Using the Irish language as a tool to repurpose a forgotten space;

A project from the height of Lockdown. 

Having felt a loss of connection to a language that encompassed nearly my entire life, a strong detachement from the land, and a lack of understanding of my family’s heritage, I wanted to create a safe-haven for the expression of the Irish language, similar to a Gaeltacht district, which would in turn contribute to its survival and reconnect me to my family and their land. The project resulted in a permanent purpose-built sanctuary for the celebration of the language on a small forgotten island across a river where my mother and her siblings played as children, laying untouched and overgrown for nearly 35 years. 

Being isolated from amenities during its realisation, I incorporated many artefacts from the surrounding environment in my design; reusing previously cut down trees and branches, rocks from the river as a border to the island, and turf from our bog to create the handmade lettering for the sign.

To mark its completion, family and local neighbours joined me for a ceremonial fire, sharing stories and conversation into the night. I projected a typographic installation amongst the trees and through the smoke, listing the names of people who have inspired me within the language throughout my entire life, they ranged from ancient Irish warriors to musicians, artists, activists, teachers, friends and family.