7,100 rail users back Irish language push as Iarnród Éireann seeks new phrases

More than 7,100 people responded to a 2025 survey by Iarnród Éireann and Conradh na Gaeilge, providing data for a new customer-facing initiative. The rail operator is now asking the public to identify specific phrases they want included in a new Gaeilge Pocket Phrase Card.

The campaign launched at Killarney Train Station. It is designed to give passengers practical Irish vocabulary for common travel situations. These include asking for train times, locating platforms, ordering coffee, and starting conversations with other riders.

Submissions are open through an online survey until 5 pm on Monday, 30 November 2026. The guide will complement existing services such as Fáinne On Board and internal staff training programs. The goal is to make everyday Irish conversation more accessible to commuters.

Previous survey data shows that over 65% of respondents felt positive about hearing Irish spoken on trains. However, more than one-third cited a lack of opportunities to use the language as a barrier to speaking it more frequently. The new resource aims to address that gap.

The launch event in Killarney coincided with Oireachtas na Samhna, an annual festival of Irish-language arts running from 28 October to 1 November. Local musicians from Brú Ceoil performed traditional music for travelers. Iarnród Éireann also sponsored the inaugural Croí Choláiste na Féile competition, which offers a €1,000 prize to the winning third-level Cumainn Ghaelacha society.