Irish language classes in Trinity
The Irish Language Office is offering Irish language classes in collaboration with Gaelchultúr for the 2026-27 academic year. The classes are available to Trinity staff and students.
Dates
Michaelmas Term classes will begin on Monday 5th October 2026 and will run for 6 weeks, ending on the week beginning 16th November 2026. Classes will not take place during study week from 26-30th October.
Each learner will have one class per week and each class will run for 50 minutes 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 (A1, A2, B1, B2).
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 are a total beginner who has never learned Irish previously, there is no need to take the test.
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 exams 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
The Michaelmas Term timetable can be found here. The dates, times and classrooms for each level is listed in this document. Staff and students are asked to select one course based on the level most suited to them, and the day and time on which they can attend the course at that level. Each registered learner will attend one class per week (c. 50 minutes) for 6 weeks.
Registration
Please review the timetable above and then choose one course based on your level and the day and time on which you can attend the course at that level. Each learner will attend one class per week (c. 50 minutes) over 6 weeks.
Registration will open for A1 & A2 beginner classes at 2.00pm on Thursday 17th September at the link provided in an email from the Irish Language Office to the university community. Registration will open for B1 & B2 intermediate classes at 9.00am Friday 18 September at the link provided in an email from the Irish Language Office to the university community.
Please do not register for more than one class. If a class is full, you can register for the waiting list. Registrations of interest made through the website in advance of the above-mentioned dates and times will not be accepted.
After registering, you will receive an automatic email from Gaelchultúr confirming your registration. Please check your spam folder as the confirmation email may be directed here.
Please note that by submitting the online application form, you will be registered as a learner with Gaelchultúr and an online account will be created where you can view the course for which you are registered. The details you provide will not be used for any other purpose other than to facilitate the registration process for Trinity’s classes.
NB! If you have previously registered for a Trinity/Gaelchultúr Irish class, you must first log into your account using your email address and password, and then complete the application form. It is advised to try logging into your account on Gaelchultúr's website before Thursday 17th September so that you can easily access it once registration opens.
Opportunities to speak Irish
There are many ways you can practice your Irish outside the classroom in Trinity and Dublin:
- 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 from 1-2pm in room 3104, Arts Building every Wednesday during teaching terms.
- Éigse na Tríonóide, Trinity's annual Irish language week, will take place from 8-12th February 2027. Further information will be available from the Irish Language Office's social media channels listed below.
- Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí (Public Sector Irish Language Network) organises social events for those working in the public sector who would like to use and practice their Irish outside of a work setting. It provides opportunities to meet other learners in a relaxed setting. You can register for news of their events here.
- Irish language services are available in the Library from Monday to Friday, 9.00am-3.30pm.
- An Cumann Gaelach student society hold weekly events throughout the year. Further information on their activities can be found online @CumannGaelachTCD.
- The Students' Union has an Irish Language Officer and you can find information on their work and on SU events online @gaeilge.amlct
- An Scéim Cónaithe (Irish Language Residency Scheme) students hold Irish language events throughout the academic year. Further information can be found online @sceimtcd.
Follow Trinity's Irish Language Office online:
