Conradh na Gaeilge is a membership organisation and democratic forum for the Irish-speaking community, working to promote Irish and represent the interests of Irish speakers and Gaeltacht communities. It was founded in Dublin on 31 July 1893, after a meeting called by Eoin Mac Néill; Douglas Hyde was elected its first president. 12
The organisation’s work combines language promotion with advocacy. It campaigns on issues including Irish-language rights, education, public services and legislation, using lobbying, submissions and public information activities. It also provides Irish-language classes and runs community and youth projects intended to support people in using the language. 13
Its activities include Seachtain na Gaeilge, an international Irish-language festival held annually in March. The organisation also supports Irish-language initiatives such as the Gaeilge24 challenge and manages resources including the Irish-language information hub SCÉAL.ie and the bookshop An Siopa Leabhar. 141
Conradh na Gaeilge is headquartered at 6 Harcourt Street in Dublin, Ireland, and has a network of more than 200 branches. Its membership and branches extend beyond Ireland: the organisation describes its branch network as operating across 22 countries, giving it an international reach alongside its work across the island of Ireland. 515
The organisation’s current president, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, was elected at its Ard-Fheis in February 2025. 11