While English is the dominant language in daily life and commerce, Irish is an official language and is promoted in education and cultural settings.
Here's a breakdown:
* English: Spoken by the vast majority of the population and the primary language of education, government, and business.
* Irish: The official language alongside English, though spoken fluently by a smaller percentage of the population. It is taught in schools and used in government, media, and cultural events.
* Other Languages: As in any country, other languages are spoken by immigrants and residents of diverse backgrounds.
It's important to note that the use of Irish varies across the country. Some areas, known as Gaeltacht regions, have a high concentration of Irish speakers and where Irish is the primary language of daily life. However, in most parts of the country, English is the dominant language.