In this paper, we delve into the dynamics of the Irish-language public sphere, with a primary emphasis on the media landscape. In our analysis, we contend that the prevailing public sphere in Ireland predominantly functions in the English language, thereby subordinating the Irish-language public sphere. By scrutinising the challenges inherent in conceptualising an Irish-language public sphere vis-à-vis Irish speakers, we underscore the absence of a cohesive public of Irish speakers. Consequently, the Irish-language public sphere finds itself grappling with inherent fragility. The waning usage and proficiency in the Irish language exhibit a symbiotic relationship with the frailty of the Irish-language public sphere, consequently limiting the input of the Irish-language public sphere into the political sphere. In the predicted increase in employment opportunities for Irish speakers, there exists the potential for improvement in Irish-language fluency and usage, fostering a more consolidated Irish-language public sphere that could manifest more prominently. Our examination is grounded in the history of Irish broadcasting and theories of nations and nationalism. Central to our inquiry are the contrary forces of ratings (commercial motive) and revival (nationalist motive). Given the limited and dispersed number of the Irish speakers, we underscore the pivotal role of media in sustaining an Irish-language public sphere. As we navigate these dimensions, our study unravels the interplay between language, media, and societal frameworks that shape the contours of the Irish-language public sphere.

在本文中，我们深入研究了爱尔兰语公共领域的动态，重点关注媒体格局。在我们的分析中，我们认为爱尔兰主流的公共领域主要以英语运作，从而使爱尔兰语公共领域处于从属地位。通过仔细审视针对爱尔兰语使用者构建爱尔兰语公共领域所固有的挑战，我们强调爱尔兰语使用者缺乏有凝聚力的公众。因此，爱尔兰语公共领域发现自己正在努力应对固有的脆弱性。爱尔兰语使用率和熟练程度的下降与爱尔兰语公共领域的脆弱性存在共生关系，从而限制了爱尔兰语公共领域对政治领域的投入。在预计爱尔兰语使用者就业机会增加的过程中，爱尔兰语的流利程度和使用能力有可能得到提高，从而形成一个更加巩固的爱尔兰语公共领域，这一点可以更加突出地体现出来。我们的研究以爱尔兰广播史以及民族和民族主义理论为基础。我们调查的核心是收视率（商业动机）和复兴（民族主义动机）的相反力量。鉴于爱尔兰语使用者数量有限且分散，我们强调媒体在维持爱尔兰语公共领域中的关键作用。当我们探索这些维度时，我们的研究揭示了语言、媒体和社会框架之间的相互作用，这些框架塑造了爱尔兰语公共领域的轮廓。