Wanting to learn Irish

aoife161

Hi there,
I'm 26 and want to learn Irish. I've done all the normal Irish learning that someone of my age would and got a B in honours Irish at Leaving Cert level....but i'm sad to say that i can't remember anything. (well most things )

Anyway i basically want to learn Irish again as I'm thinking of applying for a Grad Diploma in Primary teaching.

Ideally I would love to get one on one grinds...and get into the conversational element of it.

Do you think grinds are a good way to go and if so...how many do you think I would need. I know thats almost the same as asking how long is a piece of string...but I'm a quick learner and i'm willing to put the effort in. I.e. if I'm sent home to learn verbs, i'll learn them!

I'm really looking forward to it..but i'm wondering would it be realistic to think that I could do maybe an hour a week for the next 3 months and become fluent enough to pass a oral exam in Irish?

Or do you think I should try and get to the Gaeltacht for a couple of weeks.

I don't even know if there's anyone in my area who could give me grinds! But I'm going to approach some of my Irish teachers from secondary school and see if they would be willing to give me one hour a week.


Anyway has anyone else any ideas on what I could do?

My time frame as I said it about 3 months.

Múinteoir

With such a short timeframe, I'd suggest going to the Gaeltacht for at least a week, but preferably more. You won't be able to learn the spoken language in grinds. Grinds are only really good for brushing up and perfecting what you already know and they're very book-orientated, which doesn't suit trying to speak a language. Learning off poems and essays by hearts is not going to help you in this context. Go n-éirí leat.

aoife161

Hi Muinteoir,
yeah i was thinking the same. But when I say 'grinds' I mean a hour or two a week with someone who knows that I want to learn Irish for conversational purposes.

I've been looking up courses online but its hard to find one that suits. I would love to head to a Gaeltacht region for a week and learn it in a natural way.

Now I'm thinking of getting something aural to help me too. I guess I'd be classed as intermediate as I'm not a beginner but I'd be afraid I'd buy something thats too hard for me and then on the other scale of things I'd buy something thats teaching me what I already know.

I've seen evening courses for people and conversational groups, but nothing in the region where I live. I'm from Wicklow town.

Maybe I just need to get my finger out and buy some self teaching material! And if I can get audio books/teaching aids then this will help with pronunciation etc.

aoife161

I came across a DIANCHÚRSAÍ GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA on conradh na gaeilge's website.

It takes place on the 08 of July (i've missed one that started on the 10th) and runs for 3 weeks, twice weekly for 3 hours each nite, in Harcourt St. Dublin.

They offer 4 levels, beginner, bunrang, meanrang and then Ardrang...

My bf wants to do it do so I've just emailed them and asked if there are any places available on the course! I'm excited now...and I really hope that I benefit from it as much as I can.

They run the course again starting the 5th of August so if we're doing well, maybe we can do the course again but at a higher level. I would reckon we'd start at bunrang...and hopefully end in meanrang.

Or maybe they can test you and see what your level is like before you begin!


Has anyone done one of these courses? I'd love to find out what they are like.

Cost €170 per person.

nubineeprincess

oh aoife that sounds good
i am going back to college in sept to do primary teaching also and like yourself i did honours irish for my leaving but that was 4 years ago and im worried also and really feel that i want to brush up on my irish...
that course does sound good......

Wolftone378

This is my first post so apologies for any transgretions. I am a retired American living in Waterford for three years. Does anyone know of someone in this area who would be willing to tutor me in Irish? I would love to be able to speak the language well enough to have a decent converation with another. Don't drive so a location on a bus route would be great. Students are fine. Reasonable compensation.

dlofnep

Wolftone378 wrote: »

This is my first post so apologies for any transgretions. I am a retired American living in Waterford for three years. Does anyone know of someone in this area who would be willing to tutor me in Irish? I would love to be able to speak the language well enough to have a decent converation with another. Don't drive so a location on a bus route would be great. Students are fine. Reasonable compensation.

Hi, we go out every thursday night here in Waterford and speak as gaeilge for the entire night. My Irish isn't brilliant, but I can teach you some basic fundementals as we go along. You're more than welcome to join us. Just drop me a line on here.

John.

Wolftone378

Hi John,

Where is the venue in Waterford on Thursday nights? I would be interested.

dlofnep

We typically change - Usually either in Harvey's or T&H's. Just pop me a line and I'll let you know where we out. It's hard to get a strict time/place due to work contraints or such, but we get out once a week. Mostly on thursdays, sometimes saturdays. Drop me a line and I'll let you know either way.

Wolftone378

John,
Let me know where yopu will be Thursday and I'd be happy to join you!

dlofnep

I will do.

seantx

I have been searching for a conversation group as gaeilge in the waterford area, can you let me know about your next night and i try to stop in

Thanks

arse..biscuits

aoife161 wrote: »

I came across a DIANCHÚRSAÍ GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA on conradh na gaeilge's website.

It takes place on the 08 of July (i've missed one that started on the 10th) and runs for 3 weeks, twice weekly for 3 hours each nite, in Harcourt St. Dublin.

They offer 4 levels, beginner, bunrang, meanrang and then Ardrang...

My bf wants to do it do so I've just emailed them and asked if there are any places available on the course! I'm excited now...and I really hope that I benefit from it as much as I can.

They run the course again starting the 5th of August so if we're doing well, maybe we can do the course again but at a higher level. I would reckon we'd start at bunrang...and hopefully end in meanrang.

Or maybe they can test you and see what your level is like before you begin!


Has anyone done one of these courses? I'd love to find out what they are like.

Cost €170 per person.

Hi Aoife, how was the course? I booked to go aswell but missed tonight because i'm an idiot.

dlofnep

seantx wrote: »

I have been searching for a conversation group as gaeilge in the waterford area, can you let me know about your next night and i try to stop in

Thanks

Sent you a message

dlofnep

Anyone else from Waterford, we're meeting tomorrow at 9PM in Harveys. So pop along and drop me a message if you're coming