Bilingual comedy event coming to Kildare

A new bilingual comedy night aiming to make the Irish language more accessible is set to take to the stage at Brady’s Clockhouse this month as part of the Maynooth Comedy Festival in Co Kildare.

Funny Focail, one of Ireland’s newest comedy events, will take place at 4pm on Saturday, April 25th, offering a mix of Gaeilge and English designed to appeal to audiences of all language levels - from fluent speakers to those with just a cúpla focal.

The show has already featured well-known comedians including Shane Daniel Byrne and Áine Gallagher, combining stand-up with a relaxed, bilingual approach that organisers say removes pressure often associated with using Irish.

“The comedy comes first, but the Irish adds an extra layer of fun and interest for the audience,” said co-founder Louise O’Toole. “We want people to enjoy the show, regardless of their level of Irish, and maybe even leave with a few new words, and a renewed confidence.”

Since launching in November 2025, Funny Focail has grown steadily, with performances held across Dublin and Wicklow. Its founders say the concept is rooted in creating a welcoming, informal space, particularly for those who may not feel confident using Irish in traditional settings.

The upcoming Maynooth show will feature Kildare comedians Louise Ní Éideáin and Stephen Robert Walters, as the event continues to expand into new areas.

Co-founder Diane O’Connor said the goal is to normalise bilingualism in social spaces. “We wanted to create a space where bilingualism feels natural and social, not intimidating. The night is for everyone, whether you speak fluent Irish or just want a good laugh,” she said.

Organisers say the show reflects a growing appetite among Irish audiences for cultural events that celebrate the language in a relaxed and engaging way, without placing fluency at the centre of the experience.

Funny Focail describes itself as a comedy-first event, where Irish is an added bonus rather than a barrier, helping to bring new audiences into contact with the language through humour and shared experience.