Island Voices 2026
24 September - 24 September
22 October - 22 October
23 November - 23 November
Venue: Guildhall, Whittaker Suite, Derry, Derry
Island Voices 2026 returns this Autumn
Derry City and Strabane District Council is inviting audiences to discover the rich and diverse linguistic heritage of Ulster through Northbound: Perspectives on the Languages of Ulster, a special three-part lecture series as part of Island Voices 2026.
Taking place in the Guildhall's Whittaker Suite this autumn, the free lunchtime talks will explore the stories, traditions and identities shaped by the languages of Ulster, featuring leading experts and researchers in the fields of Irish, Ulster Scots and regional dialects.
The series opens on Thursday 24th September with Museums NI’s Library and Archives Manager Dónal McAnallen, who will examine the legacy of renowned dialect curator and lexicographer G.B. Adams. On Thursday 22nd October, journalist and researcher Ciarán Dunbar will explore the history and reconstruction of the lost Rathlin Irish dialect. The programme concludes on Thursday 23rd November with Dr Jennifer Orr of Newcastle University, who will discuss Ulster Scots poetry during the revolutionary period and its place within Ireland's literary heritage.