Our Celtic Connections

There are many places across Europe with a deep history of Celtic connection. Today, six specific nations are officially recognized for keeping and promoting its spoken word. In fact there are parts of these beautiful places were many people still speak a Celtic language as their first tongue.

Below are the six modern Celtic nations and the languages they speak:

• Brittany: Where locals speak Breton (Brezhoneg)

• Cornwall: Home to the revival of Cornish (Kernewek)

• Ireland: Where Irish Gaeilge is proudly spoken

• Isle of Man: Where you will hear Manx (Gealg)

• Scotland: Home of Scottish Gaelic (Gáidhlig)

• Wales: Where Welsh Cymraeg is a vibrant, daily language

The Ancient Homeland

While we often look at the Atlantic coast today as the home of the Celts, the heartland actually began in the misty mountains of central Europe over 2,500 years ago.

Our history traces back to places like Austria and Switzerland, where the very first Celtic master-craftspeople left their mark. In the lakeside village of Hallstatt, Austria ancient Celts mined for salt and built a unique trading empire. Later in places like La Téne, Switzerland they started the golden age of Celtic art, leaving behind straight lines for the fluid, swirling, abstract patterns we instantly recognize today.

Across England, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, France and Spain the landscape is still heavily shaped by this shared heritage. The hills and forests are still dotted with ancient stone hillforts, earthworks and reminders of Druid roots.

It is this massive, interconnected tapestry of history, art and spirit that inspires many crafts made today, keeping us all connected to our Celtic ancestors.