Where to practice Cúpla Focal in South Kerry

Rain or shine, South Kerry is one of the best places in Ireland to bring your cúpla focal to life — with cafés, saunas, festivals, and even guided walks all welcoming Irish speakers of every level.

In South Kerry there has been a 10% increase in the number of Daily Irish Speakers outside the education system, making it the perfect place to practice and enjoy the language in everyday settings.

The 'Gaeltacht areas' here are The Glen, Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs), am tImleach Mór (Emlaghmore), An Dromaid (Dromid), An Lóthar (Loher) and An Gleann Mór (Glenmore), Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane) and areas around Caherdaniel. This, however, **does not mean** you are limited to speaking Irish solely within these areas — it is very much welcomed all across the Iveragh Peninsula.

Here are some of the best places and events where you can immerse yourself in Gaeilge in South Kerry:

🍵Cafe Cois Trá

Located in the heart of Baile an Sceilg, this beachside laid-back café welcomes Irish speakers through its doors gach lá. Pop in for a cuppa, order your coffee as Gaeilge if you like, or even a quick 'Dia Dhuit' ,  before soaking up the cosy atmosphere. With locals passing through, you might catch a conversation or two in Irish.

@cafecoistra

🔥Sána Gaeilge le Skellig Sauna

The original wood-fired wild sauna in South Kerry is already a unique experience — but every Friday there’s a 45-minute slot dedicated to practising Irish while you sweat it out. For just €10, you can join other language enthusiasts for a relaxed social seisiún.

All levels are welcome, from beginners to fluent speakers.

@skelligsauna

🎶Aon Scéal

This annual festival in Iveragh celebrates the Irish language through people, heritage, and place. Taking place each September, the programme includes music, storytelling, cultural evenings, dance, and much more — all across the Gaeltacht areas.

This year’s festival runs 19–22 September, so be sure to join in and soak up the culture through Irish.

@aonscealur

🗣️Cupán 's Comhrá

A laid-back coffee-and-conversation morning, Cupán ’s Comhrá is perfect for practising, learning, and listening to Irish alongside locals and visitors. Meeting roughly every two weeks in cafés around Cahersiveen, this rotating gathering welcomes total beginners and fluent speakers alike.

Led by Cahersiveen’s language planning officer, it’s a brilliant initiative keeping Gaeilge alive in the community. 

@cslegaeilge

🚶‍♀️Siúlóid as Gaeilge

If getting outdoors is more your style, the Irish language walks are a hidden gem. Led by expert Irish speakers in the heart of the Gaeltacht, these summer walks combine conversation with local heritage: flora and fauna, placenames, geology, and more — all through Irish.

Don’t worry if your Irish is rusty; you’ll be warmly welcomed by friendly faces and fellow learners. 

@cslegaeilge

Stay Connected

Aside from the activities above, there are countless other ways to practise Irish in South Kerry — from cultural events to casual chats in pubs and cafés.

To stay up to date with what’s happening locally, check out:

• @bri.uibh.rathaigh
• @cairdeuibhrathaigh
• @ballinskelligs.community
• @anbothan

Whether you’re ordering a coffee, joining a sauna session, stepping into a festival, or walking through the Gaeltacht, practising Irish in South Kerry is about connection — with the people, the place, and the culture. So don’t be shy: give your cúpla focal a try!