Irish Culture and Heritage Day to take place on 29 September in Stockbridge

The Consulate General of Ireland is delighted to announce that this year’s Irish Culture and Heritage Day will take place at The Grange Cricket Club in Stockbridge on Sunday 29 September 2019.

The event, hosted by the Consulate General of Ireland, the sporting organisation Scotland GAA, and Conradh na Gaeilge Glasgow, which works to promote the Irish language in Scotland, will take place from 12 noon to 6.00pm and is free to attend.

The Irish Culture and Heritage Day invites Irish people and those interested in Ireland to celebrate Irish culture, music, language, dance, and sport.  There will be an opportunity to explore Irish heritage in one of two genealogy workshops, as well as to learn about the work of Irish organisations in Scotland.  Storytelling, inflatables, face-painting and a balloon artist, together with a children’s Irish Céili will provide plenty of children’s entertainment.  Catering and bar facilities will be available throughout the day.

Consul General of Ireland in Scotland, Jane McCulloch, said: “The Consulate General of Ireland is delighted to host the third Edinburgh Irish Culture and Heritage Day, an annual celebration for the Irish community in Scotland. We welcome the various strands of the Irish community from Edinburgh and across Scotland, and anyone with an interest in Irish culture.

“The event will have something for everyone – so whether you want to enjoy a traditional Irish music session or experience Irish dancing and sport, the day will be enjoyable for all the family.  As I’ve recently arrived in Edinburgh, I look forward to meeting many members of the Irish community and friends of Ireland on 29 September,”  

Niall Considine, Irish Culture and Heritage Day Committee and Scotland GAA, said: “The Irish Cultural Day has quickly become an important day for the Irish community in Scotland. However, it also embraces the wider Scottish community and this is particularly evident in the Gaelic football tournaments.

“The women’s and men’s 7 a side Gaelic football tournaments includes a number of university teams who always have a range of nationalities represented. However, it’s the youth games that really showcase the cultural diversity of the day and it’s very rewarding to see children from so many cultural backgrounds embrace our sport. Last year it was wonderful to see the cultural diversity of modern Scotland showcased by children playing Ireland’s most popular sport. With growing numbers of children playing Gaelic football in Scotland this should be reflected in this year’s games again.”

Evin Downey, Irish Language and Development Officer for Conradh na Gaeilge in Glasgow, said: “Conradh na Gaeilge Glaschú are delighted to once again support this year’s Irish Culture and Heritage Day in Edinburgh. We will be running Irish language taster sessions and a Pop-Up Gaeltacht on the day as well as giving out information on Irish language activities in the city. 

“The Irish language community in Edinburgh is vibrant and growing all the time and we look forward to seeing another big crowd on the day. We encourage everyone to use their cúpla focal, a few words of Irish, on the day!  Bígí linn – Come join us!”