Happy Birthday in Irish

Observed around the world, St. Patrick’s Day is a chance for everyone to embrace the Irish culture, regardless of where they are or what their heritage might be. It’s a day to don yourself in green, enjoy a parade if your town has one, and grab a pint of Guinness, if you’re so inclined. However, these common activities aren’t the only tactics to “be a little Irish” on March 17th. Instead, there are plenty of opportunities to authentically delve deeper into the Irish culture. Perhaps one of the best ways to partake in the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day, and honor the Irish, is to learn a little more about them.

For many people, Irish-language literature conjures images of rural Gaeltacht life, traditional values and Catholic conservatism. However, a growing and vibrant body of work is challenging that assumption – and has been doing so, quietly at first, for longer than you might expect.