Gaeltacht Quarter, Belfast
The Gaeltacht Quarter in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is an area surrounding the Falls Road in the west of the city. A Gaeltacht is an area where the Irish language is widely spoken. The area aims to promote the Irish language and provide tourist attractions associated with it, as well as Irish culture.
Throughout the Quarter many Irish-medium institutions are located: Gaelscoil an Lonnáin, Gaelscoil na bhFál, Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh and Coláiste Feirste. A third-level institution in the area is Coláiste Ollscoile Naomh Muire.
Proposals for a Gaeltacht Quarter began in 2002 as a recommendation of the Joint West Belfast/Greater Shankill Task Force. The plan was then adopted by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Belfast City Council.
Key sites and events in the quarter include Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, An Ceathrú Póilí, Conway Mill and Féile an Phobail. Most businesses in the Gaeltacht Quarter have Irish language or bilingual signage.
