Taibhdhearc, Galway: Cré na Cille has long been regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Irish language literary canon. Yet few Irish speakers can claim to have read it, still less understood it. Ó Cadhain drew heavily on the syntax and vocabulary of other Celtic languages and of old, middle and modern Irish to forge his uniquely poisonous dialogue. Such linguistic subversion renders all but impossible the task of staging this complex novel.

It is to Macdara Ó Fátharta's immense credit that he has managed to adapt the difficult text into a wonderfully accessible piece of theatre. Ó Cadhain's Connemara is a narrow, unforgiving world where petty jealousies and social stratification are carried to the grave.

An awesome performance by Bríd Ní Neachtain as the recently deceased Caitríona Pháidín centres this compelling study of a rural community taken apart at its respectable seams. She is joined by a slew of great Gaeltacht caricatures, all of whom add to the rich tapestry of the graveyard. There are near faultless performances from a strong cast, especially from Macdara Ó Fátharta as the mercurial Beartla Chois Dubh and from Joe Steve Ó Neachtain as the noncommittal Tom Rua. Diarmuid Mac an Adhastair, who does his now familiar shuffle and mumble routine, was unnecessarily difficult to understand.

Darach Mac Con Iomaire's direction has the sleight of hand to match Ó Cadhain's text while Dara McGee's set provides a suitably bleak backdrop.

This is a richly rewarding and deeply considered adaptation of a modern masterpiece.

• Runs until April 7th. To book: 091-569777