17 Resources to Learn Irish for Free
Photo by Lukas Eggers on Unsplash
-
Tearma
National Terminology Database for Irish, developed by Fiontar and DCU in collaboration with An Coiste Téarmaíochta and Foras na Gaeilge.
keyboard_arrow_up3
-
Teanglann
"Teanglann.ie is simply the best online Irish-English dictionary, with multiple dictionary options and tabs for grammar look-ups and more."
keyboard_arrow_up2
-
Ranganna
Online Irish courses at various levels.
keyboard_arrow_up1
-
r/gaelige
A subreddit for Irish learners.
keyboard_arrow_up1
-
Gaelige Amhain
"An active Facebook group, where users share funny videos, pictures, and stories in Irish. Post only in Irish here!"
keyboard_arrow_up1
-
Folcloir
New English-Irish Dictionary from Foras na Gaeilge. Includes digitalised versions of Foclóir Gaeilge Béarla and English Irish Dictionary.
keyboard_arrow_up1
-
Cruinneog
Award winning tools for checking Irish spelling and grammar.
keyboard_arrow_up1
-
Verbix - Irish
A verb conjugation tool.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
Project Gutenberg - Irish
Free books in Irish (most of them are rather old).
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
Liofa.eu
Useful links.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
Fuaimeanna na Gaelige
Compare three dialects of Irish.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
Free online Irish resources
A list of learning resources.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
Forvo - Irish
More than 17000 words pronounced by native speakers.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
Easy Irish
Podcast lessons.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
BBC - Irish
Learn the basics of lrish in a fifteen week course. Includes a fun way to test your level of Irish.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
Acmhainn
An Irish Language resource site. Includes dictionaries, terminology lists and Irish texts. There is also a forum for translators on the site.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
101 Languages - Irish
Basic info, vocabulary and a list of resources.
keyboard_arrow_up0
-
About the Irish Language
The Irish language, also known as Irish Gaelic or Gaeilge, is a Celtic language with a rich history and cultural significance. It is the first official language of Ireland and holds a special place in Irish identity and heritage.
There are varying estimates of the number of Irish speakers, but it is believed that around 70,000 to 100,000 people in Ireland speak the language on a daily basis. Efforts are being made to promote its use and increase proficiency among the population.
Irish has ancient origins and is a member of the Goidelic branch of the Celtic languages. It shares a common ancestry with Scottish Gaelic and Manx. The language has a strong connection to Ireland's ancient Gaelic culture and literature.
Irish is spoken primarily in the Gaeltacht regions of Ireland, which are areas where the language is still widely used. These regions are scattered along the western and southwestern coasts of Ireland, including parts of County Donegal, Connemara, and the Dingle Peninsula.
The language has a unique and complex grammar, including a system of initial consonant mutations and verb conjugation. It is also known for its rich literary tradition, with ancient texts such as the Táin Bó Cúailnge and the poetry of renowned writers like W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney.
Efforts to promote the Irish language include educational initiatives, language immersion programs, and the establishment of Irish-speaking communities. Irish is taught in schools, and there are Irish-language television and radio stations to support its use.
Learning Irish offers a deep connection to Ireland's cultural heritage, allowing individuals to engage with its literature, music, and traditions. It is an important symbol of Irish identity and a testament to the resilience and pride of the Irish people.