S2 #10 Poetry, Mythology, and the Power of the Irish Language - A Conversation with Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill

In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, one of the most celebrated poets writing in the Irish language and a former Ireland Professor of Poetry. Together, they explore how learning Irish (Gaeilge) can go far beyond grammar and vocabulary, opening powerful pathways into identity, heritage, and belonging. Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional power of Irish — from family connections and memory to the deep cultural meanings embedded within words. This episode reminds us that Irish is not simply something to learn — it is something to experience, feel, and live. A Note on TimingThis episode was recorded on 29 March 2026. During the conversation, Finghin refers to an interview with Gabriel Rosenstock that had appeared in the Sunday Independent the week before, as well as to a documentary that was due to air the following Sunday, which was Easter Sunday. Since the recording of this episode, Gabriel Rosenstock has sadly passed away. Beannachtaí Dé air This Episode Celebrates: * The role of storytelling in learning Irish * The power of etymology and folklore to unlock meaning * The emotional connection between language, identity, and heritage * The importance of accessibility and community in language revival If you’ve ever felt disconnected from Irish — or unsure where to begin — this episode will inspire you to start again. Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notifications on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Podcast Notes Growing Up Between Languages Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill reflects on her childhood between England and Ireland and her early immersion in Irish upon returning to the Gaeltacht in West Kerry. Her experience highlights how language shapes identity and belonging from an early age. The Gaeltacht and the Power of Storytelling Influenced by the rich oral traditions of the Gaeltacht, Ní Dhomhnaill developed a deep appreciation for folklore and storytelling. These formative experiences would later inspire her distinctive poetic voice. Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

Mythology, Folklore, and the Creative Imagination Drawing from Irish mythology and the National Folklore Collection, her work explores themes of transformation, memory, and the subconscious. Her iconic mermaid (merrow) poems exemplify her ability to bridge ancient tradition with contemporary thought. Writing in Irish: A Lifelong Commitment Ní Dhomhnaill discusses her decision to write primarily in Irish, describing it as a language of discovery, creativity, and authenticity. Her work has brought Irish-language poetry to international audiences through translation and has played a pivotal role in the modern literary revival. Free Irish Learning Resources If you enjoyed this episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan and want to continue your Irish language journey: Access free Irish learning resources, stay updated on upcoming episodes, and receive exclusive content. Sign up here: Free ResourcesThe Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free Resources You can also follow my writing on Substack: Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.

A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adult Slán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan More on N