A strong, supportive public backs the Irish language, but major policy gaps remain: Céard é an Scéal? 2025
The 2025 edition of Céard é an Scéal? was launched today, Conradh na Gaeilge’s annual research series that examines public attitudes towards the Irish language. Now in its 11th year, the latest edition provides a comprehensive picture of people’s understanding across Ireland of the language, its future, and the policies shaping it.
Céard é an Scéal? was established in 2015 with funding from Foras na Gaeilge to deepen understanding of the Irish-language community and to gather reliable, nationwide evidence about attitudes relating to the language.
Below are some of the main findings from this year’s poll:
- 68% of people in the south believe that sustaining and strengthening Gaeltacht communities should be at the heart of any housing system operating in the Gaeltacht, with only 13% opposed.
- 61% in the south and 48% in the north agreed that the Government should provide more support for groups developing youth services through Irish.
- 73% of people in the south believe that every child should have the right to Irish-medium education at every level of the education system.
- 11% of those surveyed in the north indicated that they had experienced intimidation or harassment because of learning or using Irish.
- 61% of people in the south believe that more Irish-language third-level courses should be made available.
- 20% in the south and 23% in the north said they would use a state service through Irish if they were aware of it.
Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, said:
“Each year, Céard é an Scéal? gives us invaluable information on attitudes towards the Irish language, north and south. Strong, independent data like this strengthens every aspect of our work. These findings provide the evidence we need when lobbying politicians, ensuring that decisions on language rights, education and services reflect the real needs and wishes of the people. In addition to this, this research plays a vital role in debunking some of the myths surrounding public attitudes towards the Irish language. It is an essential resource in securing lasting progress for the Irish language.”
Cassie Ní Chatháin, Research and Analysis Executive with Conradh na Gaeilge, said:
“This year’s survey highlights the strong, positive shift in attitudes towards Irish, as well as the challenges that still face communities wishing to use it in their daily lives. A process of language reclamation is well underway among the public, but persistent, long-term problems and the absence of comprehensive policies continue to hamper that growth. The findings show that stronger action is needed from governments, north and south, to provide better services, stronger supports, and more opportunities for people to use Irish in their daily lives — especially for Gaeltacht communities, young people, and learners across the island.”
The full report is available at cnag.ie/céas
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CONTACT:
Cassie Ní Chatháin, Research and Analysis Executive
+44 (0)77 19143671 |
202 Falls Road, BT12 6AH
Julian de Spáinn, General Secretary
+353 (0)1 4757401 |
66 Camden St, BÁC 2
Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh, Communications Manager
+447716690237 |
202 Falls Road, BT12 6AH
Kate Ní Dhúbhlaoich, Communications Executive
+353 87 389 8255|
66 Camden St, Dublin 2
