Family Weekend in the Donegal Gaeltacht with Teanga Tí

Families from Co. Tyrone, Co. Antrim, Co. Down, Co. Derry and Co. Donegal gathered together in Dún Lúiche for our first Family Weekend in the area. The weekend focused on families who are raising their children through Irish, and for some families it was their very first time attending an event of this kind.

Fun and Games on Friday

We stayed in the Errigal Youth Hostel (https://www.anoige.ie/errigal-hostel), where the facilities were excellent and the service was provided in Irish from start to finish. The weekend began with an evening full of fun, games and conversation. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to make new friends and for parents to connect with other families on the same language journey.

Stories, Adventures and Waves on Saturday

Saturday was packed with fun and laughter. We began with a storytelling session with Suzanne Uí Ghallchóir. We then continued on to Ionad Cois Locha (https://www.dunleweycentre.ie/ga/), where we transformed into sailors on the boat trip, train drivers on the train ride, and had great fun in the playground and on the bumper cars and pedal boats. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the café before heading to Machaire Rabhartaigh for a surfing session with Narosa Surf (https://narosalife.com/). There were water games and fun for the children under the age of six. The sun came out and everyone had a wonderful time as we looked out towards Inis Bó Finne and Tory Island.

The hunger and tiredness was starting to set in so we headed back to the accommodation for dinner. After dinner we had some downtime while preparing for the Talent Show. Líofa (https://www.instagram.com/liofa.music/) joined us to help out as our accompaniment, every kind of talent and creativity was on display: musical instruments, singing, tongue twisters, dancing and even judo. By this stage everyone needed a rest, and we were all ready to relax and put the feet up while watching a film in Irish with a few treats, a peaceful end to the day.

All of the services we received on Saturday were provided through Irish, and we would like to express our thanks to the businesses for offering such excellent service as Gaeilge. It greatly enhanced the experience for the children in particular.

Sunday’s farewell to Gleanntáin Ghlas Ghaoth Dobhair

After packing up and checking out, the families enjoyed wonderful fun in the playground at An Screabán before heading home. Everyone said their goodbyes, and each family left with lovely memories of fun and friends.

Plans for the 2027 Family Weekend are already underway, and everyone is excited to return to the Donegal Gaeltacht for the next adventure.

If you would like more information, please contact Sinéad at sinead@glornangael.ie