Irish language classes in Trinity

Michaelmas Term 2024

The Irish Language Office will offer Irish language classes in collaboration with Gaelchultúr for Michaelmas Term 2024.

Dates

Classes will begin on Monday 19th September 2024 and will run for six weeks, ending the week beginning 11th November 2024. Classes will not take place during study week from 21-25th October.

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.

Michaelmas Term Timetable

The Michaelmas Term Timetable can be found here. The dates, times and classrooms for each level is listed in this document.

Registration

Please review the timetable above and then choose one course based on your level, and also select the day and time which best suits you to attend a class. Each learner will attend one class per week (c. 50 minutes) over six weeks.

Class registration will open from 9.00am Friday 20 September 2024 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 20th September 2024. 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 weekly conversation circle is held in the Buttery Restaurant every Wednesday at 10.30am. 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, 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: 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.