The Ulster Museum in Belfast has opened a new exhibition telling the story of the first urban Gaeltacht in Ireland.
Gaeltacht Bhóthar Seoighe was founded by a small group of families in 1969 in west Belfast.
The exhibition highlights the challenges of founding an Irish-speaking community - from building houses, raising families through Irish, setting up Irish schools and social enterprises.
It explores broader questions around language, courage, education and co-operation.
The display was developed in partnership with Spórtlann na hÉireann's GaelStair project.
Young Irish speakers from Coláiste Feirste led an expedition to the roof spaces of the Shaws Road Gaeltacht to document its history.
The exhibition included personal stories, photos, and contributions from a new generation of young Irish speakers.
Speaking at the opening, Karen Logan, Senior Curator of History, National Museums NI, said: "This exhibition offers a powerful reflection on how communities are formed and sustained through subsequent generations.
"The story of Belfast’s first urban Gaeltacht is not only significant in the history of the Irish language, but in the wider story of identity and resilience in Northern Ireland. We are delighted to work with GaelStair and Spórtlann na hÉireann to bring this living history to the public."
Spórtlann na hÉireann Chair, Pilib Ó Ruanaí, added: "When the founders of Gaeltacht Bhóthar Seoighe laid the foundation for a new Irish-language community, they did so with courage, hope and a vision for future generations.
"This exhibition is a testament to their determination, the families who followed, and the young people who today continue to build and shape a thriving community. We are proud to share these stories, photographs, and archival discoveries with the Ulster Museum.
"The GaelStair project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to preserve the rich history of the Irish language community."
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "We’re pleased to support Spórtlann na hÉireann in preserving and celebrating the heritage of the Irish Language in Belfast.
"Heritage is a great way of bringing people together and this new exhibition which has been curated by involving generations of Irish speakers will help people better understand the heritage of the Irish language in Belfast."
National Museums NI Director of Collections, William Blair said: "The exhibition very much aligns with our ongoing commitment to promoting mutual understanding and dialogue around the complex weave of diversity that makes us who we are.
"We believe that identity and language, in all its diversity, is fundamental to our sense of belonging. We are committed to embracing identity and language as a fundamentally positive expression of our heritage and contemporary culture."
