Na Doirse Oscailte

Bringing Irish to life outside the classroom through play and games for newly arrived children in Ireland.

Na Doirse Oscailte is an innovative youth programme in Tallaght, designed for children and young people who are newly arrived in Ireland. Through imaginative use of play, games, mini‑drama, music and art, the club brings Irish alive outside the school environment and creates a welcoming, vibrant space where every child feels included.

The approach is based on natural learning: children should not feel academic pressure; instead, language skills and social confidence are developed through interaction and fun.

The project was founded by Ellen Ní Bhroin and Saoirse Nic Cárthaigh, and it is planned to expand in 2026, placing Irish at the heart of new communities in a pioneering way. There is a strong emphasis on volunteer training and collaboration with schools, community offices and local groups to build lasting connections between new families and the local community.

An evaluation process has been put in place to measure the club’s impact and to ensure it delivers tangible results in participation, language development and social inclusion.

As a result of the programme, children develop language skills in a safe and stimulating environment, while families and the wider community receive support in engaging with a new language.

Na Doirse Oscailte is a practical example of how language and culture can be placed at the centre of community interaction, creating a strong foundation for a new generation in urban life.

For more information and inspiration: see the 5‑Step Guide.

How-to Guide

Follow these steps to successfully launch your programme

Establish the core aim: to create a creative, playful and welcoming space where newly arrived children can use Irish naturally.
Write a short project description: what it is, why it exists, and the impact you want to achieve.
Identify the target group: newly arrived primary‑school children.
Create a management structure: who leads, who facilitates, who supports.

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Na Doirse Oscailte

Bringing Irish to life outside the classroom through play and games for newly arrived children in Ireland.

Steps Start this idea

The approach is based on natural learning: children should not feel academic pressure; instead, language skills and social confidence are developed through interaction and fun.

An evaluation process has been put in place to measure the club’s impact and to ensure it delivers tangible results in participation, language development and social inclusion.

As a result of the programme, children develop language skills in a safe and stimulating environment, while families and the wider community receive support in engaging with a new language.

Na Doirse Oscailte is a practical example of how language and culture can be placed at the centre of community interaction, creating a strong foundation for a new generation in urban life.

For more information and inspiration: see the 5‑Step Guide.

How-to Guide

Follow these steps to successfully launch your programme

Establish the core aim: to create a creative, playful and welcoming space where newly arrived children can use Irish naturally.
Write a short project description: what it is, why it exists, and the impact you want to achieve.
Identify the target group: newly arrived primary‑school children.
Create a management structure: who leads, who facilitates, who supports.

Related Ideas

Explore more programmes that might interest you

Féile na bhFéidearthachtaí
Providing a platform for new ideas around public services through Irish, inspiring long‑term, everyday use of the language.
Communities & FamiliesStaff
Fáilte Fite Fuaite
A community festival creating over 3,000 opportunities to use Irish by bringing newly arrived learners and the wider public together to celebrate and practise the language.
Arts & CultureCommunities & Families
Díolúine
Teenagers with exemptions from Irish creating music through Irish.
Arts & CultureCommunities & Families
Foraois
Growing Irish‑speaking communities around Gaelscoileanna by building relationships with the language beyond the school gates.
Communities & FamiliesYouth

View all programmes

Na Doirse Oscailte

How-to Guide

Defining the Project & Setting the Vision

Finding Partners & Securing Support

Organising Resources & Logistics

Recruitment & Promotion

Implementation, Evaluation & Continuity

Related Ideas

Na Doirse Oscailte

How-to Guide

Defining the Project & Setting the Vision

Finding Partners & Securing Support

Organising Resources & Logistics

Recruitment & Promotion

Implementation, Evaluation & Continuity

Related Ideas