By Evelyn Cullen
A MONTHLY Irish-language group for parents and toddlers is providing a warm and welcoming space for families to connect, chat and play through Irish in Letterkenny Library.
Tuistí agus Tachráin, which takes place once a month, offers parents and their young children the chance to meet in a relaxed, cosy environment where Irish is spoken naturally and informally.
The group is held in a bright, spacious and comfortable room within Letterkenny Library, with plenty of toys available to keep little ones entertained while parents enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.
The sessions are run by Líonra Leitir Ceanainn, the organisation responsible for developing and promoting the Irish language in the Letterkenny area.
Aisling McGee of Líonra Leitir Ceanainn said the group plays an important role in encouraging families in the area to use Irish from an early age.
“Mas mian linn páistí a thógáil le Gaeilge caithfear iad a sú isteach sa teanga ón tús. Cruthaíonn Túistí agus Tachráin atmaisféar ré- chúiseach sóisialta ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge a labhairt go nádúrtha, ionas go dtig leis na páisti an teanga a sú isteach trí súgradh agus cumarsáid,” she said.
“If we want to raise children with Irish, it’s so important that they are exposed to it and using it from a young age,” she said.
“Tuistí agus Tachráin gives parents a relaxed, social setting where Irish is spoken naturally and where children can hear and absorb the language through play and interaction.”
“Chan rang foghlamtha atá ann, an sprioc atá againn ná spás compordach a chrúthú do thuismitheoirí ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge croí lárnach agus ina bhfuil tacaíochta cuí ann do thuismitheoirì,” she added.
“It’s not about formal learning, it’s about creating a comfortable space where Irish is part of everyday life, and where parents can support each other.”
One mum who attends the group said she looks forward to it every month.
“It’s lovely to get out of the house and meet other mums while speaking Irish,” she said.
“It can be hard to find opportunities to use the language day-to-day, especially with young children, so this gives us a way to keep it going in a really relaxed way.”
“The room in the library is gorgeous; bright, warm and full of toys, so the kids are happy, and we get to have a chat over a cup of tea.”
Tuistí agus Tachráin is free to attend and open to parents of young children who have Irish, whether fluent or at a conversational level. The group welcomes parents who want to introduce Gaeilge to their children in a friendly, social setting and connect with other parents doing the same.
For more information contact Líonra Leitir Ceannainn www.lionralc.i
