- Oireachtas na hEorpa takes place in Brussels on 3 December 2026.
- The event features sean-nós singing, dancing and music.
- It traces the journey of Irish speakers to Europe over 1500 years.
- The performance is in Irish with English and French supertitles.
- Ireland holds the EU Presidency from July to December 2026.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD has announced Oireachtas na hEorpa Glórtha Gael ag Treisiú Ceangal 1500 Bliain will take place in Brussels on 3 December 2026. The event is presented by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in partnership with An tOireachtas. The evening brings together sean-nós singing dancing and music with lúibíní and storytelling.
The performance traces the journey of Irish speakers to Europe over 1500 years from Columbanus to the Irish Colleges of Paris Salamanca Leuven and Rome. It will be performed in Irish with English and French supertitles. Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026.
Minister Calleary noted St Columbanus showed that an Irish speaker from the edge of Europe could help shape its future. Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha of An tOireachtas noted the event celebrates the enduring cultural bonds between Ireland and Europe. The event takes place at the Albert Hall in Brussels at 8pm.
Dara Calleary shared “More than fourteen centuries ago, St Columbanus showed that an Irish speaker from the edge of Europe could help shape its future. His legacy reminds us that the Irish language has a place not only in our past, but in the Europe of today.”
Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha shared “An tOireachtas is honoured to present this original artistic production, celebrating the enduring cultural bonds between Ireland and Europe, from the pioneering journeys of Saint Columbanus in the late sixth century to the vibrant connections of today, as Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.”
