For the woman behind Gaeilge Bheo, Irish was never meant to live only in classrooms or exam papers. It was meant to be spoken, heard and lived, gach lá. “Gaeilge Bheo is my Instagram account that promotes the use of Gaeilge in your daily life,” she explains.
The idea came while she was teaching and noticing a disconnect between young people and their native language. “I began to see that young people didn’t view Gaeilge as our native language, but merely as a school subject that they were required to sit an exam in. They thought that Gaeilge lived in schoolbooks and classrooms.”
That disconnect was the spark. Rather than lecturing about Irish, she chose to live it openly. “The students didn’t realise that they can choose to live their lives through Gaeilge. That’s why I chose to lead by example and show how I embrace Gaeilge in my life gach lá.”
Finding Roots Through Language
Since then, Gaeilge Bheo has grown into a community, particularly among people aged 25 to 35. Many are reconnecting with Irish later in life, often after travel or life changes. “People are really keen to engage with their heritage, especially as they get older,” she says.
She believes that clarity comes with age, and that language can offer grounding in a chaotic world. “Life can be so chaotic but one thing that keeps us grounded is our roots. To move forward we must first appreciate and understand how we got here.”
She also points to the sacrifices made by earlier generations, quoting Seamus Heaney’s words as a guiding truth: “Not to learn Irish is to miss the opportunity of what life in this country has meant, and could mean, in a better future.”
Gaeilge, Spoken Locally
That philosophy extends beyond Instagram. In Drogheda, she hosts free Irish classes, including sessions at the Black Bull, creating a space where Irish is spoken casually and without pressure. “The classes are open to all levels of Gaeilge and focus on using whatever Irish you have and taking the opportunity to build upon it,” she explains.
Rather than formal lessons, the sessions centre on conversation and confidence. “Usually I will facilitate conversations and learning by providing spoken prompts or activities for the attendees.”
And when the main session ends, something special often happens. “People who have more Gaeilge stay back and have a ciorcal comhrá together. It’s really casual, super enjoyable, and the main objective each session is to have the craic.”
Some people arrive alone, others with friends or family, but everyone is welcomed. “Regardless, everyone is made to feel comfortable and welcome.”
Community and Confidence
Teaching Irish in Drogheda, she says, has been deeply motivating. “The people who attend inspire and motivate me each week. These are normal daoine who take time out of their busy lives to appreciate, preserve and protect ár dteanga.”
The sense of community has become one of the strongest outcomes. “There are some regulars and some newbies each seachtain and not only do the sessions give an opportunity to connect with Gaeilge, but also with each other.”
Keeping things engaging is essential, both online and in person. “I myself get bored very easily, so I love trying new activities or challenges in classes. It is important for me to be engaged with the content in order for me to then engage others.”
A Living Language
She believes Irish is experiencing a genuine revival. “The Kneecap phenomenon has been a huge boost in portraying Gaeilge as a living and vibrant language among young people,” she says, alongside Gaelscoileanna, new laws and social media making the language more accessible than ever.
For anyone nervous about speaking Irish, her advice is clear and compassionate. “Any Gaeilge is good Gaeilge. Every focal you say breaths fresh life into ár dteanga and protects her for future generations to come.”
She reminds people that Irish does not belong to institutions or exams. “A conversation isn’t an examination. Gaeilge belongs to you. Use what you have.”
Waiting for perfection, she warns, often means never starting at all. “Start where you are, with what you have and go from there. Get rid of the shame, get rid of the guilt, and enjoy Gaeilge, speak Gaeilge, spread Gaeilge.”
Looking ahead, she keeps her focus simple. “My mission is to spread Gaeilge as far and wide as possible. As long as I’m beo, Gaeilge will be beo as well.”
Quickfire
Favourite Irish word (and why)?
Codarsnacht. It is just fun to say.
A local spot in Drogheda you love to unwind in?
Evalynn café in Bryanstown.
Finish this sentence: “Irish is alive because…”
…we keep her alive.
Gaeilge Bheo can be found on Instagram at @gaeilge_bheo, where she continues to share Gaeilge mar theanga bheo, along with updates on her free Irish language classes and local meet-ups in Drogheda.
