The Gaelic League was founded in July 1893 by Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill. The purpose of the Gaelic League was to keep the Irish language alive and to preserve the Gaelic elements of Ireland's culture. In the early years of the twentieth century, it became identified with nationalist politics, though this was not the original intention of its founders.

The Gaelic League was open to those of all religious creeds. It took a broad approach, which included organising classes and competitions in Gaelic music, dancing, literature and games. It also encouraged Irish indsutry. Its newspaper, An Claidheamh Soluis, was very popular.

The Gaelic League still exists in a different form today, and is more widely known by its Irish name, Conradh na Gaeilge.