Shutterstock / Eiko Tsuchiya Shutterstock / Eiko Tsuchiya / Eiko Tsuchiya

LEARNING HOW TO spell words like úll, madra and cáca in Junior Infants is start of a linguistic journey for people all over Ireland. It’s a journey that usually continues at least until we leave secondary education.

In some cases, the journey can spark a lifelong love of the language, while for others it’s viewed as more of a hassle than a pleasure. Whatever your experience of learning Irish, the language has always been a part of our culture – but how we use it is changing.

Bank of Ireland this week introduced new ATMs that no longer offer the option to conduct your transaction as Gaeilge. It’s a move that Sinn Féin have called “a backwards step” and “very disappointing.”

While our ATMs may not feature any Irish-isms, our social media has plenty. In fact, next week will see the publication of a new Irish language book, Motherfoclóir, based on the popular Twitter account @theirishfor. The account offers approachable Irish to nearly 25,000 followers.

As creator Darach Ó Séaghdha explains: “Getting into the Irish language community isn’t something that will cost you to do. It’s not school-driven. And people really seem to have a genuine interest in it.”

So, tell us, is it important for you that your kids learn Irish?

Stay updated by following the Family Magazine on Facebook and Twitter – and don’t forget to enter this week’s competition for a two-night family staycation at the five-star Heritage Killenard!