02/10/2026

OPW Marks Irish Language In Song As Other Voices Visits Áras An Uachtaráin

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced that a dedicated Irish-language episode of Other Voices: The Anam Sessions, filmed at Áras an Uachtaráin, will be broadcast on RTÉ2.

The fourth and final instalment of the 2026 series was recorded entirely through Irish at the official home of the President of Ireland. The programme weaves together music, language, culture and heritage in one of the nation's most important historic settings.

The special reflects the OPW's ongoing commitment to championing the Irish language and to ensuring Ireland's heritage properties remain active, living spaces where culture and creativity can thrive.

The line-up features Aibhse, Cuas, Dairena Ní Chinnéide, Damien Dempsey, Huartan, Pauline Scanlon and Ruth McGinley.

This year's series has showcased performances from Barryscourt Castle in County Cork, Emo Court House and Estate in County Laois, the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle and Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin. All episodes can be viewed on the RTÉ Player.

President Catherine Connolly, said: "It was a great privilege for me to recently welcome outstanding musicians and the wonderful 'Other Voices' team to Áras an Uachtaráin to celebrate music through the medium of Irish.

"As President of Ireland, it lifts my spirits and gives me great hope to see our country's ancient language being used so enthusiastically, vibrantly, and creatively by so many of the artists of our time.

"I hope the audience will find enjoyment, fun, and value in the entertainment provided by this special programme.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to Philip King and his team, to the OPW, and to everyone involved and participating in the production of this programme."
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Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said: "This special episode of Other Voices: The Anam Sessions is a wonderful celebration of the Irish language, Irish music and our shared cultural heritage. I am particularly pleased that it was filmed entirely through Irish in Áras an Uachtaráin, one of the most important buildings in the history and public life of our country.

"The OPW is committed to protecting and preserving Ireland's heritage, while also ensuring that these remarkable places continue to be living and relevant spaces for people today. Supporting the Irish language and providing opportunities for Irish culture and creativity to flourish is an important part of that commitment".

Philip King, Founder of Other Voices, said: "At Other Voices, we are delighted to have this opportunity to partner with the Office of Public Works to showcase the best contemporary music in some of Ireland's most beautiful heritage sites and venues.

"Irish music and culture resonate so powerfully and distinctively with audiences worldwide, captivating the ear, the eye and the imagination, precisely because a sense of place, landscape and the cadence of our speech lies at their very heart.

"Performing in these magnificent heritage sites offers contemporary artists a unique and inspiring context for their work, while simultaneously breathing new life into these captivating historic buildings and locations.

"We are absolutely thrilled that this week's 'Other Voices: The Anam Sessions' is being broadcast entirely in Irish from Áras an Uachtaráin."

The Anam Sessions is presented by MayKay with new co-host Cóilí Collins/Shampain, and the series is delivered bilingually in Irish and English.


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