Irish language classes in Trinity

The Irish Language Office offers free Irish courses for students and staff of Trinity College Dublin in each teaching term. These are language classes and do not offer certification. Further information on Trinity's Irish degree courses can be found on the Department of Irish's website.

Four levels are offered in each term, from beginners to upper intermediate level. Classes take place on campus on a weekly basis over six or eight weeks. Each class is approximately 50 minutes in length and are offered to students and staff of the university only.

Irish language courses are currently underway for Hilary Term 2024. They will be offered again in Michaelmas Term 2024 and email will be sent to students and staff at the begining of term with further information on the registration process.

General Information

• Classes are available to both Trinity students and staff, including retired staff, and are free of charge.
• Four levels are provided for (see guide below).
• The subject matter of the courses is compatible with the European Certificate in Irish (TEG), an internationally-recognised qualification. The Irish Language Office provides support to staff and students who wish to take a TEG exam. Please contact gaeloifig@tcd.ie for further information.
• Gaelchultúr adopts a communicative approach whereby emphasis is placed on the spoken language and conversation in the classes. Grammar is taught in context, as it is needed. Reading and writing opportunities are limited.

Guide to Levels

• Beginners (A1)            
  This level is aimed at those who have no knowledge of the Irish language or who know only a few words and phrases. The class is not suitable for anyone who has recently attended a beginners course or who has studied Irish at secondary school. The emphasis is on developing speaking and listening skills and grammar is taught in context for the most part.
• Elementary (A2)             
  This level is suitable for those who have already attended a beginners class or who are able to communicate at a basic level in Irish (e.g. they can greet people and introduce themselves). The material covered in the beginners class is revised at the beginning of the course but the class then progresses to other topics not covered at the lower level. Emphasis is again on developing speaking and listening skills and grammar is taught in context for the most part.
• Lower Intermediate (B1)  
  This level is intended for those who have studied Irish at school, perhaps a good number of years ago, who understand a great deal of the language but have had few opportunities to use it in recent years. The emphasis is on developing speaking and listening skills, but students are also given the opportunity to read and to write the language. Grammar is taught in context, as it is required.
• Upper Intermediate (B2)  
  Suitable for people who are comfortable speaking Irish and who use the language from time to time – in a social context, for example. Participants have an opportunity to extend their vocabulary and to learn more about Irish grammar. The topics discussed in class are more challenging than those covered at the lower intermediate level and there is also a greater emphasis on reading.

Opportunities to speak Irish

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

• A weekly conversation circle is held in the Buttery Restaurant every Wednesday at 10.30am. It welcomes staff, students and the general public. 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 academic term from 1-2pm.
• Éigse na Tríonóide, Trinity's Irish language week, takes place in February each year.
• 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: Twitter @GaeloifigTCD / Instagram @GaeloifigTCD / Facebook @GaeloifigTCD.
• An Cumann Gaelach student society hold weekly events throughout the year. Further information on their activities can be found on Instagram @CumannGaelachTCD / TikTok @CumannGaelachTCD / Twitter @CumannGaelachTCD / Facebook @CumannGaelachTCD.
• An Scéim Cónaithe (Residency Scheme) students hold Irish language events throughout the academic year. Further information can be found on Instagram @SceimTCD, TikTok @sceimtcd / Facebook @AnSceimTCD.