Portlaoise is set to host a new Irish language festival later this month, with three days of talks, music, storytelling and cultural activities planned in the lead-up to Halloween.
Féile na Samhna will take place from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25, and is being organised by Cumann Gaelach Laoise, the local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge.
The inaugural festival aims to celebrate the Irish language while exploring local history, folklore and the Celtic origins of Halloween, with events catering for both fluent Irish speakers and those still learning the language.
A varied programme has been organised, including talks on Laois place names and the traditions of Samhain, a children’s storytelling and music workshop, a guided tour of Emo Court and an evening of traditional music and conversation.
Cumann Gaelach Laoise chairperson Siobhán Uí Chuinn said the festival’s main aim is to provide interesting and enjoyable community-based activities through Irish.
“Is í príomhsprioc na féile ná imeachtaí pobalbhunaithe, spéisiúla a chur ar fáil i mbealach taitneamhach as Gaeilge,” she said.
She also emphasised that the festival is open to people of all abilities, whether they are beginners or fluent speakers.
“Tá an fhéile oiriúnach do gach duine a bhfuil spéis acu sa teanga, is cuma más foghlaimeoir nó cainteoir líofa thú.”
Ms Uí Chuinn thanked the Cumann Gaelach committee, along with the staff of the Dunamaise Arts Centre, the OPW and Tadhg Óg’s bar for their support in organising the festival.
The celebrations will begin on Friday, October 23, at 7pm in the Parish Centre, Portlaoise, with a talk on Logainmneacha Laoise, or Laois place names.
Mountmellick post-primary teacher Dearbhla Ní Dhuinn will explore the history and cultural significance of Irish place names, with a particular focus on Co Laois and their connections to the local landscape.
The event is free, but places are limited and advance booking is required through Cumann Gaelach Laoise’s booking page.
On Saturday, October 24, attention turns to younger audiences with Scéalta agus Ceol, a storytelling and music workshop for children under nine and their parents or guardians.
Taking place upstairs in The Gallery at the Dunamaise Arts Centre from 11am to 12.30pm, the workshop will be led by Galway native and primary school teacher Julie Anne de Brún.
Children will have the opportunity to enjoy stories, songs, music and dancing through Irish, while parents can pick up advice on encouraging their children’s interest in the language.
Halloween costumes are optional for those attending.
Later that evening, at 6pm, Irish language writer Réaltán Ní Leannáin will deliver a talk at the Dunamaise Arts Centre exploring Irish folklore and Celtic festivals.
The discussion will focus particularly on the historic customs and traditions associated with Samhain, the ancient festival from which many modern Halloween traditions developed.
Places are limited, with advance booking advised through www.dunamaise.ie.
The festival continues on Sunday, October 25, with a special Irish language guided tour of Emo Court at 2.30pm.
Organised with the support of the Office of Public Works, the tour will offer visitors an opportunity to discover the history and heritage of the historic Laois house while enjoying an event conducted through Irish.
Admission is free, but places must be reserved in advance through Cumann Gaelach Laoise.
Féile na Samhna will conclude on Sunday evening with an Oíche Cheoil agus Comhrá in Tadhg Óg’s bar, formerly Hume’s, in Portlaoise.
Running from 8pm to 10pm, the evening will feature traditional music, singing and conversation, with attendees encouraged to bring along a musical instrument or contribute a song.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
The festival builds on the regular activities organised by Cumann Gaelach Laoise, including its Caife agus Comhrá gatherings every second Saturday from 11am to 12.30pm in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.
The group also organises a monthly Pop-Up Gaeltacht, usually held on the last Thursday of the month in a Portlaoise pub.
Cumann Gaelach Laoise secretary Tommy Mulligan said the organisation is keen to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for anyone interested in speaking Irish.
“Our events have no grammar police and are open to all who have an interest in speaking Irish,” he said.
He also highlighted the familiar Irish saying, “Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste!” — broken Irish is better than clever English.
Further information about Féile na Samhna and booking details can be found on Instagram at @cnag_laoise, Facebook at Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise, or through https://linktr.ee/Cnag_laoise.
Alternatively, enquiries can be emailed to cumanngaelachlaoise@cnag.ie.
