Exploring Our Shared Linguistic Heritage: A Morning with Linda Ervine MBE

Join us for a fascinating community talk as we welcome Linda Ervine MBE, renowned Irish language advocate and community leader, for an enlightening discussion on the history of the Irish language and its deep connections to Presbyterianism and the Unionist and Protestant community in Northern Ireland. To register for this session please register here

KWC in partnership with Gifted Trust and East Belfast Mission will be delivering a 6 week Beginners Irish Conversation commencing 24th April 2025.  Details on how to register can be found here.  (update – Thursday morning class now fully booked.  Details on the first evening course to follow shortly).

Event Details:

📅 Date: 17th April 2025
🕒 Time: 10.30am
📍 Location: Old Market House, Main Street, Bangor
☕ Tea & coffee provided

What to Expect:

1. The Hidden History of Irish in Protestant Communities

Linda Ervine will uncover the often-overlooked relationship between the Irish language and Presbyterianism, tracing how Irish was once widely spoken in Protestant households, schools, and churches. Discover how key and prominent figures helped preserve the language in the 18th and 19th centuries.

2. Irish in Daily Life & Place Names

Ever wondered about the meaning behind local place names? From Belfast (Béal Feirste – “Mouth of the Sandbank”), Knocknagoney (“Hill of the Rabbits), to Shankill (Sean Chill – “Old Church”), Linda will explore how Irish language heritage is embedded in our everyday geography—whether we realise it or not!

3. Why Irish Matters Today

This talk isn’t just about history—it’s about identity, reconciliation, and cultural pride. Linda will discuss how the Irish language can be a bridge between communities, offering a shared heritage that belongs to everyone, regardless of background.

4. Q&A & Open Discussion

After the talk, there will be an opportunity for questions and reflections. How do we engage with this aspect of our history today? Can language play a role in building connections?

Who Should Attend?

• Anyone interested in local history, language, or cultural heritage

• People curious about Presbyterianism’s historical ties to Irish

• Those who want to explore how place names shape our identity

• Individuals passionate about community dialogue and shared futures

Why You Won’t Want to Miss This:

Linda Ervine’s work has been groundbreaking in challenging stereotypes and reclaiming Irish as a cross-community language. Her insights are not just educational—they’re inspiring, showing how language can unite rather than divide.

🔹 Free admission | All welcome – Booking Required !

Contact: Rhianna Joel @Kilcooley Women’s Centre

Let’s come together to explore this rich part of our shared history—because understanding where we’ve been helps us shape where we’re going.

#IrishLanguage #SharedHeritage #CommunityTalk #PresbyterianHistory #OldMarketHouseEvents