Generation Gaeilge: New Research Reveals Powerful Surge in Irish Among Young Adults

The Irish language is thriving among young adults, according to a major new national study conducted by Amárach Research in collaboration with Gaelchultúr and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The research, carried out in December 2025, examined public attitudes towards the language and the Gaeltacht. More than half of respondents (51%) report some level of fluency and a striking 68% of adults nationally say they want to improve their Irish. This ambition is particularly strong among younger generations, with 73% of those under 35 expressing a clear desire to strengthen their language skills.

Crucially, younger adults are not only expressing intent – they are also already engaging with the language. Over half of under 35s (52%) report using Irish in at least one setting, while 47% of adults under 25 state that they use the language socially and/or with friends. This cohort also show exceptionally strong support for cultural visibility, with 93% agreeing that artists and public figures using Irish positively influence perceptions of the language.

Among 18-24-year-olds, 73% want to see more Irish used by businesses and public organisations. This marks a significant rise compared to the 48% reported for the same age group in 2024, signalling a clear and sustained upward trend in enthusiasm for the language among young adults.

Recognition of the role of Irish also extends into public life. Notably, 74% of adults under 25 believe it is important that politicians, elected councillors and local representatives have the ability to speak Irish. This reflects a generation that expects the language to be visible and functional at leadership level, reinforcing its role not only as a cultural asset but as a core part of Ireland’s civic and democratic life.

Commenting on this shift, Darren Ó Rodaigh, CEO of Gaelchultúr, stated: ‘What we are seeing is a generation that expects to encounter Irish in everyday life – not just in classrooms, but in workplaces, public services and across the commercial sector. The sharp increase since 2024 shows growing confidence and ambition among young adults. They are not only proud of the language; they want to see it visible, usable and valued in modern Ireland.’

Confidence in the future of the language is further strengthened by the finding that 45% of adults under 44 would choose Irish-medium education for their children or future children if it were available locally. This signals not only strong personal commitment, but a clear intention to pass the language on to future generations, with a growing cohort actively seeking greater access to Irish-language education and services for their families.

‘When younger adults express a clear preference for Irish-medium education for their children, it reflects long-term confidence in the language,’ says Gerard O Neill, Chairman of Amárach Research, ‘This is more than just goodwill – it represents forward planning and an expectation that Irish will continue to play a meaningful role in family, community and national life. From a research perspective, that level of intergenerational intent is a strong indicator of sustainability.’

Collectively, the findings point to a decisive generational shift. Younger adults are embracing the language as a living, practical and culturally powerful aspect of modern Ireland. With substantial everyday usage, growing expectations of business and public life, and a strong commitment to passing the language on to the next generation, the outlook is clear: Irish is gaining renewed energy and relevance.

Culture, Community and the Gaeltacht

The study adopted a distinctive methodology, including a booster sample of Gaeltacht residents, enabling meaningful comparison between perspectives inside and outside Irish-speaking regions. This approach provides deeper insight into attitudes towards community life, services and sustainability in the Gaeltacht.

Findings show strong national support for the Gaeltacht’s central role in safeguarding and strengthening the language. Eight in ten adults believe the Gaeltacht is important to the future of Irish, while 70% say it is important that businesses in Gaeltacht areas provide services through Irish.

Across all demographics, the Gaeltacht continues to be closely associated with language, culture, community and tradition, with women and older adults expressing particularly strong affinity. At the same time, respondents both within and outside the Gaeltacht highlight practical priorities – notably employment opportunities and affordable housing – as essential to ensuring sustainable, thriving Irish-speaking communities.

Commenting on the findings, Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said:

‘It is deeply encouraging to see such strong national recognition of the Gaeltacht’s place at the heart of Ireland’s linguistic and cultural future,’ said Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta. ‘This research shows a generation that sees Irish as a living, modern language; something to be used, celebrated and sustained. Continued investment in employment and services through Irish will be key to ensuring vibrant Gaeltacht communities for generations to come.’

For more information or to access the full study, click here