The voice of young people is essential in planning Lá Mór na Gaeilge: we want to inspire teenagers to attend the festival and to involve them directly in its creation and organisation. The vision is clear — to empower young people through practical training that teaches them how to design, plan and deliver a festival programme.
Driven and delivered by BÁC le Gaeilge, with support from Ógras, we contacted every Gaelcholáiste in Dublin — especially Transition Year coordinators and principals — to recruit and support students. Participants were selected through interviews held in the Gaelcholáistí, followed by a ten‑week training programme.
Students learned practical skills: teamwork, leadership, audience engagement, site management, communication, content creation and event management. Each session had a monthly theme, and specialist guest speakers provided insights into music, tours and new ways of promoting Irish. As part of the programme, a learning trip to Wales was organised to study Tafwyl and other best practices.
More than a thousand extra people attended in 2025 compared with 2024 due to the social impact and energy generated by the students. Every participating student and teacher reported that the programme was one of the best experiences they had in school. Our aim is that students will use these skills to launch initiatives in their own communities and that a new generation of empowered cultural curators will emerge in Dublin.
For more info and inspiration: View our 5-Step Guide.
