Irish Language Summer Course

Irish Language Summer Course

Cúrsa na Mac Léinn Idirnáisiúnta 2027

Intensive Irish Language Summer Programme for International Students 2027

Course dates: 30 May – 20 June 2027 (3 weeks)

Eolas/Information

Participants in this immersive course experience the Irish language and culture in an unforgettable way, surrounded by the natural beauty and heritage of An Cheathrú Rua in the Conamara Gaeltacht, Co. Galway.

Daily sessions provide intensive, in-class instruction designed to build fluency in the Irish language, allowing students to strengthen their skills and confidence in a supportive and engaging environment.

Outside the classroom, students take part in traditional Irish singing and dancing workshops, offering a lively and authentic introduction to Ireland’s musical traditions. The programme also includes introductory lectures on a range of topics, such as the history of the Irish language, folklore, literature, music and Irish-language media, which provide valuable cultural and historical context.

A major highlight of the course is the series of excursions to Irish-speaking locations, where participants have the chance to hear and use the language in real-life settings. These visits include trips to An Spidéal and a day trip to one of the Aran Islands. In addition, students visit the renowned Kylemore Abbey and spend time in Clifden, a lively town at the edge of Connemara known for its charm and local culture. 

Na Cúrsaí Teanga/Language Courses

Course Objective and Description:

Four language levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) will be offered, subject to demand. University of Galway lecturers in Applied Irish will teach the language classes, providing expert instruction and an immersive learning experience.

Students will be invited to take a placement test to determine the level that best suits their proficiency.

Complete Beginner (A1): Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Elementary Course (A2): Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.  Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Intermediate Course (B1): Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.  Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

In ann déileáil le bunús na gcomhráite a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ann le linn dom bheith ag taisteal i gceantar a bhfuil an teanga á labhairt ann. Ní theastaíonn aon réamhullmhúchán uaim le gur féidir liom dul i mbun comhrá ar ábhair a bhfuil taithí agam orthu, a bhfuil spéis phearsanta agam féin iontu nó a bhaineann leis an ngnáthshaol (mar shampla, an teaghlach, obair, taisteal agus cúrsaí an lae).

Upper-Intermediate Course (B2): Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Sách líofa agus sách spontáineach chun gur féidir liom idirghníomhú le cainteoirí dúchais go rialta. Is féidir liom a bheith rannpháirteach i bplé ar bith ar ábhair a bhfuil taithí agam orthu agus is féidir liom mo thuairimí féin a mhíniú agus a chosaint.

Course Assessment/Examination: Examinations are optional.

Students who choose to participate and pass will earn 12 ECTS credits.

An Cúrsa/What’s Included in the Course

Your Gaeltacht experience includes everything you need to make the most of your time immersed in the Irish language and culture:

• Irish-language tuition
• Course materials
• Guest speakers
• Accommodation with a welcoming host family
• Transportation - Daily bus transport is provided between your accommodation and An tAcadamh (Language Centre), as well as to all scheduled excursions, workshops and activities.
• Interactive workshops
• Cultural and social activities
• Excursions and trips

From the classroom to the kitchen table, every element of the programme is designed to support your learning, build your confidence and provide an authentic experience of life in the Gaeltacht.

Lóistín/Accommodation

Your host family is at the heart of your Gaeltacht experience. Outside the classroom, learning continues in a relaxed and welcoming home environment. Your host family will encourage you to use your Irish, share their knowledge of local life and culture, and help you feel at home in the Gaeltacht.

Staying with a host family is much more than accommodation. It is an opportunity to make meaningful connections, experience family life and build confidence using Irish in real-life situations.

Immerse yourself in the Irish language, experience authentic Gaeltacht life, and feel at home with a welcoming host family.

Your accommodation package also includes:

• All meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Bed linen
• Laundry service — twice during your stay

Táillí/Fees

• Tuition, Transportation, Extracurricular Activities & Accommodation — Single-Room Occupancy   
  €4,285 **Single rooms are extremely limited and subject to availability. 
• Tuition, Transportation, Extracurricular Activities & Accommodation — Shared-Room Occupancy
  €3,760

Spriocdháta/Application Deadline: Friday, 26 February 2027 (5pm Irish time)

Apply online:  Foirm Iarratais/Application Form 2027

Clárú agus Íocaíocht/Enrolment and Payment
Full payment is required upon acceptance of a course offer. All relevant documentation must also be submitted to secure your enrolment by 1 March 2027.

Please note the cancellation and refund policy

• Student cancels on or after 5 March, 2027 - €800 fee applies.
• Student cancels on or after 21 May, 2027 - full fee applies.

Visa: You can check if you need a visa on the website of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/