, and emotionally alive.
Irish Pronunciation, Sound & Musicality
Laura speaks passionately about the importance of pronunciation and sound in Irish language learning.
She reflects on how many learners are never properly introduced to the sounds and musicality of Gaeilge — something that can create unnecessary barriers and insecurity.
The episode explores:
* Why Irish sounds different from English
* Broad and slender consonants
* The rhythm and musicality of Gaeilge
* Why pronunciation matters for confidence and connection
Laura explains how understanding these patterns transformed her own learning journey.
Writing Irish History & Culture Through Language
Laura discusses the experience of writing her bestselling book:
Irish History & Culture Through Language
The book emerged from her work online, creating Irish language content, and aims to provide learners with an accessible entry point into Gaeilge through:
* Irish history
* Everyday phrases
* Hiberno-English
* Etymology
* Folklore and culture
* Irish ways of thinking and seeing the world
Rather than focusing only on grammar rules, the book invites readers to experience Irish as something living, practical, and culturally rich.
Finghin describes it as:
“A modern-day Béaloideas for learners.”
Gaeilge, Culture & “Having a Moment”
Laura reflects on the growing visibility of Irish in music, media, fashion, film, and social media.
Together, Finghin and Laura discuss:
* Whether Irish is truly experiencing a revival
* The impact of creators and artists using Gaeilge publicly
* The relationship between Irish identity and language
* The importance of making Irish visible and socially relevant
Laura also speaks thoughtfully about the concerns of Gaeltacht communities and the need to support Irish-speaking areas practically — especially around housing and sustainability.
Why Irish Matters
As the conversation draws to a close, Laura reflects on how deeply Irish has shaped her life.
She describes Gaeilge as:
* Her “first love.”
* A source of belonging and purpose
* A way of understanding Ireland differently
* A language that feels alive, warm, and deeply human
The episode ends with a powerful reflection on how Irish can become not just a language we learn, but a presence in our lives.
Free Irish Learning Resources
If you enjoyed this episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan and want to continue your Irish language journey:
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Sign up here:
Free ResourcesThe Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free Resources
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A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adult
Slán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan
More on Laura Pakenham

Laura Pakenham
Laura Pakenham is a TG4 presenter, Irish language educator, author, and online creator from County Longford.
She presents on Nuacht Cúla4, TG4’s daily news programme for young people, and has built a large online following through her engaging Irish-language content on TikTok and other social media.
Laura is the author of Irish History & Culture Through Language, a bestselling book exploring Irish identity, history, and culture through Gaeilge.
Her work focuses on making Irish accessible, modern, practical, and culturally relevant for a new generation of learners.
Learn more:
Instagram
TikTok
Book: Irish History & Culture Through Language



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com