I recently had an experience in a hotel in Dublin where the barman heard us conversing with our children in Irish and continued his own exchange with us through Irish also. It is particularly important for the younger generation to hear Irish being used by random people in random situations - not just preorganised activities.

I thought it might be interesting, and useful, to begin a thread where people can name businesses or organisations where people have had similar experiences. I, for one, would be very happy to give my business to such an organisation.

My experience happened in The Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Apparently the owners and some of their staff are Irish speakers from Donegal. Good to know....

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Cool!

I had a similar experience in The Wise Owl bookshop in Naas. I was looking for Irish language books a few weeks ago and the lady, Glenda, tentatively used a few words of Irish with me. When I responded i nGaeilge, it was immediately apparent that she was a fluent speaker. It was lovely to feel that we can go into a local bookshop and do our business completely trí Ghaeilge. Needless to say, the shop also supplies some Irish language books.

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It's always good when someone is willing to make the effort to speak Irish in public. It's almost taboo in some places, unfortunately.

I have a distinct advantage over some others here. Because we are speaking Irish with children, people are not as intimidated as having to engage directly with just adults. Fluent speakers do not have the same inhibitions obviously, but often learners do. However, they seem to feel more at ease with children. Our experience is overwhelming positive and supportive.

Another place is Naas where Irish is welcome is Alice's restaurant. There is an 'Is Leor Beirt' each Saturday morning at 11am and the owner is happy to deal with customers through Irish too - obviously not restricted to Saturday mornings!!

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