*Photograph: Natasha Barton
Caint agus Comhrá, an Irish-speaking social group in Ennis, has expanded its weekly meetups to offer a gathering six days of the week.
Founded in 2012, Caint agus Comhrá’s mission is simple; to provide a space for speakers of all levels to converse in Irish without fear of judgment. Whether you are a gaeilgeoir dúchas (native speaker) or just beginning to learn a cúpla focal (a few words), this group creates an accepting and warm atmosphere that fosters both language learning and a sense of community.
What began as an occasional gathering has now grown to encompass six weekly events, each hosted at a different venue around Ennis. The group recently announced the addition of two new locations to their regular meetups. The new locations began on January 24 at The Market Bar. Since the announcement, Caint agus Comhrá have welcomed twenty new members.
Reg O’Rourke, one of the group’s founders, reflects on the group’s journey. “We started out meeting in the evenings and then moved to morning coffee times. Eventually, it expanded. We used to go to Suas, and it would be overcrowded, so we spread out, and now we have an Irish coffee morning every day”. The format remains relaxed and informal, with attendees breaking off into smaller groups to discuss everything from current events to sports to personal anecdotes.
One of the unique aspects of Caint agus Comhrá is its commitment to helping members feel confident and comfortable using Irish in their daily lives. Collin, an attendee at the Friday morning meeting pointed out his observation that many people, especially younger generations, find themselves hesitant to speak Irish due to past experiences in school, where mistakes were often met with criticism and “líne dearg mór” (a big red line). But Caint agus Comhrá is different, there is no pressure to be fóirfe (perfect). “We don’t correct anyone,” Reg says. “We help as much as we can, but it’s all about building confidence and just practicing”.
The group’s ethos of inclusivity is also reflected in its diverse membership. Some members, like Brían, grew up speaking Irish in the home, while others, like Collin, rediscovered their love for the language later in life.
Brían, who spent time living in Luxembourg as an adult, reflects on his experience with Irish in school. “When I was young, there was a lot of effort from the teachers,” he shares. “They instilled a love for the language in us, and it stayed with me. But now, I’m not sure that same effort is there in schools.”
That’s where groups like Caint agus Comhrá come in. They provide a vital space for people of all backgrounds to practice the language in an environment that values communication over perfection.
The focus of the group isn’t on perfection but on participation and connection. As Reg puts it, “We don’t care if you make a mistake or slip in an English word. Even native speakers mix in English words with their Irish.”
For many members, being part of Caint agus Comhrá is more than just an hour of conversation. It’s a way to feel connected to their heritage and to a community that values the Irish language. As Reg explains, “There is a lot of Irish in Ennis. It’s not just about speaking the language for one hour a day. When you are out walking on the street you may see someone you recognise from the group, and you feel comfortable speaking to them in Irish. It becomes a part of your daily life”.
Some of the cáinteoirí also attend an Irish language book club, which provides another opportunity for members to engage with the language in a more structured way. “When you have a conversation in Irish, you only use maybe 300 or 400 words—the ones you know,” says Collin, a regular participant. “But when you’re reading, you have to understand a lot more words. It’s a very interesting language, and I love studying it. It’s become a pastime.”
Over the past 13 years Caint agus Comhrá has transformed from a modest evening meetup into a full-fledged daily tradition, with gatherings happening in various locations across the town. The group meets at 11am on Monday in the Copper Jug, Tuesdays in Mondo, Wednesdays in O’Brien’s cafe, Friday in The Market Bar and on Saturdays in Glór Café. There is an evening get together on Thursdays in the Temple Gate at 8pm.
