Cork’s Deaf Rebels will host their next city get-together at The Bodega
Lots of Cork folk have completed Irish Sign Language courses.
But many have been left wondering where they can go to actually use what they’ve learned. Now a local group is back for 2026 with a way to keep the language alive and growing beyond the classroom.
Cork’s Deaf Rebels will host their next city ISL Social at The Bodega on Cornmarket Street on Wednesday, January 21st, 7pm.
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The meet-ups bring together Cork’s Deaf and hearing communities in a shared space where ISL takes centre stage. These aren’t classes, they’re fun, relaxed gatherings where people can practise, connect, and simply enjoy communicating through sign.
“I started learning ISL when I was 15 and absolutely loved it but like many new learners, I didn’t know anyone in the Deaf community at the time. Without that connection, it was hard to keep practising, and over time, I lost a lot of what I had learned.” Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreter Keira O’Connell told Yay Cork.
“It’s a scenario I hear over and over again from learners. You take a class, get really into it, but then life moves on and there’s no space to keep using the language especially if you don’t have Deaf people or ISL users in your life.”
That’s why, together with two members of the Deaf community, Emma Barrow and Fiona Landers, Keira decided to start something new: an ISL social group.
“We wanted to create a space where people could practise ISL in a natural, relaxed setting. Somewhere for learners to keep their skills alive and for the whole signing community Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing to come together.”
Whether you are deaf, hard of hearing or hearing, all are welcome to attend.
