I've read that some of you have had the opportunity to stay with a family in the Gaeltacht. I would like to do this in the summer of '06. How did you set such a stay up with the family? Were they previously friends of yours and just invited you to stay? Is there a website or someone I could call? Sorry about my ignorance of this, but your assistance would be appreciated.

Slán,

Harrison

Contact a language school in the Gaeltacht, such as Oideas Gael. They can arrange for you to stay with a family that speaks Irish.

http://www.oideas-gael.com/

Harrison, Here's the contact information
for Áras Uí Chaidhain in the Connemara Gaeltacht.


Áras Uí Chaidhain
An Cheathru Rua, Co na Gaillimhe
Irish Language Centre of NUI Galway
Courses in spoken Irish - Adults / Third Level
Tel: +353 (0) 91 59 51 01

As far as I know, they
offer week-long and month-long courses,
and students stay with local Irish-speaking families.
I couldn’t find any information on the Web.
Maybe you could ask them for a brochure.

I’ve done both the week-long and month-long courses.
The family I stayed with gave me a very warm welcome,
and I felt very much at home.

All the best, Paul

Áras Mhairtín Uí Chadhain

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-41,G GLD:en&q=Aras+Mhairtin+Ui+Chadhain

http://www.gaeltacht.info/loistin.html

http://www.gaeltacht.info/teagmhail.html

Harrison,
Here's what I found on www.gaelsaoire.ie
(there's lots of interesting info there --
I suggest taking a look):

Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain
Áras Mháirtín Uí Chadhain is the Irish Language Acquisition and Maintenance Centre for the National University of Ireland, Galway. It offers a range of Irish language courses specially constructed to cater for the needs of adults, at all learning stages. Situated in An Cheathrú Rua, the Gaeltacht location enables participants to maximise their contact with the language and to consolidate what is formally learned in the classroom through informal conversation in an Irish speaking environment. Weekend courses and one and two-week intensive courses in spoken Irish are offered. The teaching programme enables learners to master basic structures, improve fluency and accuracy and build vocabulary. All course programmes include traditional and cultural activities, workshops on Irish dancing, traditional singing and visits to local places of interest.
Contact:Teil/Tel: 091 595101/595038 Facs/Fax: 091 595041

All the best, Paul

I live about ten minutes' drive from Oideas Gael. I have been attending clases there for six years, and I can recommend them highly.

Here is another school I have attended, and would also recommend highly:

http://www.crannog.ie/

Oideas Gael is so cool! There are people there of all ages and levels of ability that you're guaranteed to have a great time. You'll learn a lot of Irish and have fun doing it.

The folks that run the place are very very nice. The teachers are excellent and really have a talent for teaching.