Irish language classes in Trinity

Hilary Term 2025

The Irish Language Office will offer Irish language classes in collaboration with Gaelchultúr for Hilary Term 2025.

Dates

Classes will begin on Tuesday 4th February 2024 and will run for eight weeks, ending on the week beginning 31st March 2025. Classes will not take place during study week from 3-7 March.

Classes will take place on a weekly basis and the duration of each class will be approx. 50 minutes.

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 take a brief online test to decipher which level is most suitable for you. You can take the test here and a description of the different levels and scores can be found here.

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.

Gaelchultúr adopts a communicative approach in its teaching 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.

Registration

The Hilary Term timetable can be found at this link. Please choose one course based on your level, and also select the day and time which best suits you to attend a class at that level. Each learner will attend one class per week (c. 50 minutes) for eight weeks.

Class registration will open from 9.00am Friday 24th January at the link provided in an email from the Irish Language Office to university students and staff. Please do not register for more than one class. If a class is full, you may register for the waiting list.

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 do not register for any waiting list before 9.00am on Friday 24th January. Registrations before this date will not be valid.

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 in through Gaelchultúr's website before Friday to ensure in advance that you can access your account.

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 Irish language week, will take place from 27-31st January 2025.
• 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.