The Gaeltacht Quarter

The people of the Creggan, Bogside and Brandywell districts of Derry have long held an affinity to the Irish language. Indeed, most of the residents could trace their roots back to the Irish-speaking areas of Donegal. In the early 1900s, there were no fewer than 5 branches of Conradh na Gaeilge in the city, most of them located in the Bogside area.

In the 1940s and 50s, the Sean Dolan Craobh of the Gaelic League had over 100 members and, despite the enormous difficulties, promoted the language with few resources other than grá for the language, commitment and hard work. In the 1980s, many parents in the area demonstrated their commitment to Irish by sending their children to the Irish-medium nursery groups in Creggan and the Bogside and from there to Bunscoil Cholmcille, the first Irish language primary school in Derry.

In 1985, the Colmcille branch of Conradh na Gaeilge set up office in Dove House. The branch eventually moved to Gt James Street and grew into the organisation known as An Gaeláras currently based in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. Together with community activists and parents from the area, An Gaeláras was instrumental in establishing Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir, one of the most successful Irish-medium primary schools on the island, now located between the Bogside and Brandywell.

The actual building of the Cultúrlann on Great James Street is testimony to the commitment of the people of Derry to the language. This is also demonstrated by the growth in the Irish-medium education sector, the growing numbers of those attending Irish language classes and the use of Irish language street signs throughout the city. An Gaeláras is now pioneering another phase in the development of the language in Derry by establishing an Irish language quarter, an Cheathrú Ghaeltachta, situated in the Creggan, Bogside and Brandywell districts of the city and stretching from the Cultúrlann in Gt James Street through the Bogside to Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir in the Brandywell and up to Creggan.

The project will seek to encourage, foster and instil pride among residents in the rich history and culture of the neighbourhood by: * enhancing the physical environment of the area through the erection of Irish language and bi-lingual signage in partnership with community, business and statutory organisations; * developing a unique cultural tourism product in collaboration with Free Derry Tours, Free Derry Museum, TRIAX, Dove House, Bogside & Brandywell Initiative, Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir, the People’s Gallery, NITB, Derry City Council, and others. * maximising economic opportunities for local residents, businesses and others provided by the cluster of Irish language and cultural groups within the area;

This project will only succeed with the support and active participation of the residents, community organisations and businesses of the Creggan, Bogside and Brandywell areas. Give us your views, thoughts and suggestions on how you can be part of this latest phase in the revival of the Irish language locally.

Teagmháil:

T: 028 7126 4132
F: 028 7126 9292
R: donncha@culturlann-doire.ie