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27th Sep 2017

Five Deadly Ways To Brush Up On Your Gaeilge

Éadaoin Fitzmaurice

2019 is creeping up and this time of year it’s good to make a bucket list for the year ahead.

These lists often involve travel, climbing the ladder in your career and even picking up a new skill.

Well why not do that and get more in touch with your culture?

The Irish language has been going from strength to strength in recent years and has been rising in popularity.

For some however, they just need that little push in the right direction to actually take action and brush up on our native tongue, (we assure you it’s super handy to have when you want to b*tch about someone on your holibops.)

Here are some cool ways to get back into the swing of things:

1. Pop Up Gaeltacht

If you haven’t heard of Pop Up Gaeltacht, you must have been hiding under a rock.

On the last Thursday of every month a particular bar in Dublin is chosen and hundreds of people turn up to speak Gaeilge while having the banter and a few scoops. This is the perfect place to practice your cúpla focal as you’ll have dutch courage from the pints in your lámha.

Organisers Peadar O Caomhánaigh and Osgur O Ciardha describe the event as a “debaucherous piss-up“, so you know it’s gonna to be good craic.

The next Pop Up Gaeltacht will take place tomorrow in The Bernard Shaw and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet with almost 1,000 people showing interest on the Facebook event.

2. Evening Classes

If you’re really committed to the cause, you can take Irish language classes and really scrub up on your Irish.

There are a wide range of courses all over the country with varying levels also. This will really help with your grammar and written Irish and it’s a great way of boosting your confidence when it comes to conversation.

Now is your chance, give it a go!

Here are some classes:

cnag.ie

gaelchultur.com

nightcourses.com

3. Podcasts

Podcasts are really on trend as of late and there are some really amazing Irish language podcasts out there to listen to.

This is a great way to perfect the language while still having some chill time. It’s also super refreshing to listen to the language being used while discussing topical subjects and interesting matters, rather than “Léigh anois go cúramach ar do scrúdpháipear…

Here are some of the best podcasts out right now:

Beo Ar Éigean

Motherfoclóir

4. Snapchat

Snapchat is a hub for Irish language speakers at the moment and a great way of learning little bits of Irish here and there on a daily basis.

Seeing how simple it can be to learn a new word or day, or to understand someone as they talk about their daily life is a real confidence boost and it feels great.

Here are some of our favourite Snappers who are bringing the language to life online:

– @irishmike_carey

– @CaoimheChats

– @siuners

5. Play GAA

Did you know that there is an Irish-speaking gaelic football, hurling and camogie team?

For anyone into sports, this would be the perfect way to brush up on your Gaeilge while keeping fit. Na Gaeil Óga based in Lucan and Phoenix Park are a team that speak only Irish with one another, which is pure class if you ask us.

Anyone wana join with us?

So there you have it, you have no reason not to now!

Gowan, bain triail aisti!

READ MORE: Want To Try Something New In 2019? This Oyster Shucking Course Looks Ideal

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