galway gaeltacht

The Gaeltacht

Galway Gaeltacht Map
Galway Gaeltacht Map

The Gaeltacht is the term used to refer to those areas of Ireland where the Irish language (Gaeilge) is still spoken as a community language, and its culture and traditions are very much alive and thriving. These Irish speaking communities are scattered over seven counties and four provinces. Situated mainly along the Western seaboard, the Gaeltacht covers extensive parts of counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Kerry and also parts of counties Cork, Meath and Waterford. These areas present many varied and interesting holiday locations. Each region possesses an environment rich with heritage and folklore, culture and traditions, and has a strong sense of its own identity and uniqueness. Here, within, lies the ‘true Ireland’!


Where is the Gaeltacht in Galway?

Located west of Galway City, in large tracts of Connemara, is Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht region. Here, the Irish language (Gaeilge) is the everyday spoken language of a people who live and work in Galway’s cultural heartland. People here switch from Irish to English and vice-versa with ease and their English is peppered with Gaeilge phrases. Here is a treasure house of all that is best in rich Irish heritage, culture, Irish sports and folklore where people still sing and dance in the old traditional manner.

Driving westwards along Galway’s coast, the variation in landscape will strike you. On the left is Galway Bay and the powerful Atlantic and to your right is Connemara, a scenic vista of bogs, valleys and lakes whose spectacular intricate coastline encloses the dramatic Twelve Pins (Na Beanna Beola) and Maamturk Mountains. Quiet little roads wind through the majestic landscape and lead you from village to village. Still unspoiled and relatively unexplored, you will find clean beaches, scenic walks, peace and quiet and regardless of where you turn you are never far from the sea.

Just off the coast, in the mouth of Galway Bay, lie the three Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. These islands are renowned for their unique way of life, where age-old traditions co-exist comfortably with modern living. The island have a rich history that can be seen from their ancient monuments, from both prehistoric and Christian times.


What to expect in the Galway Gaeltacht


Gaeltacht FAQs

Is Irish spoken in Galway?
Although English has been the first language of most Irish people since the early 19th century, Irish is spoken as a first language in rural areas of County Galway, mainly in South Connemara and in each of the Aran Islands.
Is Connemara a Gaeltacht?
Connemara, particularly southern Connemara from Bearna to Carna is one of Ireland’s few remaining strongholds of the Irish language and is the largest Gaeltacht region in Ireland.

About the Irish Language

Irish was the main language of the Irish people for most of their recorded history, and they brought it with them to other countries, notably Scotland and the Isle of Man, where it gave rise to Scottish Gaelic.

Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger percentage of the population. Today the estimated amount of speakers range from 40k to 80k people. In the republic, there are just over 73k people who use Irish as a daily language outside education, as well as a larger minority of the population who are fluent but do not use it on a daily. The decline began under English rule in the seventeenth century. By the end of British rule, the language was spoken by less than 15% of the national population.

Discover the highlights and best attractions of the Galway Gaeltacht region below.

Best Rate Hotels

Powered by Booking.com
We Price Match
No Booking Fees
FREE cancellation on most rooms!

loading