International Students Irish Language Summer Course 2025

Objective:

To provide the students with an introduction to the Irish language in an authentic Irish-speaking setting, drawing on the expertise of our highly experienced teaching staff. The courses are aligned with the Common European Framework for Languages, and will be offered concurrently at A1, A2, B1 and B2 level depending on the ability and prior knowledge of the students.

These courses are based at the University’s Irish Language Centre (Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain), An Cheathrú Rua in the heart of Connemara. Apart from being a region of great beauty, Connemara is a major Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking district) and has a rich folk tradition. The village of An Cheathrú Rua provides an ideal location for learning Irish.

Course Content:
 

Beginners’ Course (A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): Designed for those with no previous knowledge of Irish, this three-week intensive course provides a basic knowledge of spoken Irish and a general introduction to Irish linguistic culture.

Elementary Course (A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): This is suitable for those with some knowledge of the spoken language. It aims to help participants express themselves at an improved level of fluency.

Intermediate Course (B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): The course is offered to students who have a general knowledge of Irish-language structures and a good vocabulary. It aims to help participants become fluent and communicate more effectively in the spoken dialect of Connemara Irish.

Upper-Intermediate Course (B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): The course is offered to students who have a good command of the language. This course will help students engage in a wide variety of situations, express themselves confidently, and understand both everyday and more complex language, allowing for meaningful interaction and bridging the gap between basic communication skills and proficiency.

Course Delivery:

Each course will include:

• Intensive instruction in the Irish Language each day.
• Irish singing and dancing workshops
• Introductory lectures on relevant topics, including the history of the Irish language, Folklore, the Irish Language Media.

Excursions and visits are arranged to several Irish-speaking locations to experience language and culture in their natural environment. Towns and villages that are visited include Ros Muc and An Spidéal, with its local specialised crafts and a day trip to one of the Aran Islands. A visit to the renowned Kylemore Abbey and Clifden town is also arranged during the course.

Course Requirements:

Courses on offer are at beginners’, elementary, intermediate and upper-intermediate level. Students are registered for the course best suited to their standard in the language.

Course Assessment:

Oral, written and aural examinations

Credits:

6 Semester Credits/12 ECTS Credits (per course)

Dates:

 30 Bealtaine/May - 20 Meitheamh/June 2025

Location:

Fees:

Full payment (Tuition and Accommodation) is required on acceptance of a course offer. All relevant documentation must also be submitted to secure your enrolment before 7 March 2025.

Methods of payment:

Credit card by calling the office at 00 353 91 494600 or 00 353 91 494606 (Monday – Friday from 9.30am – 4.30pm Irish time) with your card details.

or 

Electronic Transfer Information:

Bank Name and Address: Bank of Ireland, 43 Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland, H91 D6X9.
Account Number: 28453773 
Sort Code: 90 38 16 
IBAN No: IE 42 BOFI 903816 28453773 
BIC: BOFIIE2D

Please email caitriona.uichualain@universityofgalway.ie when payment has been processed and forward a copy of the transfer documentation.

Transfers must be made in Euros, payable to University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33.

Please ensure "A/C no. D0720, Acadamh, University of Galway & Your Name" is referenced on all bank transfers.

Option A 

Option B 

Accommodation is provided with local Irish speaking families.

Please note the cancellation & refund policy below.

• Student cancels on or after 7 March, 2025 -  €1,000 fee applies.
• Student cancels on or after 23 May, 2025 - full fee applies.

Scholarships:

The Fulbright Commission offers Gaeltacht Scholarship Awards to US citizens while the Ireland Canada University Foundation offers scholarships to Canadian citizens who wish to study the Irish language. The Irish Embassy in Hungary offers a scholarship to Hungarian citizens interested in learning the Irish language.

Visa:

You are responsible for getting a visa (if required) to study in Ireland. Please visit Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service to see if you require a study visa.

Application Deadline:

28 Feabhra/February 2025

Apply online:

You can apply for the course using this online form.

Contact details:
                                         

Lisa Ní Fhlatharta
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge
An Cheathrú Rua
Co. na Gaillimhe H91 DH28

T: +353 91 494609
E: lisa.nifhlatharta@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie