The Gaeilge Revolution: 15 ways to add more Irish to your life
I often hear people say they didn't connect with Irish in school, they had a bad teacher, or their parents influenced a negative attitude around the language. My response every time is "what's stopping you now?"
The Irish language belongs to us all. It's yours to choose in adult life, and there's no age limit on learning it.
So if you've been contemplating an Irish language journey, take this as your sign to do it. The power is in your hands, and the future of the language depends on each of us to pass on go dtí an chéad ghlúin eile.
As an Irish speaker, my most common question I get is usually around accessible and fun ways to incorporate the language into everyday life. So today, I've compiled a list of exactly that.
Go n-eirí go geal libh go léir!
1. Listen to podcasts:
I'm a firm believer that you understand a language before you can speak it. So if you're new to it - or just a bit rusty - podcasts are a great place to start. You'll be able to hear the language being used in a casual and chatty setting without feeling under pressure to be fluent or understand every single word.
Some of my favourites are:
How to Gael
Three charismatic cailíní join forces each week to chat about the modern everyday life of Irish speakers. Síomha, Doireann and Louise jump between Gaeilge agus Béarla, so it's really easy to understand and pick up a few new words. From identity to pop culture, dating to dialects, the podcast dives into what it really means to be a Gael today.
Gaelgals
GaelGals is the podcast where Gaeilge, friendship, and feminism collide — agus tá sé lán le croí, gáire, agus grá don teanga.
Hosted by a dynamic group of Gaeilgeoirí, this pod is all about living life trí Ghaeilge in a way that feels modern, fun, and unapologetically female. From chats about mental health and pop culture to coláiste samhraidh, cearta ban, and everything in between, GaelGals keeps it real.
Motherfoclóir
Motherfoclóir is the podcast that proves language isn't just grammar and spelling – it's politics, identity, history, and humour.
Expect episodes on everything from conas a scríobhann tú "craic" i gceart to why direct provision, gender, the Constitution, and colonialism are all part of the language conversation.
With host Darra Ó Séaghdha and a rotating cast of writers, lawyers, activists and Gaeilgeoirí of all stripes, Motherfoclóir is insightful, irreverent, and unapologetically nerdy. They're not currently releasing new episodes, but you can still jump into any of them at any time.
2. Follow Irish Language influencers online
One of the easiest ways to get a dose of Gaeilge each day is to curate your social media to serve Irish language content to you. Whatever your interest is, you'll find creators who are posting videos about it in Irish.
Here are some great creators to check out:
3. Take up a hobby with Irish
You don't necessarily need to be sitting in a classroom to pick up the language. Taking up a hobby is a cool way to find other Irish language speakers and to practice in a casual setting.
This year, I wanted to find more environments where I could use and improve my Irish. I took up Sean Nos singing at the start of summer, and it's been one of the best decisions I've made. I do my lessons in The Cobblestone pub with teacher - and professional singer - Inni-K.
She dips in and out of Irish throughout the class and there's a real mix of fluency levels. We have people dialing in from Canada and America each week to sing with us, so if you're unable to attend in person that's ok too.
More classes will launch in September, email eithnenichathain@yahoo.com for more details.
4. Do Irish language lessons
If you want to be fluent in the language, the best thing to do is attend classes. Lots of people use Duo-Lingo, which is helpful and easy to pop onto each day. However, nothing can really beat the opportunity to sit with a teacher and learn from them.
Here are some of my top recommendations for Irish language lessons:
Conradh na Gaeilge – Dublin: Located in the heart of Dublin, Conradh na Gaeilge is one of the most iconic places to learn Irish. It offers fun, social, and structured classes across all levels in-person and online.
Gaelchultúr – Nationwide/Online: Gaelchultúr is a leading provider of online Irish courses, offering everything from beginner to advanced levels. Ideal for busy learners and professionals.
NUIG and Maynooth University Adult Irish Courses: These third-level institutions offer part-time evening and online classes in Irish for adult learners. Great if you're looking to build towards a qualification or develop fluency steadily.
Gael Linn - Dublin: Gael Linn is a long-established Irish language and culture organisation that offers structured adult language classes in Dublin throughout the year. Their classes are typically live and interactive, with a focus on conversation building in small groups.
5. Head to the Gaeltacht for a week of immersion
Oideas Gael – Donegal: Located in Gleann Cholm Cille in the stunning Donegal Gaeltacht, Oideas Gael offers immersive week-long courses that combine language learning with culture, music, and craic. A favourite among adults seeking a proper Irish experience.
Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne – Dingle Peninsula: Immersive adult Irish courses set in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in the stunning West Kerry Gaeltacht. Expect top-class teaching, lively conversation, and cultural extras like sean-nós singing – all in the heart of Corca Dhuibhne.
6. Read Irish language publications
Reading a language is one of the best ways to understand sentence structure and grammar - it'll really help you in knowing where to add an urú or a shéimiú.
Check out Tuairisc.ie for daily news and opinion pieces, Comhar for cutting-edge altanna, and Nós magazine for pop culture, music, and younger voices.
7. Listen to Irish language radio programmes
I highly recommend switching on the radio while on a long journey and soaking up some great Irish language conversations.
Here are some great Irish language shows to listen to:
Bladhaire on RnaG: A lively talk show covering music, pop culture, current affairs, and the arts all as Gaeilge. Hosted by the bubbly Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, it's modern, funny, and great for learners too. On weekdays at 3pm on Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Splanc on Newstalk: Presented by Cuán Ó Flatharta, Splanc covers a wide range of topics and quirky chat. A relaxed show airing every Friday 10pm–midnight on Newstalk, and available as a podcast.
Tuairisc on Raidió na Life: This flagship current affairs talk-show has been a staple on Raidió na Life for over 20 years, airing every Tuesday evening at 7pm. Hosted by Eoin and Liam, it offers sharp, thoughtful coverage of local and international news, politics, sport, and the arts. A trusted go-to for weekly analysis and debate.
8. Read books that dive into the culture and history of the language
One of my favourite books ever is 32 Words for Field by Manchán Magan. If you want to understand the magic of the language and truly appreciate its linguistic history, I can't think of a better place to start than the first page of this book.
His other book Listen to the Land Speak is brilliant as well.
9. Go to a Pop Up Gaeltacht
The best way to practice your Irish is to speak it with other Gaelgóirí. The problem is, sometimes it can be hard to find them if they're not in your immediate circle. Pop Up Gaeltacht is a gathering of people who appreciate the language, and like to do so over a pint* or two.
Pop Up Gaeltacht happens once a month in Dublin and Cork, the location can change so keep an eye on their Instagram account. It also happens on the last Thursday of each month in Galway. You'll find them dotted all around the country and beyond - there's even been some in Australia, America and Canada!
10. Wear a fáinne
An Fáinne is a small circular badge worn to indicate that you speak Irish (or are learning it) and are open to speaking it with others. Wearing one can motivate you to use the language more, and show pride in your learning journey. It's especially helpful in places like cities where Irish speakers are more dispersed. It's a small but powerful way to normalise Irish in public spaces too.
You can buy them from places like Gael Linn, Conradh na Gaeilge, or Siopa.ie.
11. Go to Irish language events
There is a plethora of Irish language events throughout the calendar year. PEIG.ie is a great place to see what events are coming up.
Here are some of my favourites:
Liú Lúnasa – Belfast: Held each year at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Liú Lúnasa is a vibrant arts and culture festival. It's a three‑day celebration featuring music, spoken‑word events, slam poetry, family workshops, film screenings, talks, and intensive Irish-language classes.
Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia – Nationwide: The biggest celebration of Gaeilge agus cultúr in the world. Running annually for the first three weeks of March, it features events in schools, workplaces, pubs, clubs, GAA clubs, and online, from céilís to podcasts to pop-up Gaeltachtaí.
12. Do a short break in a Gaeltacht region and practice your cúpla focal
Why not mix your Gaeilge journey with a bit of tourism? The Gaeltacht regions are some of the most scenic in the entire country. They're also a great place to bain trial as and order a coffee or some lunch using your cúpla focal.
I personally love An Spidéal and Conamara in Co Galway, Béal an Mhuirthead in Co Mayo, An Rinn in Co Waterford, Daingean Uí Chúis in Co Kerry and Múscraí in Co Cork.
13. Go to an Irish language music festival
Féile na Gealaí in Co Meath is a weekend-long celebration of the Irish language, music and arts, completely as Gaeilge. Expect a buzzing campsite, live gigs, poetry, comedy, and workshops — all set in Ráth Chairn, the Gaeltacht of the east.
14. Watch Irish language films
It's been a brilliant couple of years for Irish language film. In 2022, An Cailín Ciún - the story of of Cáit, a quiet, neglected girl who finds unexpected care and love when sent to live with distant relatives for the summer - was nominated for an Academy Award.
Last year, KNEECAP became the first Irish-language film ever selected for the Sundance Film Festival and won the NEXT Audience Award.
Some other great Irish language films to check out are Arracht, Foscadh, Kings and Róise & Frank.
15. Listen to Irish language music
The Kneecap lads have really introduced the world to modern Irish language music. However they're not the only ones making great music. Add some more Irish language artists to your Spotify playlists like Imlé, Rónán Ó Snodaigh, An Chéad Ghlúin Eile, Clare Sands, The Gloaming, Róisín Seoighe, Ispíní na hÉireann, James Shannon, Inni-K, Súil Amháin and Le Boom.
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