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 2026 Basic Level
Sundays
Progress in Irish (Office Hours)
Pádraig Ó hÁinle / Patrick Hanley
Sundays at 10am CST (Central Standard Time)/4pm Irish Time beginning February 1, 2026. Don't know your verbal known from your verbal adjective? Stuck on the modh coinníolach? Is your tuiseal not quite ginideach-ing? We meet every Sunday morning to workshop problems and answer questions. Bring your curiosity!
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-review
Blocuimhreacha (Number Blocks)
Pádraig Ó hÁinle / Patrick Hanley
Sundays at 2pm CST (Central Standard Time)/8pm Irish Time beginning Jul 5, 2026
We’ll be watching the children’s show “Blockuimhreacha” (Numberblocks) to practice counting and vocabulary in Irish in a safe and easy way. If you’ve ever been worried about numbers in Irish, join us as we practice them!
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress1-15
Class meets at the following link: https://app.kosmi.io/room/@patrickhanl
Fridays
Starting to Learn
Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh / Jerry Kelly
Fridays at 11am and 7PM New York Time beginning Friday, July 3, 2026 New York Time.
This is where beginners begin. In this class you master Irish phonetics (which are very different from every other phonetic system on the planet except Scottish Gaelic), obtain an overview of the structure of the language, and explore ancient Gaelic and Celtic culture.
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-startingtolearn
Saturdays
Fáinne Airgid
Pádraig Ó hÁinle / Patrick Hanley
Saturdays at 11am CST (Central Standard Time)/5pm Irish Time beginning July 4, 2026
We will meet weekly on Saturdays to practice conversation based on the Fáinne Airgid questions. Organized sample conversations are provided with very little emphasis on grammar. We are focused on answering specific questions and having certain basic conversations in Irish. Come practice speaking!
Sign in at https://groups.io/g/philo-progress16-30