Irish language TikToker's book published in the US finally gets it's Ireland launch

When Laura Pakenham began sharing Irish language videos on TikTok, she did not expect that her passion would lead to a US book deal before an Irish one. Now, after being published stateside by Simon and Schuster, her debut book is finally being officially launched in Ireland.

Pakenham, originally from County Longford, built a massive online following by creating accessible, often humorous Irish-language content on TikTok under the handle @laurajpakenham. Her videos have attracted millions of views and a loyal international audience, particularly among Irish Americans curious about reconnecting with the cúpla focal.

The turning point came when Simon & Schuster in the United States reached out to her directly to turn her content into a book. According to the publisher’s author profile, Pakenham was approached after her videos began gaining traction well beyond Ireland, marking a rare reversal of the usual publishing route for Irish language books.

Check out some of her Irish language advice here:

@laurajpakenham oh we love a good urú #gaeilge #irishlanguage #learningirish #garilgeoir ♬ Coffee and Chords - ya-su

“I couldn’t believe it when they contacted me,” Pakenham said, recalling the moment the US publisher got in touch, as reported by the Longford Leader.

“It was never part of the plan, but it felt like such a vote of confidence in the Irish language”.

The book, which focuses on making Irish approachable for everyday use, was first launched in the United States, where there is a strong appetite for Irish culture and heritage. Simon and Schuster noted that Irish Americans were particularly drawn to Pakenham’s warm and unintimidating teaching style, something that translated well from short-form video to print.

For many Irish readers, it was surprising to see an Irish language title debut abroad before being celebrated at home. Pakenham herself acknowledged that the US launch felt surreal, especially given the historical challenges faced by Irish language publishing within Ireland.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, she reflected on the scale of her online impact and what it represents for the language. “People used to say Irish was dying, but what I see every day online completely contradicts that,” she said.

The Ireland launch marks an important milestone, not just for Pakenham, but for a new generation of Irish speakers who found their way to the language through social media. Her success highlights how digital platforms are reshaping cultural transmission, particularly among the diaspora.

For Irish Americans, Pakenham’s journey resonates deeply, blending tradition with modern storytelling and proving that the Irish language can thrive in unexpected spaces. With her book now celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic, Laura Pakenham’s story feels less like an exception and more like a sign of what is possible when heritage meets the algorithm.

Laura Pakenham's book "Irish History & Culture Through Language" here.