The first offical Gaeltacht was designated in 1926, and revised thereafter in the 1950s. See below for a description of the areas that currently make up the Gaeltacht.
The Gaeltacht regions #
The term ‘Gaeltacht’ is used to describe the regions in Ireland in which the Irish language is, or was until recently, the primary spoken language of the majority of the community.
The Gaeltacht regions are recognised in Government orders.
Recognition is given to the fact that there is a need for specific measures, structures, and funding to support and assist these areas so that they can function through Irish and preserve their identity.
It is vitally important that there is a community where Irish is spoken as a normal daily language and that there is support for those living there so they can establish and run businesses and families through the medium of Irish.
The largest Gaeltacht areas are on the west coast, in Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Kerry. There are also Gaeltacht areas in Cork, Meath and Waterford, as well as six Gaeltacht islands around the country.
More information on the Gaeltacht is available on the Údarás na Gaeltachta website.
Additional information #
- What support is available for businesses with Irish
- Get to know the Irish-language community groups
- Find an Irish Summer College for your teenager
- Five ways to use more Irish in the home
