The Work

Irish language officers are employed in local authorities, government departments and public bodies such as the ESB, the HSE, and third level institutions.

They are responsible for promoting the Irish language internally and overseeing the provision of the organisation’s services through the medium of Irish.

The Irish language officer co-ordinates the translation of online and printed documents, and organises language classes and cultural events.

It is important to be enthusiastic and passionate about the language for this job as it plays a vital role in the development of the Irish language.

Tasks include:

• Maintenance / development of language courses for the organisation's tutors, learners / students, service providers
• Management of organisation’s translation projects
• Manage the maintenance of the organisations’s Irish website content  
• Research /translation of organisational publications
• Advertising and promotional activities

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

A Degree in modern Irish is the typical entry route to this job role and personal involvement in Irish language/cultural activities.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Facilitation/ Groupwork, Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Community Development, Cultural & Heritage Studies at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO entry: Arts & Irish, Humanities & Irish, Na Dana (Cumarsaid Na Gaelige) Irish Broad casting, Business & Irish, Education & Irish NFQ level 8. You can use our 'le gaelige' filter on Search CAO course to filter for Course including Irish Search CAO Courses.

Professional environment & Opportunities

Since the introduction of the Official Languages Act 2003, careers opportunities requiring Irish language skills can be found with a wide range of organisations local authorities, community arts organisations, event management, multimedia, and galleries among others.

Local authorities employ Irish language development/promotion officers who collaborate with local arts and language organisations in their locality.

This Language promotion role is also found in third level colleges, Technical Universities, student unions; government departments; County Councils; Garda Síochána; political parties; the HSE; and in community groups and co-operatives throughout the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland University Vacancies, Publicjobs.ie, Activelink.

• Gael Linn and Conradh na Gaeilge provide a wide variety of educational and cultural services throughout the country.

• Glór na nGael awards prizes to local committees who promote the Irish language.

• Comhdháil N áisiúnta na Gaeilge is an umbrella group representing many Irish language not - for - profit organisations.

• Foras na Gaeilge is the national, cross - border funding body for Irish language promotion and development and funds the employment of Irish language officer s in local communities north and south.

• Pobal and Comhaltas Uladh promote the language and events in Northern Ireland. As the remit of many of the language - promotion organisations is quite broad, they employ people from a wide range of disciplines such as marketing, education, finance, event management, publishing and public relations.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €51k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties. 

Data Source(s):
Local Government / Forsa/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.

There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

• Gael Linn

  • 35 Sráid an Dáma, Baile Átha Cliath 2
  • (01) 6751200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Gaelport.com

  • Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, 46 Sráid Chill Dara, Baile Átha Cliath 2
  • (01) 6794780
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Conradh na Gaeilge

  • 6 Sráid Fhearchair, Baile Átha Cliath 2
  • (01) 475 7401
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Glór na nGael

  • Ráth Chairn, Baile Átha Buí, Contae na Mí
  • (046) 943 0974
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Foras na Gaeilge

  • 01 639 8400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Udaras na Gaeltachta

  • (091) 503100 (Head Office)
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here