Welcome to the wonderful world of the Naíonra, where we get a fly-on-the-wall insight into a small world where big things happen. In this heartwarming three-part series, cameras follow all the action in two Naíonraí in two different communities- one in West Belfast and the other in Ráth Chairn, Co. Meath. The series is funded by Coimisiúin na Meán and An Ciste Craoltóireachta Gaeilge (ILBF).
Eileen Ní Lúpáin is the director of Naíonra Ráth Chairn in Meath, and she relishes the sense of joy the children bring to the Naíonra every day. In West Belfast, Dolores Barnes is the Director of Naíscoil Bhreandáin and is proud that the Naíscoil is part of Northern Ireland’s first Gaelscoil.
Rooted in two very different Irish-speaking communities – one a grassroots urban Gaeltacht in Belfast, the other founded by families who migrated from Connemara to Ráth Chairn – these naíonraí share a common mission: passing the Irish language & culture on to a new generation.
As we observe the children, experts enrich our understanding of their early experiences. Education expert Dr. Jacqueline de Brún explains how we acquire language and gives some background on how language shaped two communities. However, these young learners are doing more than simply acquiring a second language. This stage of childhood is marked by remarkable brain development, with rapid growth and activity, as Clinical Psychologist Dr. Cáit Verling explains.
Education expert An tOllamh Emeritus Pádraig Ó Duibhir provides insight into the experiences of the children and their teachers as we follow them through one of the most significant years of their lives, when many of the skills they will rely on throughout life are first developed – from fun and communication to conflict and friendship.
Episode 01 from Mondays on TG4 from 26th October at 9pm
For many families, the first days at the Naíonra bring a mix of emotions, with excitement, uncertainty and a few tears too. Before long, the children begin to settle in, growing in confidence, learning through Gaeilge, making friends and embracing the daily routines of Naíonra life. From dressing up as spooky Halloween characters to performing at their Christmas concert, every experience is infused with play, song, and fun.
Episode 02
As a new term begins, the children return to the Naíonra happy and settled. Their confidence is blossoming as they listen, ask questions, and communicate with ease, using more Gaeilge naturally while their imaginative play continues to develop. Fun, play and song continue to be at the heart of what happens in the busy life of the naíonra – whether dancing at the St Patrick’s Day céilí, visiting the farm or discovering the traditions of St Brigid’s Day with a special visitor, the children are experiencing Irish culture and having fun alongside learning the language.
Episode 03
The final term sees the children thriving as confident, independent learners. Their language skills continue to grow; they can make each other laugh and their imaginative play has become more creative than ever. As talk turns to uniforms, homework and big school, these two communities prepare to take their next exciting step.
