Learn about the experiences of people in various different roles who work with or through Irish as part of their daily working lives.
Experiences and advice #
Browse the video and written interviews below to gain insight into the work life and experiences of people who work with or through Irish as part of their daily working life.
You can find out how they found their jobs, what their experiences have been to-date, how much of an advantage speaking Irish was for them in their roles, and also gain valuable advice for progressing in those roles.
Although some of our interviewees may have moved on to other jobs since these interviews, their experiences are just as insightful now.
The video interviews (▶) are in Irish but have English-language subtitles; the written interviews were conducted in Irish but are translated into English here.
Jobs in the public sector #
- Executive Officer with Foras na Gaeilge – Colm Ó hArgáin ▶
- Development and Outreach Manager – Ursula Ní Shabhaois ▶
- Coordinator, Bliain na Gaeilge – Síomha Ní Ruairc ▶
- Language Planning Officer – Victor Bayda ▶
Jobs in the media #
- Actor – Dáithí Mac Suibhne ▶
- Radio Station Manager – Niamh Ní Chróinín
What is your name?Niamh Ní Chróinín
What sector are you working in?
I work with Conradh na Gaeilge and I am the manager of Raidió Rí-Rá. So, I’m working in the Irish language and media sectors.
What inspired you to work with the Irish language?
I was very involved in the Cumann Gaelach (Irish-language society) when I was in college and with Irish-language organisations and the people working with them. I enjoyed the work and felt there were many opportunities and possibilities in the sector.
What is your educational background? Was Irish a part of it?
I attended a Gaelscoil at primary level, did not attend an Irish-medium secondary school, but I did a degree in Irish and Sociology at Trinity College.
What do you like most about your job?
It’s hard to choose just one thing! Everyone is passionate about Irish and about the work we’re doing. The work is important to all of us. We have a fantastic team and there are plenty of opportunities to try new things.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
Yes! Firstly, there are lots of opportunities to use Irish online by chatting with people in Facebook groups like Gaeilge Amháin, sending tweets in Irish to Irish speakers on Twitter (X), or following and chatting with people on Snapchat. There are Gaelic football and yoga clubs operating through Irish, conversation circles, youth clubs, and social nights like the Pop-Up Gaeltacht. Of course, if you want to listen to more Irish, there’s plenty on the radio and television!
What are your main responsibilities?
I put together the schedule for Raidió Rí-Rá and create content for the station. I manage the station’s social media and deliver radio workshops in schools around the country. I also deal with the station’s sponsorship and marketing.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working with Irish?
I don’t think you always need a degree in Irish. There are many people in the sector who studied something completely different. Doing school or college work experience with an Irish-language organisation or radio station would help. It would give you a real taste of the kind of work we do! Get involved in the Irish language community and events – take part in campaigns, attend events, etc. Be creative and have lots of new ideas – employers love that!
(2019)
- Digital Irish Coordinator – Siún Ní Dhúinn ▶
- Magazine Editor – Maitiú Ó Coimín
What is your name?Maitiú Ó Coimín
What sector are you working in?
I’m the editor of the cultural magazine NÓS.ie
What inspired you to work with the Irish language?
I work in Irish because I’m part of the Irish-speaking community and I believe it’s important to publish the stories of that community.
What is your educational background? Was Irish part of it?
I received my schooling through English but did a university course in journalism through Irish at Dublin City University. I’ve also taken various writing courses over the years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy meeting lots of different people all over Ireland and hearing the strange and wonderful stories they have.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
I speak Irish every day with friends and family. I moved to Dublin at the start of this year and there are far fewer opportunities to speak Irish regularly here compared to when I was living in Connemara. Still, there are good events happening across the city where you can speak Irish. I also use it every day on social media.
What are your main duties?
Commissioning and selecting content for NÓS, editing articles, and managing the website.
What advice would you give to people interested in working with the Irish language?
If you’re interested in jewelry making, take up smithing and speak Irish in your workshop; if you like acting, take part in Irish-language plays; if you want to be an astronaut, do everything you can to make sure Irish is the first language spoken on Mars.
(2019)
- Video Journalist – Caoimhe Ní Chathail
What is your name?Caoimhe Ní Chathail
What sector are you working in?
The Irish-language media
What inspired you to work with the Irish language?
I always had a love for Irish and when I was at school, I saw that we were always given extra opportunities because we had Irish. I saw the advantages of having Irish and I liked the space it gave me to be creative in my own language. I wanted to have a job in media, but in Irish, and to show that amazing things can be achieved through Irish.
What is your educational background? Was Irish part of it?
I attended a Gaelscoil and Gaelcholáiste in Letterkenny and then went to DCU to study Irish and Journalism. So, I was always being educated through Irish.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety – the variety of work, stories, the people I meet, the different roles I have, and the opportunities I’ve gotten.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
These days I use Irish more than English. I live on the Falls Road in the Gaeltacht Quarter of Belfast. I live with Irish speakers, all my friends have Irish, I play football with the all-Irish club Laochra Loch Lao, I’m a member of An Dream Dearg, I broadcast on Raidió Fáilte, and I do lots of other things in Irish.
What are your main duties?
I’m a video journalist with meoneile.ie primarily. I have to find, record, and edit stories. I’m also a reporter with Nuacht TG4 in Dublin and Galway. You’ll often hear me on Raidió na Gaeltachta, Raidió Fáilte, and BBC Blas. I love having a wide range of things on the go!
What advice would you give to people interested in working with the Irish language?
I’d advise them to work on building confidence in their Irish. Speak and write in Irish often. There are many social opportunities outside the classroom for Irish and I think it’s important to get involved in those. Get to know the Irish-speaking community and don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek experience, and seize opportunities.
(2019)
- Television Presenter – Caitlín Nic Aoidh
What is your name?Caitlín Nic Aoidh
What sector are you working in?
I work in the television sector with TG4. I’m a weather and continuity presenter.
What inspired you to work with the Irish language?
I was born and raised with Irish. My heart and soul are in the language and I always wanted a job where I could use my native tongue.
What is your educational background? Was Irish part of it?
Irish was part of my background. I did a degree in Irish and music at Maynooth University. I did a masters in Irish from the same college. After that, I decided to do the Professional Diploma in Education and a Diploma in Translation Skills at the University of Galway.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love every team member I work with at TG4, the weather of course, and the freedom we have to be creative in our work. We get lots of opportunities to do interesting things and try out new ideas, which I think is a really valuable part of the job.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
I get the chance to use it regularly with my family, friends, people at home, and of course with people online too.
What are your main duties?
I have many different duties depending on the day: presenting the weather, recording and rehearsing continuity segments, working on TG4’s social media accounts, and doing VO’s (voiceovers for ads and other station material).
What advice would you give to people interested in working with the Irish language?
Use it, don’t ever be afraid to make a mistake. Practice makes perfect. There are plenty of opportunities and, as my mother told me long ago, “Irish opens doors.” Looking at where I am now, it’s clear she was right.
(2019)
- Television Presenter – Micheál Ó Ciaraidh ▶
- Radio and Television Producer – Cian Mac Cárthaigh ▶
Jobs in Education #
- Research Assistant – Stiofán Ó Briain
What is your name?Stiofán Ó Briain
What sector are you working in?
Research and Education
What inspired you to work with Irish?
I suppose a few things influenced me: a love for the language itself and a personal interest in education and research through Irish. I knew I wanted to speak Irish daily after university and be part of the Irish-speaking community in Dublin city. So pursuing a job with Irish was a smart move.
What is your educational background? Was Irish involved?
I didn’t attend an Irish-medium primary or secondary school. After school I went to UCD and completed a BA in English and Modern Irish, followed by a Masters in Modern Irish. Irish was closely tied to my university education and, really, my education as a whole you could say.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The team I work with and the challenge of simplifying Irish language concepts to explain them to complete beginners.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
Yes. Irish is the main language of communication between me and my friends and my partner. I attend various events like Pop Up Gaeltacht, Féile na Gealaí and nights out at Club Chonradh na Gaeilge to speak Irish with others. Outside Dublin, I don’t get many opportunities to speak it.
What are your main responsibilities?
Creating online language and cultural courses for beginners in partnership with the team. Profiling. Conducting educational research on the success of the courses and students’ experiences.
What would you recommend for people interested in working with Irish?
Improve your grammar and writing skills. There are jobs in editing and translation – those skills are very useful. Make sure you have a CV translated into Irish. Talk to people working in the Irish sector and ask for help. Keep an eye on #siógnabpost on Twitter (X) and the vacancies page on scéal.ie.
(2019)
- Primary School Teacher – Úna Ní Fhlatharta ▶
- Secondary School Teacher – Sorcha Ní Ghallachóir ▶
- Administrative Officer – Nigel Govan
What is your name?Nigel Govan
What sector are you working in?
I currently work in the Irish language sector, with the organisation Gael Linn.
What inspired you to work with Irish?
After I graduated, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted. At that time, I realised I wanted to contribute to the status of Irish in Ireland or abroad. But the thing that most pushed me toward the Irish-language sector was a training period I spent in Brussels.
During that time, I saw how proud everyone I worked with was – not only in the Irish Language Unit but in various other units – of their own cultures. After I came home, I had zero interest in applying for any job that wasn’t connected to Irish. You could say that immersion in another culture helps you understand the importance and value of your own culture.What is your educational background? Was Irish involved?
Irish had a strong connection with my education, especially after secondary school. I did a degree in Irish and Spanish in University College Dublin. After the degree, I did a Masters in the same place focused on translation and other aspects of Irish. After the Masters, I spent time in Kings Inns to complete the Advanced Diploma in Legal Translation and I’m currently doing a course in DCU to qualify as a PE teacher and personal trainer.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety and personal motivation I get from it.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
Yes, I speak Irish with college friends when we meet up, and there are various clubs and teams around Dublin where Irish can be spoken.
What are your main responsibilities?
I’m currently responsible for Gael Linn’s website and social media platforms. Sometimes I’m on the road visiting schools or attending competitions and various events.
What would you recommend for people interested in working with Irish?
If you’re in college, I’d recommend taking part in events organised by Irish societies – you’ll meet different people there and hear about various jobs connected to Irish. If you’re not in college or not interested in going, I’d recommend calling in to a local Irish-language group or club in your area – if there isn’t one, I’d suggest creating one. Don’t be afraid to create a new Irish language job that doesn’t exist yet. Think about things that would be enjoyable and useful to offer the community.
(2019)
- Project Officer with Techspace – Séamus Ó Fátharta ▶
- Primary School Principal – Cúan Ó Flatharta ▶
- Education Technologist at UCD – Eoin Mc Evoy
What is your name?Eoin Mc Evoy
What sector are you working in?
Third Level Education: UCD. I work heavily with technology in my role as an Education Technologist.
What inspired you to work with Irish?
The Irish-speaking community encouraged me towards the language. I feel like part of a close-knit, friendly, open and welcoming community when I speak Irish, and that gives me great confidence. I love working with Irish in the university, where I meet Irish and international students interested in language and Irish culture.
What is your educational background? Was Irish involved?
I went to Scoil Náisiúnta Dharú and Coláiste Thulach Mhór, which weren’t Irish-medium schools, before studying Irish and German in UCD. It was mostly in secondary school that I was inspired to pursue languages, and I studied Irish, French and German along with art and science. I received a great education in Coláiste Thulach Mhór in all my subjects. My teacher in that school was from the Connemara Gaeltacht and that left a mark on my spoken Irish.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the creativity involved in finding (technical or other) solutions to the challenges students and staff face in teaching and learning.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
Yes! I speak Irish with my friends, I’m part of a fantastic Irish book club and I attend Irish-language events too: REIC, events in An Siopa Leabhar, IMRAM, Pop Up Gaeltacht and lovely nights in Club an Chonartha. There are plenty of opportunities to speak Irish – just seek them out!
What are your main responsibilities?
I support the academic staff here in the UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore in using technology to enhance teaching. I also create online learning and assessment resources for students. I manage Cultúr@UCD, the School’s Soundcloud account, and I’m working with Bairbre Ní Chonchúir, the Modern Irish administrator in UCD, on the video series #Gaeilge365, which we’re developing for Bliain na Gaeilge.
What would you recommend for people interested in working with Irish?
1. Get to know the community and enjoy being in the company of others who speak Irish.
2. Read Irish books.
3. Improve your grammar and speaking. If you’re accurate, your chances in the sector will increase greatly.(2019)
Jobs in the Private Sector #
- Bookshop Manager – Dr Caitlín Nic Íomhair
What is your name?Dr Caitlín Nic Íomhair
What sector are you working in?
I’m a manager of a bookshop.
What inspired you to work with Irish?
I put a lot of effort into learning the language and was enchanted by it from the beginning. I still haven’t had enough of it, especially the cultural side. It’s hard to believe that a minority language has produced so many incredible writers and musicians. I wanted to spread the good news – first as a critic and teacher, and now as Caitlín of the Bookshop!
What is your educational background? Was Irish involved?
My ‘language journey’ is a little different from many others working through Irish in that I didn’t have a word until I was about twenty or twenty-one. I’m from the north and grew up in an area where the language wasn’t recognised at all. It was very difficult to find classes at first and in the end, I decided to come to Dublin to learn it full-time. I did a degree in Irish Studies first and then a PhD in Celtic Studies at Trinity College. I enjoyed every second of it (except the exams).
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love when young families come in speaking Irish. There’s a special atmosphere at a good book launch. Above all else, it’s a privilege to get the opportunity to encourage and guide learners as they return to the language. It lifts my heart when they leave the shop with more confidence and inspiration than when they walked in.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
It’s funny. I live through Irish maybe 85% of the day. I listen to RnaG, I chat with Irish speakers far and wide on Twitter (X) and Facebook, we don’t speak English at work, and nearly all my friends speak Irish, but my own family only speaks English. I remember a kind of culture shock in college – being immersed in English again while home on holidays. I felt homesick and my Irish would get rusty quickly, but I found ways – mostly reading and writing – to carry my own private Gaeltacht with me and I don’t feel that longing anymore.
What are your main responsibilities?
I’m responsible for selling and distributing books, monitoring income and spending, planning marketing and sales, communicating regularly with the ‘market’, organising launches and other events in the shop. The work is demanding but enjoyable.
What would you recommend for people interested in working with Irish?
Do it! Immerse yourself in the world of Irish. Read it, write it, and speak it. Listen to it. Talk to yourself, talk to the pets, practice. Improve your language and communication skills and always be a support for learners. Work hard on your accuracy and fluency and be proud of yourself and your noble heritage. Be visible, courageous, and positive. Support Irish speakers and learners and never, ever read the comments under articles about Irish in the newspapers!
(2019)
- Marketing Manager – Michelle Seoighe ▶
- Brewer, Four Provinces Brewing – Fergal Chambers ▶
- Community & Social Media Strategies – Niamh O Regan
What is your name?Niamh O Regan
What sector do you work in?
The social media and online retail sector
What motivated you to work with the Irish language?
I studied Irish for my degree, and I was eager to continue using it while working, so that I would still have the opportunity to speak Irish every day and to promote Irish while I was working. It makes me happy to use Irish; I feel better on the days I use Irish. I feel like I have more energy after speaking Irish.
What is your educational background? Was Irish involved?
I spent most of my primary education abroad, so I didn’t start learning Irish properly until I was nine years old. When I returned, I had an excellent teacher in my primary school, who gave me extra Irish lessons every week throughout the school year and eventually I was at the same level as the other students in my class. Since then I attended an all-Irish secondary school and I studied Irish as part of my degree, alongside politics.
What do you like most about your job?
The freedom I have; many campaigns can be promoted through social media and changed regularly, and I have complete freedom with the campaigns I want to try.
Do you use Irish outside of work? What opportunities are there?
Yes. I speak Irish with Irish speakers in my family, with my friends from my degree and from my school. I occasionally attend the Pop Up Gaeltacht and the Club on Wexford Street. I also read in Irish, and I do a bit of writing in Irish. I try my best to choose the Irish version on websites and on the ATM as well.
What are your main responsibilities?
I have to post all the ads on the various social media platforms, make calls to former customers, talk to universities outside Ireland that offer Irish-language classes. Promote Irish reading and literature around the world.
What advice would you give to people interested in working with Irish?
Don’t listen to those who say there are no jobs; there are. Practice your Irish as often as possible. Also, take advantage of the opportunities to use Irish; whether it’s having Facebook in Irish, tweeting in Irish, making a radio program or listening to a podcast in Irish. The opportunities are there!
(2019)
