Oireachtas is an Irish word meaning a large gathering. Oireachtas na Gaeilge was started by the Gaelic League as a way of encouraging the preservation of the Irish language. It offers prizes for readings, recitations, songs, instrumental pieces and dramatic performances.

The inaugural Oireachtas na Gaeilge festival was held 17 May 1897, in Dublin. The location was the Round Room in the Rotunda, one of the largest halls in the city at that time.

To this day, Oireachtas na Gaeilge welcomes young and old, including writers, poets, singers, dancers, artists, storytellers, actors, composers and musicians.