After a nationwide search that took to the busy streets of Dublin to the wild Atlantic coast,Isibéal Ní Cheallaigh has been chosen the official Irish voice for Ring Video Doorbell.
Last summer, Ring launched a search for a voice that represents the warmth, charm and unique character of Ireland. The response was incredible, with hundreds attending auditions in Dublin, Cork and Galway while many more entered via social media.
Meet Isibéal Ní Cheallaigh: The Voice at Your Door
Isibeál – who is from Dublin and currently lives in Galway – is a former primary school teacher, teaching through Irish, who left full-time teaching to complete a cleachtas gairmiúl sna meáin master’s degree in media. During her studies, she’s worked as a musician and in the media, most recently on TG4’s Ros na Rún. Her entry into Ring was almost accidental.
“I’d heard about the Ring ‘Voice of the Nation’ auditions from a friend the week before they came to town, but I forgot they were taking place,” Isibéal shared. “By chance, I was walking through the shopping centre on audition day, and I thought I’d get involved for the craic.”
That spontaneous decision paid off. Her reaction to the news was genuine: “I really didn’t expect it or think it was going to happen!”
Her family’s reaction was equally memorable. “But when I found out I’d been chosen, I rang my mum and told her I’d got it. My brother was with her at the time, and his reaction was so funny. He was like ‘so you’re going to be a doorbell?’ – it was gas.”
A Celebration of Irish Identity and Language
This campaign celebrated what makes Ireland unique. Research revealed that 55% of Irish people are “head over heels in love” with their accent. In a historic first for Ring, the new Quick Replies feature includes an option for greetings in the Irish language.
“Dia dhuit! Ní féidir linn an doras a oscailt faoi láthair, ach más mian leat teachtaireacht ghearr a fhágáil is féidir leat é sin a dhéanamh anois”
For Isibéal, a fluent speaker, this is a meaningful addition.
“There’s a huge rise in the Irish language at the moment, even in ads and on posters. Lots of things are shown in two languages, so it’s very important to have that option as well,” she explained.
Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring, noted: “Our ‘Voice of the Nation’ celebrates the authentic voices that make every neighbourhood across Ireland unique. Isibeál brings something truly special to Ring, not just a beautiful accent but our very first Irish language voice. I’m so excited for our customers to bring that warmth and charm to their front door.”
How Quick Replies Work
Quick Replies act as an answering machine for your front door. When a visitor presses your Video Doorbell, they can hear a pre-recorded greeting if you are unable to answer. It is a simple way to let delivery drivers know where to leave a package or tell friends you will be right there.
Starting today, Isibéal’s voice is available to all Ring customers in Ireland and the UK. Whether you want a friendly greeting in English or a traditional fáilte in Irish, you can customises your Video Doorbell to sound like home.
While 15% of people listed Cillian Murphy as their dream celebrity voice during our research, Isibéal’s tones were the perfect match for our panel. Head judge and radio broadcaster, Carl Mullan, added: “Isibéal’s dulcet tones really struck the judging panel as the perfect voice of our nation. Well done to Isibéal and to everyone who took part – you did our beautiful Irish accent proud!”.
How to Set Up the Irish Voice on Your Device
Ready to welcome visitors with the Voice of the Nation? Setting up the feature is easy and takes just a few moments:
1. Open the Ring app: Ensure you have the latest version installed.
2. Select your device: Tap the Video Doorbell you wish to update.
3. Go to settings: Tap the ‘Smart Responses’ tile.
4. Enable Quick Replies: Toggle the switch to enable Quick Replies if it isn’t already on.
5. Choose your message: Select “Irish Voice of the Nation” and choose your preferred greeting.