This study examines the impact of the ‘20-Year Strategy for the
Irish Language 2010-2030’. This policy works toward the promotion and
revival of Irish language usage in Ireland, particularly in the Gaeltacht (Irish
speaking) regions. The research aims at ascertaining how this policy has been
received by the population and assessing its effects, so far, on Irish speaking
communities. Taking an ethnographic approach, the research involved
participant observation and interviews conducted at twelve sites covering a
variety of locations, including villages, towns and islands located in the seven
Gaeltacht regions. Initial findings show the heterogeneous character of Irishspeaking regions problematic for centrally imposed policy.