Dia duit! Hello! Welcome, fellow linguist. It appears that you’re curious about learning Irish at Oideas Gael. I’m here to help answer your questions. My name’s Tara (said the Irish way, not the North American way). I’m a Canadian polyglot, language teacher and linguist by trade, and all around word nerd. When I moved to Ireland many years ago I wanted to learn Irish. Unfortunately, my work schedule didn’t permit time for weekly lessons. After over a decade and different homes around the world, I’ve returned to that desire and finally put it into action.
What was the spark to start learning Irish in 2026? Last fall while on a conference FAM trip in Ireland, I jumped at the chance to visit “the language school”. Earlier in 2025 I’d attended a Spanish language school in Guatemala. I’ve been learning and using Spanish since high school and loved the school in Guatemala, so this was a double no-brainer (anything Ireland is an immediate yes). If it’s got to do with words and languages, I’m there. During our short afternoon visit, I stumbled through the pronunciation of the “cúpla focal” (few Irish words) that Rónán, the friendly and encouraging course manager, taught our group. I could not stop grinning. I knew I had to come back for the proper full experience.
Over the next several months, Rónán and I kept in touch. We agreed on an exchange, something I rarely do on the blog anymore, but this was a special situation. For full transparency, all opinions here (and everywhere else on Travel with TMc) are my own. And, if we ever chat in-person, I promise I will most certainly talk your ear off about my week at Oideas Gael. Without giving too much away at the beginning of this blog post, I can’t say enough positive things about my school experience!
Read on for helpful information on accommodation, how to prepare, and what to pack for your time at a language immersion school in Ireland, as well as 5 tips for beginner Irish language learners, and 6* reasons why Oideas Gael is the best place to learn Irish as an adult.
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What is Oideas Gael?
Oideas Gael is an Irish language school for adult students in County Donegal, Ireland. They offer a variety of year-round classes on the Irish language and Irish culture that are online and in-person.
The school was founded in 1984 by Liam Ó Cuinneagáin and Professor Seosamh Watson. Students are a 50-50 mix of Irish and international hibernophiles, linguists, and life-long learners. In addition to decades of expertise and a varied student body, Oideas Gael is located in a Gaeltacht, the term for an Irish-speaking community. Naturally, this extends learning opportunities outside of the school and into real life. Win!
6 Reasons Why Learning Irish at Oideas Gael is the Best
After spending a week at the summer Language and Culture School, I’ve put together 6 of the many reasons why Oideas Gael is the best place in Ireland for adults to learn Irish. Actually…I included a cheeky 7th there for you too.
1: Welcoming Environment
One of the first things you’ll notice walking in the doors of Oideas Gael is the warmth. From the teachers and administrators to the other students, encouragement is abundant. As a first-time student at the Saturday Orientation, I immediately noticed the number of people hugging and excitedly greeting each other. It was one of many hints throughout the week at the depth of Oideas Gael’s community.
2: Skilled and Knowledgeable Teachers
My teacher, Samantha, was absolutely lovely. She was well-organized, very encouraging, and a pro at fielding our (my…!) many questions. A “yes woman”, Samantha made all of our phonics dreams come true and even threw funny extras into the mix like pick-up lines and local Glenn sayings.
Throughout the week, many other students described how wonderful their teachers were too. Educators at Oideas Gael come from a wide range of backgrounds, from law to sport to YouTube, education, and more – all of which contribute to an enriched learning experience.
3: (Mostly) Small Class Sizes
When I attended Oideas Gael, the class sizes ranged from 4 (mine) to 18. Students self-select their level, so the class size can vary quite a bit from week to week depending on enrolment.
4: Immersive Experience
In addition to explicitly learning Irish in class, much of the socializing on breaks is done in Irish. The exception to this is beginners like me who don’t yet have the vocabulary or sense of grammar to contribute. All of the evening cultural activities, such as hiking, a poetry night, music events, a movie night, etc… are also conducted in the target language. The cherry on top is that the immersion experience continues outside of the school. Gleann Cholm Cille is an Irish-speaking community (Gaeltacht), which means that you can practice your skills when going out for lunch, ordering a pint at the pub, purchasing groceries, saying hello to people on the street, or checking out the nearby Glencolmcille Folk Village.
5: Returning Students
My week in the Gaeltacht reminded me of the years I spent as a camper, counsellor, and coach at basketball camp in Ontario, Canada. So many of us were “lifers”, just as I quickly learned were the students Oideas Gael. I met several Irish language learners who’ve been attending the school anywhere from 3 to 30 years. What a testament to the quality of education and community bond!
6: Strong Reputation
Oideas Gael has a stellar reputation as a school specialized in adult Irish language learning. Typically Gaeltachts are where teens go in the summer to brush up on their Irish and have the craic. Lucky for us non-adolescents, fun and learning have no age limits! Oideas Gael attracts adults from around the world looking to improve their Irish language skills, dive into Irish culture, and experience daily life in an Irish-speaking town.
BONUS: Find Love!
You heard it here first – Oideas Gael just might give the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (which I attended on a whim in 2023) a run for its money! The insider scoop is that, much like basketball camp, Oideas Gael is a natural matchmaker.
I met a few couples whose relationship started at Oideas Gael, namely the Irish-German couple in my accommodation and an American-Irish couple. Many more stories were shared with me about students and teachers finding love at Oideas Gael too. Apparently there are 86 (known) couples to date!
As a 30-something student, there was a much smaller chance of meeting someone during the week I attended since the average age was a couple decades older. That being said, you never know what the student population will be like when you attend! 😉
5 Tips for Beginner Learners of Irish at Oideas Gael
Here are a few tips to kickstart your Irish language learning journey.
1: Embrace the Mistakes
To some, this is obvious, however it’s still worth stating. Whether you’re a complete beginner like I am or you’ve already progressed in your language learning journey, mistakes are going to happen – AND they’re super important. With every single language student I’ve taught, I’ve tried to instil the value of mistakes and errors (and the difference between the two). Mistakes are catalysts for learning, they aid in memory, and they can motivate us to be better. Mistakes are packed with information that’s ripe for the picking if you’ve got the right attitude.
As a seasoned student and teacher of a few languages, I was thrilled to be starting over again. There’s something exhilarating about knowing nothing and then starting to piece the puzzle together. It’s a game to me. Bring on the mistakes and the laughs!
2: Bring School Supplies
Since early primary school days my notes have been colour-coded. I’m particular about how I format and structure my workbooks. And yet, for some ridiculous reason, I didn’t think once about packing a fresh notebook or my mini Crayola markers! Perhaps this is not surprising, given my track record. As a kid, I’d forget my pjs, toothbrush, or pillow for a sleepover. It’s always the most obvious item that slips my mind. Thankfully I’ve never forgotten my passport for a trip! (Now I’m nervous I’ve jinxed that streak…)
The point of me sharing this silliness with you is so that you remember to pack whatever school supplies you’d like to have on hand – be they a notebook, writing instruments, a folder (or duotang for my Canadian readers!) for loose worksheets, etc… Luckily the school’s bookshop sells notebooks. BUT, when I tell you this Type A student had to work not to lose her mind because she had black and white notes…it was an extra exercise in letting go!
3: Pack a Towel (maybe)
To make sure I had the most well-rounded and informative blog post for you, I asked my flatmates what they would recommend to a first-time Oideas Gael student. A towel and a torch (flashlight) were offered up as suggestions. While I didn’t need either during my stay, I can see the practicality of each item. It can be dark walking home so if your phone flashlight isn’t available, it’s handy to have a little headlamp. I’ve used my Petzl headlamp since my round-the-world trip in 2017.
Also, not all school accommodations provide towels. Your welcome email provides details about items like towels, so make sure to read it thoroughly. I was in self-catering accommodation which I’ve been told doesn’t always supply towels. Luckily, since I didn’t check that part of the email and took my towel out of my luggage right before I left for the airport, we had them! In case you need a towel that’s luggage-friendly, this quick dry towel from MEC has been my go-to since 2017 and is still in excellent condition.
4: Save Space in Your Luggage for Books
Since you’re considering attending a language school, it might be safe to assume that you also can’t leave a bookstore empty-handed. Oideas Gael has a bookshop attached to it that is worth a peek. In 2025 during my very brief visit, I still managed to buy a few books. One of them, Gaeilge: A Radical Revolution, I’m just finishing up. It has been extremely insightful and interesting to read. As a certified French teacher and former Core French student in Canada, as well as someone with Irish ancestry who has lived in Ireland, it’s been fascinating to note the parallels.
Fun Fact: Some of the teachers at Oideas Gael are also authors! Early in the week I sat with a group of women, only to find out that the person beside me was a fellow content creator and she’s an author. Even cooler, I realized I already had one of Molly’s books, “Gaeilge i mo chroí” on my shelf back home!
5: Reserve Your Accommodation Far in Advance
In chatting with classmates who’ve attended Oideas Gael more than once, they consistently said that courses fill up quickly. Best to reserve your spot as soon as you can. The summer schedule is released in the preceding fall, so mark your calendar.
What are the Class Levels at Oideas Gael?
The summer Language and Culture School at Oideas Gael has 8 class levels. Each student self-assesses and chooses a level, with the ability to switch after a day if it’s different than what they anticipated.
There are also year-round Week and Weekend Courses that are divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
In addition to standard language options, Oideas Gael offers several specialized courses, which are best found on their website.
What is the Weekly Schedule at Oideas Gael?
I loved the summer school’s schedule. Sunday evening is registration and an in-person meeting to prepare for the week. Monday through Friday is separated into 3 distinct parts: morning classes, afternoon classes, and cultural activities in the evening. Here’s an example of what the days looked like:
- Morning Class (including a tea break): 10 am – 1 pm
- Lunch Break: 1pm – 3pm
- Afternoon Class (including a tea break): 3pm – 5pm
- Evening Cultural Activities: 8pm onward
As both a night owl and someone who was working while I attending, I seriously appreciated the 10am start time. If I had a late work night, I could have a little sleep-in or I could wake up around 8/8:30 and have a leisurely morning. It was perfect.
When are the Courses at Oideas Gael?
The in-person Language and Culture School that I attended takes place from June through August. Other courses happen year-round. Check out their website for the most updated information.
Where is Oideas Gael?
Oideas Gael is located in the town of Gleann Cholm Cille (anglicized it’s “Glencolmcille”) in the southwest part of Ireland’s rugged County Donegal. Named after St. Colm Cille, it’s roughly an hour’s drive from Donegal Town, around 3.5 hours driving from Galway, and approximately 4 hours in the car from Dublin. These given times depend on if you also stop to see every cool thing you pass by. While attending Oideas Gael, you’re walking distance to the ocean and the majestic Beefan and Garveross Mountain.
There are a few courses that take place in other locations in County Donegal, including Glenfinn near Ballybofey (Gleann Fhinne, in aice le Bealach Féich) and Tory Island (An t-Oileán Thoraí).
Accommodation at Oideas Gael
There are plenty of places to stay while attending the summer immersion courses at Oideas Gael. When registering, indicate which accommodation you prefer and Oideas Gael books it on your behalf. It’s important to note that the accommodation is not paid for at this time; it’s simply reserved. Payment happens directly with the host or the school upon arrival.
Accommodation options that Oideas Gael helps to facilitate include:
- Bed and Breakfast (twin, double, or single rooms),
- Budget Self-Catering (twin, double, or single),
- Self-Catering (ditto), and
- Self-Catering with Ensuite (ditto).
The school also helps to set up more expensive self-catering accommodation in Gleann Cholm Cille, as well as options farther from the valley.
If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation there are a few options to choose from: John Eoinín’s Bar & Accommodation which is super close to the school, Carrick Gate which would require you to have a vehicle, or Sliabh Liag Camping.
Is It Worth it for Beginners to Learn Irish at Oideas Gael?
Tá. Yes. Absolutely!!!
As a beginner myself, it’s a resounding “yes!”. It has been years since I started learning a new language from scratch and the immersive school and community experience was the perfect environment to kickstart this new challenge. While yes, many things did go over my head and I defaulted to listening rather than contributing to conversations at times, these situations were exciting. Listening forces you to slow down, pay attention, and observe – all necessary skills for life and language learning. It is also a wonderful way to practice empathy and grace.
During the week I remembered something one of my basketball coaches once told our team along the lines of: “Embrace the challenge of playing better teams. Naturally you’ll ‘play up’. It’s an opportunity to learn and improve. If you only play against worse teams you’ll become arrogant, complacent, and lazy.” Starting at the very beginning of my Irish language learning journey I got to “play up” all week long!
If being a beginner in an immersive environment sounds intimidating or isolating to you, I promise it’s not. While the school is immersive, nobody will begrudge you for using English or another language you’re more proficient in. Quite the opposite – everyone is encouraging, wherever you are in your language learning journey.
Oideas Gael: My Experience as a Beginner Irish Language Learner
Where do I begin with a week that gave me so much joy?
Arrival and Orientation
I arrived by bus on Saturday afternoon with enough time to get settled into my accommodation, register (between 4pm and 9pm), grocery shop, and acquaint myself with Gleann Cholm Cille before heading to the 9pm orientation.
Pro Tip: Ireland has several bus lines that transport people around the country. Check all bus schedules on the Transport for Ireland (TFI) website.
Attending as a Student While Blogging and Filming
Since I was working that week, documenting my experience for the blog and social media, my experience will differ slightly than most.
During orientation I made a quick announcement letting people know who I was, why I’d be filming, and requesting that they inform me if they didn’t want to be photographed or on video. I think it helped put people at ease knowing in advance what I was doing when filming in group situations. This in turn helped me feel more comfortable filming around new people too.
My initial introduction ended up granting me an unanticipated socializing opportunity. Numerous students and teachers approached me throughout the week with curiosity about my work. Not once did someone make a snide remark or say something off about blogging, which was very refreshing. Everyone’s questions about the blog and podcast were really lovely. I especially loved listening to everyone’s stories and hearing why they were learning Irish at Oideas Gael.
Balancing the computer side of work and learning that week was easier than it tends to be on FAM or press trips, both known for their often exhausting schedules. Despite feeling ill for a few days, I was able to maximize lunch times and evenings to take notes and upload and catalogue footage. It helped to have a desk in my room too.
Accommodation
I stayed in a self-catering accommodation with an ensuite bathroom, plenty of storage, and a desk (behind the door in the photo below). It was fantastic. I loved the mix of sharing a house with 5 other students from around the world and the privacy of having my own bedroom and bathroom. My accommodation was about 1km from the town centre and school which meant that I got to enjoy plenty of fresh air and stunning views on my back and forth each day.
Pro Tip: Bath mats aren’t really a thing, so dry off completely in the shower before stepping out. The floor will stay dry and you won’t slip.
Pro Tip: In Ireland, plan for at least 2 days of clothes drying after doing laundry.
Transportation and Mobility
Originally, I considered renting a car for my time at Oideas Gael. As a travel blogger, I’m always thinking of ways I can pack more into an itinerary, both for personal interest and for things I think you might like to learn about for your trip. I’m glad for a few reasons, however, that I took Rónán’s suggestion and didn’t. First, I didn’t need one at all for school or doing groceries. The distance was perfect for walking. Second, because I was trying to take down as many notes and catalogue footage outside of class, no time remained for extra exploration. Third, renting a car in Ireland in 2026 can be tricky because of the ridiculously high deposit that most agencies require. That being said, if you are wanting to rent a car in Ireland, I used Discover Cars while attending the Púca Festival and had a smooth experience.
Classes
As you read above, there are 2 class sections per day: morning (3 hours) and afternoon (2 hours). Each were also split with tea time that, gloriously, included sunshine and fresh air each day.
At Oideas Gael there are 2 buildings that house the administrative offices and various classroom spaces. My classroom in the building on the hill was in what was effectively a living room. Since we were only 4 (and at one point, 5) students, we didn’t require as much space as other classes. We sat on couches and chairs, there was a fireplace we didn’t need to use because the weather was so gorgeous, and a massive window which brought in loads of natural light. At the front where our teacher stood was a portable whiteboard. Other classrooms were more “traditional” with tables and chairs, which could make writing easier, however I liked the coziness of our space.
Our teacher Samantha was a rockstar. She was very organized, with plenty of worksheets and a clear plan. She used the whiteboard to spell out the many words that puzzled us which, as a visual learner, was extremely helpful. I’m almost positive that we (okay, maybe I?) derailed her lesson plans on several occasions with observations, questions, and connections that led into side discussions. The skillful teaching professional that she is, Samantha effortlessly rolled with these side quests, adjusting to our academic needs and wants, eventually returning us to the day’s planned tasks.
The focus at the school is on “comhrá” (conversation). Admittedly, I do not like learning off the bat by regurgitating sounds I haven’t yet figured out how to parse. My brain much prefers the visual approach, picking out morpheme and syntax patterns and explicitly learning phonics before diving into speaking or reading. Luckily, there were other visual learners in my Level 1 class too. To Samantha’s credit, she was really great about sticking with the school’s focus on conversational language and balancing it with requested phonics and grammar lessons.
Lunches
I loved that lunches were 2-hours long. It gave me plenty of time to walk back to the house, eat, get a little work in, touch base with family, and walk back to school at a comfortable pace. I did wonder here and there if I was missing out on practicing Irish and spending time with the other students. Many head to local establishments for meals. However, in the spirit of practicality, cooking and working made sense for me 90% of the time. On the 1 or 2 occasions when I joined in, it was so much fun nerding out over grammar and Irishisms, and learning about other students’ stories. I’m also pretty sure I got a tan (yes, you read that correctly) on the soup day pictured below.
Gleann Cholm Cille is a small place, which makes it extremely easy to eat at every food spot in town. Check out Kelly’s Corner, the Glencolmcille Folk Village, John Eoinín’s Pub, Glen Head Tavern, and the school’s adjoining An Chistin @ Cook’s Pantry.
Pro Tip: The homemade soup and sandwich combo at the Glencolmcille Folk Village is deeeeelish! I had the gustatory pleasure of savouring them while visiting during the TBEX conference and as a student at Oideas Gael. Highly recommend. Plus they have picnic tables to enjoy the sunshine!
Evening Activities
Every evening, Oideas Gael hosts a variety of cultural activities. When I attended, there was a concert, a poetry night, a walk (it’s a hike!), a céilí (pictured below) and a special surprise that I won’t spoil for you! Attendance is not mandatory, but I’d say nearly everyone showed up at each event. They are another fantastic opportunity to practice your Irish, learn more about Ireland’s rich culture and history, and get to know your fellow students.
As a beginner Irish speaker, some events went over my head since the target language is mainly used. For example, the verbal instructions at the céilí were lost on me. However, I’ve attended several in the past and it’s easy to pick up what’s happening with visual cues. Personally, I love getting lost in a language. Not knowing what was going on was satisfying and intriguing. Plus, there are several people in a similar position so I never felt silly. You just laugh and join in!
Pro Tip: For the céilí, wear cool clothing and bring a fan and drinking water. There was no AC in the building and it got hot quickly with the moving bodies. It was still a ton of fun, but it gets sweaty!
Overall Experience
I absolutely loved my week as an adult beginner learning Irish at Oideas Gael. The people I met were fascinating, intelligent, friendly, varied in life experience, and really lovely, warm individuals. Staff and teachers were welcoming, encouraging, organized, and helpful in every regard. The school’s location is both breathtaking and calming. Classes were well-organized, buildings were well-kept, and the proximity to groceries, pubs, and restaurants was perfect for those without a vehicle. There was an enjoyable variety of evening cultural activities and the week’s schedule was well-paced. I would without a doubt suggest Oideas Gael as a place for adults to learn Irish!
Thank Yous
Go raibh maith agat to Rónán and the teachers and staff at Oideas Gael for such a lovely week. Samantha, you’re a legend and made us all feel like geniuses despite knowing so little. Thank you to Laura Ann, Nula (I hope I didn’t misspell your name!), Denise, and Stephen for your patience with my unending stream of questions and language connections! It was so fun learning alongside you. Thank you to Tom for your incredible positive energy, Jan for the company on walks back and forth to the school, Julia for being the first person I met “at” Oideas Gael before we even realized we were going in the same direction, and Paddy for the numerous laughs, drives, sass. Laura, holy moly, what a wild small world connection!!! Saskia and Tereza, it was so interesting to learn about your worldwide studies. Ciara and Thorston, you were full of good advice for new students. Seán, you’re a master conversationalist and I’m excited for your next chapter! To the many others with whom I shared chats, hikes, and dance moves, go raibh maith agat. Last, to everyone who embraced the week’s filming and participated with open arms, thank you so much for your open-mindedness and enthusiasm! Here’s looking forward to our paths crossing in the future. Until we meet again, may the road rise to meet you. Slán go fóill! 💚
More Ireland Travel Blogs
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
Flights
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Car Rentals
To help you explore new destinations, turn to Discover Cars for a huge range of vehicle options and excellent prices.
Accommodation
There are so many options for affordable, comfortable, and unique accommodation. Some of my favourite accommodation options are housesitting and hostels. I’ve been using Trusted Housesitters and Hostelworld for years. If you prefer hotels, then check out Booking.com.
Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Tallinn when I was in Estonia for the Christmas markets in 2023, all because of a Get Your Guide experience. My favourite tour so far that I’ve been on with Get Your Guide is a fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. That experience had a wild twist – you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why
