Would you like to speak the Cúpla Focail? Whether you want to try out your existing Irish language skills and build on them or whether you would like to learn Irish for the first time, here are our top 3 suggestions:

The Dingle Peninsula
Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne was set up as a subsidiary of a local development co-operative over 40 years ago to improve the community and cultural life of Irish speaking areas of the Dingle Peninsula of County Kerry / Corca Dhuibhne. Ballyferriter, also known as Baile an Fheirtearaigh is a wonderful location to learn Irish and there are week long courses throughout the summer, both oral and written.  

Dunquin Bay, Dingle Penninsula

There are also heritage courses and art, music and literature programs. The spectacular scenery and walks and proximity to Dingle makes learning Irish an attractive proposition in this location, where Irish is freely spoken with the most amazing archaeological and geographical background.

Learn Irish in County Donegal
Donegal is one of the largest Irish-speaking areas in the country. Why not be inspired while learning, as this is one of the most stunningly beautiful places to visit, surrounded by the Derryveagh Mountains including Errigal. You’ll need to learn the phrase: ‘the water is freezing!’, as this area also has some of the finest beaches in the country.  

Derryveagh Mountains, Donegal

There are many different courses offered in Donegal including conversational courses and classes for different levels of ability and the educational opportunities include lectures, poetry readings, table quizzes and ceilis.

Speak in Irish in Co. Galway
The stunningly beautiful Carraroe in Co. Galway is another choice for learning Irish, helped once more by some beautiful scenery! The National University of Ireland, Galway offers Irish language courses for beginners and intermediate and advanced levels. The Irish language center – Aras Mhairtin Ui Chadhain, An Cheathru Rua – is one hour from Galway City in the heart of Connemara and is an area rich in natural beauty.  

Connemara Landscape from Kylemore Abbey

There are courses all summer with intensive instruction in Irish plus aspects of Irish traditional singing and dancing and literature and cultural activities to broaden out the learning opportunities.

Irish is a beautiful language and offers a direct connection to Irish heritage and the Irish way of thinking. One of the benefits of learning it, is that it is spoken in some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and the Gaeltact areas, including Donegal, Mayo, Galway (Connemara), Kerry and Cork all share the fact that they have stunning and picturesque scenery.