Beginning to Learn
Whether you are just getting started or you need to review the basics, our introductory courses will make you feel right at home speaking Irish.
Corresponds to Fluency From Absolute Beginner to A2/B1
Begin at the Beginning….
Dedicated Teachers
Our teachers understand how difficult it is to learn a new language. Working with a group that has been teaching the language since 1872 has its advantages: we have the experience to help you learn!
Supportive Community
You’ll take classes with other students who are on the same journey that you are taking. Study groups and friendships made along the way will help carry you forward to your goal.
Respected Texts
Our classes use a variety of respected texts to teach the language, all of which are readily available via online retailers. We also provide our own materials to help students begin to learn quickly.
Spring 2024 Basic Level
Starting to Learn. Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh / Jerry Kelly. Fridays at 12PM and 8PM New York Time beginning February 2. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-startingtolearn .
Progress In Irish chapters 1-15. Seoirse Merrill / George Merrill. Tuesdays at 8PM New York Time beginning February 6. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15 .
Starting to Speak. Sheri Lovett. Wednesdays at 7PM New York Time beginning February 7. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-speaking .
Bedtime Stories in Irish. Éamonn de Bhál. This class will have 3 sessions:
* Mondays at 8:00 PM New York Time beginning February 12.
* Thursdays at 7:30 PM New York Time beginning February 8.
* Saturdays at 9:45 AM New York Time beginning February 10.
This class will use the Leighleat website and is appropriate for those who have completed Progress in Irish 1-16 and higher. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-bedtime-stories-in-irish .
Conversation and Lessons for Children. Seoirse Merrill / George Merrill. Saturdays at 9AM New York Time beginning February 10. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-for-children .
Progress In Irish chapters 16-30. Séamus Ó hEochaidhín / Séamus Haughian. Mondays at 7PM London Time beginning February 5. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress16-30 .
Progress In Irish chapters 1-30. Pádraig Ó hÁinle / Patrick Hanley. Sundays at 2PM Central Time (Chicago Time) beginning February 4. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-30 .
Beginning Conversation. Pádraig Ó hÁinle / Patrick Hanley. Saturdays at 4:30PM Central Time (Chicago Time) beginning February 10. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-beginning-conversation .
Reading Group for Beginners. Máire Ní Bhriain / Mary O’Brien. Meeting every other Tuesday night at 8PM New York Time beginning February 13. We'll be reading Ollie Richards’ "Short Stories in Irish for Beginners: Read for pleasure at your level, expand your vocabulary and learn Irish the fun way!" Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-reading-for-beginners . Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-reading-for-beginners .
Bi-lingual class for beginners – Sean-Nós Songs. Bréanann Ó Catháin. Wednesdays at 6PM Ireland Time (1PM New York Time) beginning February 7. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-Irish-memes .