Why Do We Believe Irish Language Myths?

– A Conversation with Colm Ó Broin

Season 2 - Episode #8

In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Colm Ó Broin, Irish language advocate, researcher, writer, and campaigner with Conradh na Gaeilge.

Together, they explore the myths, misconceptions, and attitudes that continue to shape how Irish people think about their native language. From growing up through the Gaelscoil system in Clondalkin to working in Irish-language journalism and leading a nationwide myth-busting campaign, Colm shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Irish today.

Throughout the conversation, Colm reflects on the importance of questioning assumptions about Irish, the role of Gaelscoileanna in shaping positive attitudes towards the language, the future of the Gaeltacht, and why language should be valued for far more than its perceived practical usefulness. He also discusses how historical attitudes towards Irish continue to influence modern perceptions and explores what a more confident relationship with the language might look like.

This episode reminds us that language is not simply a tool for communication. It is also a connection to place, history, identity, culture, and community.

This Episode Celebrates:

The power of challenging myths and misconceptions about Irish
The role of Gaelscoileanna in language revitalisation
The importance of community-led Irish language initiatives
The rich linguistic heritage that exists throughout Ireland, including beyond today’s Gaeltacht regions

If you’ve ever wondered why certain negative narratives about Irish persist, why bilingualism is viewed differently in Ireland than elsewhere, or what the future of the language might look like, this episode is for you.

S2 #8 Why Do We Believe Irish Language Myths?: A Conversation with Colm Ó Broin by Finghin Mac Cárthaigh

A Conversation with Colm Ó Broin

Read on Substack

Podcast Notes

Growing Up Through Irish

Colm reflects on his experience attending Naíonra Chrónáin, Scoil Chrónáin and Coláiste Chilliain in Clondalkin and how Irish became a natural part of his life from an early age.

East Timor and a Different Perspective on Language

After spending time teaching English in East Timor, Colm encountered a society where multilingualism was completely normal. The experience led him to question why bilingualism is often treated as unusual or problematic in Ireland.

Busting the Myths About Irish

Colm discusses his work with Conradh na Gaeilge, examining common misconceptions about Irish, including claims that it is a dead language, impractical, elitist, or disconnected from modern life. He explains why these myths persist and what they reveal about wider attitudes towards language and identity.

The Future of Irish and the Gaeltacht

The conversation explores the challenges facing Gaeltacht communities, the growth of Irish outside traditional Gaeltacht areas, and the importance of supporting language transmission within families and communities.

Rediscovering Leinster’s Irish Language Heritage

Colm shares his research into the historical dialects of Irish spoken throughout Leinster and explains why understanding local language heritage can help people reconnect with Irish in a meaningful way.

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:
The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free Resources

Slán tamall,
Finghin Mac Cárthaigh
Host – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teanga

Free Irish Learning Resources

If you enjoyed this episode and want to continue your Irish language journey, you can access free Irish learning resources, receive updates on upcoming episodes, and get exclusive content through my Substack.

There you’ll find a community for adults learning the Irish language, where you can also follow my writing and receive my weekly newsletter.

More on Colm Ó Broin

Colm Ó Broin was born and raised in Clondalkin, Dublin, and attended Naíonra Chrónáin, Scoil Chrónáin and Coláiste Chilliain. His love of the Irish language grew after spending time in East Timor teaching English. Experiencing life in a multilingual society led him to question why Ireland often makes such a “song and dance” about bilingualism.

After returning to Ireland, Colm studied communications and worked with the Irish-language newspapers Lá and Gaelscéal. He now works in the non-profit sector but continues to contribute actively to public conversations about the Irish language, language attitudes, and language policy.

While working in journalism, Colm became increasingly interested in the myths and misconceptions frequently repeated about Irish. This led him to develop a myth-busting campaign with Conradh na Gaeilge that examines common claims about the language and their impact on public attitudes. The campaign has included public talks, webinars, educational resources for teachers, YouTube videos, media appearances, and a TEDx Talk.

Colm’s writing has appeared in The Irish Times, TheJournal.ie and other publications, and he has been interviewed on RTÉ Radio 1, Raidió na Gaeltachta, Raidió na Life, Raidió Fáilte and BBC Radio. He believes that myths and misunderstandings about Irish continue to have a real and negative effect on the language, and much of his work focuses on challenging those assumptions through evidence, history, and public discussion.

Learn more about Colm here:

Free Irish Learning Resources Guide

Whether you are just starting out or have already begun your language learning journey, I have compiled a collection of resources that should help you along the way.