Irish language classes in Trinity

The Irish Language Office will offer Irish language classes in the 2025-26 academic year. The classes offered are for Trinity staff and students.

Dates

Classes will begin on Monday 6th October 2025 and will run for six weeks, ending on the week beginning 17th November 2025. Classes will not take place during study week from 27-31 October.

Classes will take place once per week from 12.00-12.50pm or from 1.00-1.50pm.

Learners

Classes are available to Trinity students and staff and are free of charge.

Levels

Four levels will be offered, from beginners to upper intermediate level.

It is recommended to students and staff to take a brief online test to decipher which level is most suitable for them. The test can be taken at this link and a description of the different levels and scores can be found at this link.

If you learned Irish in school or have already taken Irish courses, it is not recommended to register for Beginners A1 level.

The content of the courses will be in line with Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG), Irish language proficiency examinations and qualifications which are internationally recognised. The Irish Langauge Office offers support to staff and students who wish to undertake a TEG exam. Please contact gaeloifig@tcd.ie for further information.

Teaching Approach

The courses offered are language classes and certification is not provided on completion.

A communicative approach is adopted where emphasis is placed on the spoken language and on conversation. Grammar is taught in context, as it is needed. Reading and writing opportunities are limited.

Timetable & Registration

An email will be sent to the College community in September regarding Michaelmas Term classes and will include information on timetables and registration. Staff and students will be asked to select one course based on the class level, and also to select the day and time which best suits them to attend a class at that level. Each registered learner will attend one class per week (c. 50 minutes) for six weeks.

Opportunities to speak Irish

There are many ways you can practice your Irish outside the classroom in Trinity:

• A conversation circle is held in the Buttery Restaurant every Wednesday throughout the year from 10.30am-12.00pm. Students, staff, and members of the public regularly attend. Please email gaeloifig@tcd.ie for further information or join us in the Buttery.
• A staff lunch takes place in room 3104, Arts Building every Wednesday during the teaching terms from 1-2pm.
• Éigse na Tríonóide, Trinity's annual Irish language week, will take place in January/February 2026.
• Irish language services are available in the Library Monday to Friday from 9.00am-3.30pm.
• Information on events throughout the year can be found on the Irish Language Office's social media channels: X / Instagram / Facebook @GaeloifigTCD.
• An Cumann Gaelach student society hold weekly events throughout the year. Further information on their activities can be found on Instagram / TikTok / X / Facebook @CumannGaelachTCD.
• The Students' Union has an Irish Language Officer and you can find information on their work and on SU events at: Instagram @gaeilge.amlct / X @Gaeilge_AMLCT
• An Scéim Cónaithe (Irish Language Residency Scheme) students hold Irish language events throughout the academic year. Further information can be found on Instagram & TikTok @sceimtcd and Facebook @AnSceimTCD.