Dia Duit
im 22 and irish and ive just recently become interested in learning the irish langauge, basically i just want to be able to converse and understand gaeilic conversations, can anyone tell refer me to any good books etc or how to go about this? (without going to Irish classes)

Go raibh mile maith agat

The most conversationally oriented material is "Now You're Talking", a book with tapes. It is Ulster Irish, however. There are probably other materials available that would be appropriate for you. Several places in Dublin would have a selection. Try Cupla Focal on the Internet (www.cuplafocal.com ?). Even if you don't want to go down to their shop in Bray, you may find something on their website.

Many classes are conversational, especially the summer courses for adults. You should consider going on an Oideas Gael course in Donegal. It's very conversational and you'll have more fun than you think. Dialect would not be a problem because they take a whole approach to the language and their teachers come from all over.

You should use what Irish you have (and Irish people normally have more from school than they think) with people who are willing. Don't forget to listen to Radio na Gaeltacht and Radio na Life, and watch TG4 as much as you can.

Seeing Seosamh's response reminded me of something I had been wondering.
Are there any videos available in the U.S. of any of the Irish-language shows broadcast in Ireland?

A Dhónaill, We're neglected (and neglectful) in that regard. A handful of instructional or cartoon videos have been available from places like Irish Books & Media. Some people I know have videotaped programs in Ireland while they were there or they have obtained them from broadcasters. Then they have to be converted, not always with great results. It would be a great project for people in the Daltaí heartland (NY, NJ, PA, DC, MD) to put together a bunch of them periodically so we could get together and watch them. But being able to watch the news or Ros na Rún regularly is just a dream so far. Brionglóid.