A new home for the Irish language has been built in Armagh city courtesy of over £2.3 million.

The Irish language centre in the city's Upper English Street was opened to the public last week during an official ceremony.

It was brought to life close to Navan Fort with an investment of almost £1.2m from the Department for Communities.

Speaking at the official opening, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "Aonach Mhacha shows how the Irish language can provide a very positive force and influence. It is a social enterprise which will offer a wide range of facilities that include a permanent home for Irish language classes, office space for Irish language community groups and organisations and for up to six businesses.

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"Above all it can provide a place in this great city, where people from across the whole community, whatever their background, can engage with the language and culture, perhaps for the first time."

Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, Chairman of Aonach Mhacha added: "It means a great deal to everyone involved with Irish language in Armagh city and district to have this new state of the art centre with a performance area, meeting rooms, conference space, a Celtic gift shop and cafe. We have been working towards this opening for 12 years."

(CM/MH)