The year 1893 marked a pivotal moment in Irish cultural history with the founding of the Gaelic League (Conradh na Gaeilge), an organisation dedicated to reviving and preserving the Irish language. Under the leadership of Douglas Hyde, the League played a key role in shaping a renewed sense of Irish identity.

Its mission extended beyond linguistics, weaving a mythology of cultural revival deeply rooted in the nation’s past. Hyde’s vision and his call for a "de-Anglicised Ireland," articulated in his seminal speech The Necessity for De-Anglicising Ireland, framed Irish heritage as a wellspring of national strength and distinctiveness.Mythologies, both ancient and modern, have long served as foundations for national identity. In Ireland, this meant drawing upon a rich tapestry of Celtic myths, traditional music, and oral storytelling to inspire cultural pride and counter the homogenising forces of colonialism.

The Gaelic League embraced this approach, fostering a cultural renaissance by offering Irish language classes, traditional music sessions, and Irish dance workshops through branches across the country. These efforts connected communities with the mythology of their heritage, transforming cultural symbols into powerful expressions of identity and resistance.In this sense, Conradh na Gaeilge was more than a cultural organisation—it was a re-mythologising movement, reimagining Ireland as a land defined by its own ancient and enduring stories. By positioning Irish language and culture at the heart of the nation, the League provided a narrative of resilience and authenticity, resonating deeply in the political and social upheavals that followed.