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 2025 Basic Level
Starting To Learn
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 attend one or both:
1. Fridays at 12PM Noon New York Time (5PM in Charlestown, Co. Mayo; 8PM in Dubai; 9AM in Los Angeles);
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).
Múinteoir / Teacher: Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh / Jerry Kelly.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-startingtolearn .
Progress in Irish 1-15 - Section A
Saturdays at 1PM Chicago Time, 2PM New York Time; 7PM Ireland Time.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Patrick Hanley.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15 .
Progress in Irish 1-15 - Section C
Sundays at 2PM in Ireland, 9AM in New York, 6PM in Dubai.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Nigel McLoughlin.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15-zoom .
Progress In Irish 1-15 - Section D
Mondays at 8PM in New York; Tuesdays at noon in Sydney, Australia; Tuesdays at 2PM in Auckland, New Zealand.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Éamonn de Bhál.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15D .
Progress In Irish 11–15
Wednesdays at 7PM in New York; 4PM in California; Thursdays at 11AM in Sydney, Australia. We will be continuing our work through Progress in Irish chapters 11 through 15. Everyone is welcome.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Sheri Lovett.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15B .
Progress In Irish 15-25
Mondays at 7:30PM New York Time, Tuesdays at 7:30AM Malaysia Time.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Éamonn Ó Muirgheasa.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress15-25 .
Progress in Irish 16-30 - Section A
Saturdays at 4PM Chicago Time, 2PM California Time, 10PM Ireland Time. (This was previously Beginning Conversation; Conversation Practice will return Summer 2025.)
Múinteoir / Teacher: Patrick Hanley. Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress16-30 .
Progress in Irish 16-30 - Section B
Wednesdays at 6:30PM Ireland Time, 1:30PM New York Time, 10:30AM California Time.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Nigel McLoughlin.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress16-30B .
Children’s Reading
Saturdays at 7PM in New York and 4PM in California (Sundays at 8AM in Hong Kong and 11AM in Sydney, Australia). This group will read basic children’s books and other stories. 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 .
Bedtme Stories
Thursdays at 8pm New York time (6PM in Calgary, Canada; 12 noon in Sydney, Australia). Reading and translation into English. For beginners who have completed Progress In Irish 1-15 or equivalent. The class reads and translates kids' stories from YouTube videos. The beginning stories are Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and others that you already know.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Éamonn de Bhál.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-bedtime-stories-in-irish .
‘Irish Memes’
Wednesdays at 1PM New York Time (10AM in California, 6PM in Ireland, 10PM in Dubai). Continuing from the prior term so join now! We explore the Irish Language in all available mediums, from internet memes to movie posters, poems, songs, folklore, and mythology like Oisín i dTír na n-Óg. 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 .
Reading for Beginners
Every other Tuesday at 8PM New York Time (7PM in Chicago; 5:30AM Wednesdays in India; 10AM Wednesdays in Sydney & Hobart, 12PM Noon Wednesdays in Wellington, New Zealand). This class is continuing on into the Spring Term so join now.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Mary O'Brien.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-reading-for-beginners