Gaeltacht an Eachreidh is delighted to announce that we are going to run two eight-week Irish language classes for adults at The Arches Hotel, Claregalway, from Tuesday, January 13, next.

For eight weeks, until March 3, young teacher Máire Nic Oireachtaigh will host two classes with enjoyable, interactive one hour lessons where the emphasis will be very much on conversation and fun.

Spaces are strictly limited and people are urged to book places as soon as possible. The cost is just €70 for eight one-hour lessons over six consecutive Tuesday evenings.

Máire already hosted a term of Irish classes at The Arches Hotel before Christmas and the feedback was very positive. We are giving ‘tús áite’ (priority) to the people who completed the first term with us in early December.

But tickets go on general sale tomorrow, January 6, at 2pm on our Eventbrite page.

If you are a complete beginner, or have not spoken a word of Irish since school, you are encouraged to take the lower level class from 7.15 to 8.15 pm. Máire will teach students basic conversational phrases with an emphasis on having fun.

Students who believe they are at the Intermediate (B1) or Lower Intermediate (A2) levels are encouraged to join the second class from 8.30 to 9.30pm. If you understand some of the conversations on Ros na Rún or match commentaries on TG4, but are maybe a bit “rusty”, then this is the class for you.

Gaeltacht an Eachreidh strongly urges you to check out your level of Irish online before registering for one of the classes. Gaelchultúr have a brilliant online level test which is easy to use and takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete: https://www.gaelchultur.com/en/assessment

After completing the test, please choose the correct course for you.

The Beginners’ class is for those who have very little or no Irish, or only know a few words or phrases.

The Intermediate class is for those who can communicate in basic Irish, are able to greet people, introduce themselves, or talk about their lives and families. If you studied Irish for years in school but are just lacking in confidence, you should register for the second class if you score a B1 in the level test.

The Arches Hotel has been the location of our weekly ‘ciorcal comhrá’ in Claregalway since February and we are delighted to be extending our friendship with this family-run business which has been at the heart of the revival of Irish in Gaeltacht an Eachréidh over the past year.

Please note that you must pay the €70 for the eight week term in advance by booking on our Eventbrite page and it will be much better for you and everyone else if you complete the level test before registering. There is a maximum of just 12 students in the Beginners’ class and 14 in the Intermediates.

Keep an eye on our website and social media tomorrow when the classes go on general sale. Those who were with us from October to December have already been sent a private link to register for the classes.