The Mother Tongues Festival is an immersive celebration of Ireland’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. As a social catalyst, the Festival brings people together, strengthens community ties and shapes a real sense of belonging. Through national and international partnerships, we curate a high-quality, multilingual arts programme that brings children, families, and artists together to share stories and cultures, proudly celebrating the diversity of Ireland today.
Rooted in Tallaght and presented in partnership with Rua Red and The Civic, the Mother Tongues Festival has become a true festival of place. Every year, we transform the local area into a welcoming hub for connection and creativity. We are proud to be consistently funded and supported by the Arts Council and South Dublin County Council, allowing us to keep inclusivity and community at the heart of everything we do.
What is the Mother Tongues Festival?
Tallaght, 19-20 February 2027
We are home.
The 2027 edition marks our landmark 10th Anniversary, taking place on 19–20 February 2027 in Tallaght, Dublin. It will be woven together by the central theme “We Are Home.” For multilingual families, migrant communities and children growing up between cultures, “home” is not simply a physical place. It is an emotional space created collectively through language, creativity, care and participation. Hearing one’s language spoken, sharing stories, and participating creatively generates a powerful sense of belonging and emotional safety.
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Our festival began in 2018, and we are so proud of our journey to now. Thank you to everyone who has supported the festival.
A special thanks to the Arts Council, South Dublin County Council Arts Office, Languages Connect, Rua Red and the Civic Theatre who have given a welcoming home to our ideas, and for supporting and funding our mission to empower bilingual children through creativity and the arts so they can grow up confident in their linguistic and cultural identity.
