The Feis Movement

The Feis Movement was an 19th-century Gaelic revival effort aimed at promoting Irish culture, language, and heritage. Centered around the traditional Irish arts—especially music, dance, and language—it sought to strengthen Irish identity during a period of political and social change. Feis (plural: feiseanna) events functioned as festivals and competitions, encouraging community participation and cultural preservation. These gatherings played a key role in reinvigorating Irish traditions, fostering pride, and resisting Anglicization. Today, similar events continue worldwide, celebrating Irish culture and heritage through music, dance, and language contests.