What started as a short taster course has grown into a thriving and diverse community.
The Turas Irish language project started in East Belfast just over 10 years ago when a cross community women’s group were introduced to the Irish language.
"10 years ago we set up the first Irish language class with 20 people primarily from a PUL background and I wasn't quite sure how long it would last, but the classes kept filling up as more and more people began to take part. Due to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere friendships developed and even two marriages and one baby.
She said: "The more I began to understand Irish, the more I saw it intertwined with our local history and understood why certain parts of east Belfast are named the way that they are. While Turas has proven to be successful over the years, there have been a few bumps in the road as a small minority have spoken out against the project and the work it is doing.
"After the suggestion of starting an integrated Irish language nursery we were thrilled when we were invited by the school to use one of their old mobiles to start up, but sadly from there we faced an online hate campaign and a lot of misinformation began to be circulated.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Belfast pianist who played for Gorbachev in Moscow'I remember Gorbachev came to the final concert that I played and it was amazing just to see him.' Belfast-born pianist Barry Douglas has played all over the world but some concerts are more memorable than others
Read more »
Belfast café aiming to save the environment with edible cupsThe cups can withstand temperatures of 85°C for 40 minutes without getting soggy 🤯☕️
Read more »
Game of Thrones Hodor actor witnessed Belfast gay nightclub shootingLisburn actor KristianNairn, known to millions as Hodor from Game of Thrones, has spoken for the first time about witnessing the fatal shooting of a policeman in a Belfast nightclub
Read more »
The Belfast pianist who played for Gorbachev in MoscowRenowned pianist Barry Douglas recalls some of his most memorable musical moments.
Read more »
Game of Thrones Hodor actor witnessed Belfast gay nightclub shootingKristian Nairn speaks for the first time about the 1997 murder of Belfast policeman Darren Bradshaw.
Read more »
Belfast trade union rally: Plea for politicians to return to governmentRMT general secretary Mick Lynch says Northern Ireland's politicians need to get back into government.
Read more »