The popular POTA Café in Connemara is featured in a campaign launched this week by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The campaign ‘An Chéad Chéim Eile’ (The Next Step ), showcases how the organisation is building upon decades of development work to chart an innovative future for Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Through seven compelling stories one from each of the Gaeltachts in Ireland, the campaign illustrates how traditional heritage and modern enterprise are creating sustainable, vibrant Irish-speaking communities.
POTA Café, in the heart of Connemara is run by award-winning chef Diarmuid Ó Mathúna. His passion for both food and the Irish language led to an unexpected journey. Trading the conventional culinary scene for a Gaeltacht setting, he established a café that has become more than just a dining destination – it’s a celebration of local culture where traditional language and contemporary cuisine create an unforgettable experience. Údarás na Gaeltachta’s support of the local food business which allow him to source products locally and transform this culinary vision into a thriving enterprise.
Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta said this campaign represents Údarás na Gaeltachta’s commitment to building upon its foundational work, taking the next steps together with communities, entrepreneurs, and innovators to ensure the Gaeltacht regions continue to thrive as centres of both cultural preservation and economic innovation.
“These stories reflect not just individual successes, but the organisation’s broader vision of supporting initiatives that secure a vibrant future for Ireland’s Gaeltacht communities while honouring their rich heritage”.
“As the Gaeltacht regions embrace the digital age, Údarás na Gaeltachta is taking “the next steps, together” with these unique communities, positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation. Through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, AI research facilities, and tech startup incubators, we are creating an ecosystem where traditional language communities can thrive in the artificial intelligence era.
“This forward-thinking approach ensures Gaeltacht regions are not just preserving their cultural heritage but are becoming hubs for next-generation technology companies, creating high-skilled employment opportunities that allow young people to build careers while living in Irish-speaking communities,” he concluded.
