For a lot of people, speaking Irish conjures up memories of exams, textbooks and teachers who didn’t take kindly to blank stares. Bolands Mills has other ideas.
The historic Factory at Bolands Mills is hosting a night this Friday, June 19th, that makes the case for Gaeilge as it rarely gets presented – fast, funny and open to everyone, regardless of how many verbs you’ve forgotten since school.
A Giggle as Gaeilge is an intimate, free ticketed event that marks a major addition to Dublin’s cultural calendar, inviting audiences to reconnect with the Irish language in a completely relaxed, high-energy environment. Whether you’re a fluent Gaeilgeoir or someone whose Irish starts and ends at “tá sé go maith,” there’s a seat for you!
The night is hosted by Cúán de Búrca – TG4 presenter, writer and digital creator – and brings together a strong line-up of comedic talent from across Ireland.
Headlining is Hugh Carr, the Donegal-born comedian and broadcaster who currently presents Weekend Breakfast on RTÉ 2FM. A regular at Electric Picnic, Oireachtas na Samhna and Féile na Gealaí, Hugh has established himself as one of the most recognisable voices in Irish-language entertainment.
Aideen McQueen joins him on the bill. A rising name in Irish comedy with credits across RTÉ, TG4 and the BBC, Aideen has shared stages with Dylan Moran and Frankie Boyle and has a reputation for sharp, fearless material.
Also performing is Julie Jay – award-winning comedian, columnist and broadcaster, and a familiar voice on RTÉ Radio 1 and Today FM. Her storytelling balances warmth and darkness in a way that tends to stick with audiences long after the show ends.
Rounding out the night is Áine Gallagher, named “one to watch” by The Irish Times and known for her work making Gaeilge more accessible. For Bolands BEO, Áine will perform a special interactive version of her show For the Love of Milseáin – a relaxed, entertaining invitation to find your inner Gaeilgeoir.
The event takes place in The Factory, the cultural venue at the heart of the Bolands Mills site that has become a go-to space for creativity and community in the Docklands since opening. Legendary acts such as U2, David Bowie, and Britney Spears have all spent time at The Factory recording and rehearsing over the years. With additional businesses due to open soon and a host of events scheduled, Bolands Mills continues to evolve as one of the most exciting destinations in Dublin.
Punctuating the Docklands skyline for over 150 years, Bolands Mills has always been a fundamental part of the social and economic life of the area. The site played a significant role in the Easter Rising in 1916 when the buildings were famously occupied by rebel forces, cementing their place in history. The journey to restore the site is now complete, showcasing an exciting blend of old and new.
Tickets are free, with a €10 fully refundable deposit to hold your place – returned when you check in on the night. Fluent, rusty or somewhere in between, this is an Irish language event built around laughs rather than lessons.
For updates on upcoming events, follow Bolands Mills on Instagram and TikTok or visit bolandsmills.com.
