The History of the Irish Language

The Irish language, or Gaeilge, is one of the oldest living Celtic languages, dating back over a thousand years. Historically, it was the dominant language of Ireland, especially before English influence increased from the 16th century onward. Colonization, land confiscations, and political suppression led to a decline in Irish speakers, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite these challenges, Irish remained a cultural identity marker and was revived as a national language with the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. Today, efforts continue to promote Irish in education, media, and daily life, preserving its rich heritage.