Tá súil agam go raibh Nollaig sona agaibh. Anois tá bliain nua againn agus deis tosú nua a dhéanamh – (A new year and a chance for a fresh start).

Here’s a seanfhocal (old saying) for you: Tús maith leath na hoibre - A good start is half the work.

Maybe you feel inclined to make a New Year Resolution (rún na hathbhliana) to connect or re-connect with the beautiful Irish language? 

If so, here are a few ways to do so: 

• Gael Linn and Gaelcultúr offer classes on line at all levels. You can get a free trial on Ranganna.com or use their on-line multiple choice test to check where you’re at
• Give Bitesize Irish a try – a fun way in at foundation level.
• Duolingo is freely available – sign up and give it a try
• RnG - Raidió na Gaeltachta – Irish language radio station
• TG4 – Teilifís na Gaeilge – Irish language TV station
• Consider booking yourself onto a course in the Gaeltacht this Summer – adult courses available in Kerry, Donegal and Connemara – steep yourself in the language or combine it with other activities in the most beautiful places in Ireland
• If you’re a fan of the word game Waffle you may be interested in an Irish Language version called Seafóid
• Nuacht Mhall – Podcast on Spotify – from Conradh na Gaeilge in London – the news read slowly in Irish!
• Many, many other on-line programmes, songs in Irish, etc
• Free classes and conversation groups on Zoom – Get in touch with Birmingham Irish Association
• Read in Irish, listen to Irish, join a class or conversation group. If you can find a few hours in your week, give it a go
• Get in touch for advice on appropriate courses or books at your level
  

Choose your direction, set your target and have fun with the language!

Le gach dea-ghuí agus beannachtaí i 2024,

Terri