LANGUAGE

The westernmost part of the Iveragh Peninsula is a designated Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area, taking in such geo-communities as The Glen (An Gleann), Ballinskelligs (Baile an Sceilg), Dromod (An Dromaid) and Caherdaniel (Cathair Donall).

Some 150 years ago, 90 % of the population of the Iveragh Peninsula claimed to be Irish speakers. Unfortunately, declining populations together with an influx of English traditions has brought about the current situation whereby the use of the Irish language as the primary language is slowly becoming the reserve of older generations. At present, the Gaeltacht has a population of some 1,700 people lying within its boundaries. It is feared that without intervention there is a risk that the area may lose its Gaeltacht status and more worryingly, the traditions associated with the language.
However, in recent years great strides have been made to reverse this trend, mainly through the work of local community groups and organisations such as Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uibh Ráthaigh which has been instrumental in providing language services such as Irish classes, language assistants for schools, language support services for parents together with dedicated events throughout the year. In addition, since 1999 Coláiste na Sceilge, Cahersiveen (the only Secondary School in the area) has been offering the curriculum through Irish.
In recent months, Kerry Geopark has been working with Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uibh Ráthaigh on ways of promoting the Irish language within the Geopark area.