'Éigse': what's it all about?

If you're taking the Bódléar Challenge, you may come across some new words for the first time, including the term éigse. That’s completely understandable. Éigse is one of those words that doesn’t translate neatly into English. So let’s take a moment to unpack it together.

What does it mean?

At its heart, éigse refers to a celebration of poetry, song, literature and/or storytelling. It can be in the form of a festival, a gathering, or even a performance, but the key ingredient is a shared love of words, usually with a strong focus on the Irish language and poetic tradition.

Where did it come from?

Historically, the word was closely linked to the ancient tradition of the filí – the poets and learned class in Gaelic society. Éigse referred both to their poetic skill and sometimes to gatherings of poets and scholars, a place where poetic craft was taught, performed, and passed down. This is what is meant by éigse in Bódléar, and that you can hear in the short audio clip above. 

Is the word still used today?

It is indeed. You can still find an éigse if you go looking for one. Take Éigse Joe Steve i gContae na Gaillimhe, or Éigse Dhiarmuid Uí Shúilleabháin thíos i gCorcaigh, for example. Though differing slightly from the historical éigse (the modern éigse is more akin to a literary festival), these events aim to provide a creative space where people can come together to celebrate not just poetry, but storytelling, music, folklore, and heritage, and in doing so, keep the tradition of the éigse alive. 

Was that helpful?

We hope so. And don’t worry, there’s no need to dive into the depths of Irish literary history or memorise the full history of the bardic tradition. But if that’s what you're into, we’re not going to stop you!