This is Part 1 of 3 of our Absolute Beginners Irish course for the year 26/27. 

Would you like to learn to speak some Irish for the first time, or perhaps resurrect the ‘cúpla focal’ you learned a long time ago? If you have minimal or absolutely no knowledge of the Irish language, then this class is for you.

The class will focus on basic everyday vocabulary and useful phrases. There will be a strong emphasis on spoken Irish, with incidental grammar points being explored and explained in context . Grammar will gradually be taught more formally in Parts 2 and 3.

You will begin to learn a little about the language in different Gaeltacht areas, with Ulster Irish being the main dialect of instruction in the course. You will get pointers on how and where to use your beginner’s Irish in the local Irish language community.

The course will explore how the Irish language has shaped and influenced our local spokenHiberno-English and each week we will explore the Irish meaning behind a local placename. Each week we will learn one ‘seanfhocal’ (a proverb) that you might enjoy applying to everyday life.

By the end of Part1 in the course, you will have learned how to talk a little bit about yourself, your family, your hobbies and interests, and you will have a store of everyday phrases and vocabulary to cover some social settings and interactions.

You will be able to describe the weather, read the time in Irish, name days and months, name colours and use numbers in Irish for counting people and things.

Tús maith, leath na hoibre! ( A good start is half the work)

Unsure if this language level is right for you? Click here to read our helpful guide.