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.
Fall 2024 Basic Level
Starting To Learn. Worldwide on Zoom. If you haven’t mastered Irish phonetics and/or if you haven’t learned Irish before, this is where you start. This class has two sessions covering the same material. You can join one or both:
1. Fridays at 12PM Noon New York Time (5PM in Charlestown, Co. Mayo; 8PM in Dubai; 9AM in Los Angeles) beginning September 24, 2024 New York Time; and
2. Fridays at 8PM New York Time (5PM in Los Angeles; 8AM Saturdays in Hong Kong; 10AM Saturdays in Sydney, Australia; 12 Noon Saturdays in Wellington, New Zealand) beginning September 20, 2024 New York Time.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh / Jerry Kelly. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-startingtolearn .
Progress In Irish 1-15. Worldwide on Zoom. Wednesdays at 7PM New York Time (4PM in Los Angeles; 7AM Thursdays in Hong Kong; 9AM Thursdays in Sydney, Australia; 11AM Thursdays in Wellington, New Zealand) beginning September 18, 2024 New York Time. Múinteoir / Teacher: Sheri Lovett. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15B .
Progress In Irish 1-15. Worldwide on Zoom. Mondays at 7.30PM New York Time (7.30AM Tuesdays in Malaysia; 8.30AM in Malaysia after end of daylight savings) beginning September 16, 2024 New York Time, September 17, 2024 Malaysia Time. Múinteoir / Teacher: Éamonn Ó Muirgheasa. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15C .
Progress In Irish 1-15. Worldwide on Zoom. Wednesdays at 6PM in Ireland starting September 18, 2024. That's 10AM in Los Angeles, 1PM in Toronto and New York, and 9PM in Dubai. Múinteoir / Teacher: Nigel McLoughlin. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15-zoom .
Progress In Irish 11-25. Worldwide on Zoom. Thursdays at 7PM Ireland Time (11AM in Los Angeles, 2PM in Toronto, 8PM in Paris) starting September 19, 2024. Múinteoir / Teacher: Nigel McLoughlin. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress11-25
Progress In Irish 16-30. Worldwide on Zoom. Sundays at 12PM Chicago Time (10AM in Los Angeles, 1PM in New York, 6PM in Ireland, 9PM in Dubai). Patrick’s Summer Term students for Progress In Irish 1-15 will be moving to this classroom to finish PII 1-15 and then do Progress In Irish 16-30. The group will start Chapter 16 on October 20, 2024 for anyone who wants to join at that point. Anyone who wants to join before that for some additional review of PII 1-15 is welcome! Múinteoir / Teacher: Patrick Hanley. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress16-30
Children’s Reading Class. Worldwide on Zoom. Saturday evenings at 7PM New York Time (7AM Sundays in Hong Kong; 9AM Sundays in Sydney, Australia; 11AM Sundays in Wellington, New Zealand) starting September 14, 2024 New York Time. This group will read using basic children’s books and other stories. We will be starting at the very lowest level and working up. We will be working together as a group to translate. No one will be alone so have no fear! Beginners will be encouraged, pronunciation will be assisted. Múinteoir / Teacher: Sheri Lovett. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-for-children
White Belt Irish. Worldwide on Zoom. Fridays at 9AM in Tasmania, Australia (Thursdays at 4PM in Los Angeles and 7PM in New York) though times are subject to daylight savings changes. This group is ongoing without a specific beginning or ending date so join at any time. This group concentrates on A1 Irish with an emphasis on spoken Irish. Prerequisites: ideally, participants will already have covered some basics such as greetings, numbers, weather and describing people. Múinteoir / Teacher: Jean Hollis. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-white-belt-irish
Irish Language Internet Memes. Worldwide on Zoom. Wednesdays at 1PM in New York (6PM in Ireland, 9PM in Dubai). This is an ongoing class so join now. We explore the Irish Language in all available mediums, from internet memes to movie posters, poems, songs, folklore, and mythology. Bilingual conversation in Gaeilge and English as we build our vocabulary together. All levels are welcome! Múinteoir / Teacher: Gráinne Ní Chaimbeal. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-Irish-memes