Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has planned free events for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026 during March. The lineup covers Irish language courses, conversation groups, music gatherings, storytelling for children and school activities. Funding comes from the District Council Good Relations Programme through the Executive Office under the Together: Building a United Community strategy.

One-day courses run on 7 March at Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim from 9.30am to 2.30pm and at Ionad Teaghlaigh Ghleann Darach in Crumlin from 10am to 2.30pm. Sessions suit beginners, advanced beginners and those refreshing basic skills, with lessons, conversations, activities, lunch and refreshments.

A conversation group occurs on 7 March from 10am to 12pm at St Enda’s GAA in Glengormley, providing practice space with tea, coffee and refreshments. On 11 March from 11am to 2pm, Ionad Teaghlaigh Ghleann Darach hosts a drop-in mixing talk, music and tea.

Storyteller Martina Caughey leads children’s stories and rhymes on 14 March from 10.30am to 11.30am at Glengormley Library. The council produces an animation using pupil voices from Naiscoil na Fiobha, Naiscoil Ghleann Darach, Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach and Gaelscoil Éanna for social media sharing.

Schoolchildren join ceili dances at Theatre at The Mill with McAuley Céilí Band and at the Old Courthouse with caller Ronan Eastwood. The Good Relations Team arranges nursery and primary school resources like story packs, daily words, phrases and an optional myths and legends dress-up day. Deputy Mayor Councillor Julie Gilmour noted opportunities for all ages to engage with Irish language and culture. Booking details appear at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/SnaG26.