2 (Yes, 2!) Irish Language Horror Films Are Coming Out Soon

It would be unfair to say that the Irish language is having a revival.

The Irish language has always existed, and been continuously spoken by tens of thousands of people around the country. But it is having a serious resurgence in the media at the moment, particularly in TV and film.

Kneepcap’s self titled film was long listed for an Academy Award, Grá ar an Trá is back on our tellies, and Duolingo as Gaeilge truly has been popping off.

And now two new Irish language films are set to drop onto our screens. Two Irish language horror films, if that’s what you’re into.

An Taibhse is being called the first ever Irish horror film, and it looks truly terrifying.

Directed by John Farrelly, An Taibhse (The Ghost) follows a father-and-daughter duo of caretakers, who are living in a remote mansion during the harsh and cold winter months, and are joined by an uninvited guest.

The Shining vibes, anyone?

But that’s not all – the second ever Irish language horror film is set for release this spring too. Folk horror Fréwaka will be landing on screens in April, and looks set to spook us sufficiently.

Directed by Aislinn Clarke, this film follows a young woman who begins caring for an older woman in a remote village. She becomes consumed by the old woman’s paranoia, rituals and superstitions, finding that she and her life are about to unravel. 

Writer/director Clarke says: “As someone who has spent an awful lot of time in cinemas watching films, it’s wonderful that cinema audiences will now have the opportunity to watch my film, Fréwaka, on the big screen.”

The film debuted at the Locarno Film Festival last year, and has since screened at several other prestigious festivals. Director Clarke was also recently named a Screen International Rising Star.

An Taibhse is coming to Irish cinemas on March 28, and Fréwaka lands on April 25.