I live in Maine, which is not much for the cultural anything at all. I live near the capital in Augusta, and there are no classes within reasonable driving distance, by which I mean in the entire state. I was wondering if others had the same stumbling block on their road to knowledge, and if anyone had any advice on how to learn Gaeilge without assistance. I do have a book, the one listed elsewhere on this site, but other than that, I am floundering. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Much thanks,
Kelley

Kelley, a chara,
I have a couple of ideas. You could supplement your efforts with the book by attending a language weekend or week here in the US or Canada.
They're generally reasonably affordable, and it would kickstart the whole process. Check the 'events' section of this web site for one near you (or at least close by).
I met Tom Mac Gearailt, the man behind the distance learning program Gaeltalk.net. His program sounds great, user-friendly, run by native speakers, et al.
I found that working with Buntus Cainte (the book and tape available in the Daltai shop) helped as well.
There are many people in this Irish language 'virtual' community who learned their Irish on their own, and they've done just fine.
Find encouraging people and user-friendly resources and hang onto them.
Ádh mór/Good luck,
Paul

A Iníon Uí Fhaoláin,

I'm sending you some old information, from An Teanga Mharthanach, which may lead to some connection for you:

LABHAIR GAEILGE INNIU!
Where to find Irish classes in your area:
Irish American Club
Lymon Moore Middle School
Portland, ME
Máire Ní Choinceanainn
617-769-0059

BML
© An Teanga Mharthanach


It's no harm to say that I have met some Mainelanders over the years who had reached the point of 'neart Gaeilge' from diligent study. You might like to try a note in some local paper/radio?

Good luck with it - Go n-éirí sé leat.