Anybody know of Irish Language courses in Connemara (or close by) in April? I'm looking for an immerision type course for a long weekend possibly. Also, any B&B's that are available in Irish-speaking areas of Connemara or close by?

Is there anything in the Cois Fhairrge area?

Thanks

Unregistered Guest

Check out Oideas Gael

http://www.oideas-gael.com/Leathanacha/cursai.html

They have a course in April It's not exactly in Connemara but it's not far away.

As far as B&B's in Connemara...tons available!! Just to a google for B&B and Ireland. You'll have no-end of sites to visit.

We stayed in Spiddle (An Spideal) a few years back with an Irish speaking family. The language is still strong west of Galway so you'll have no trouble hearing it. Speaking it and engaging others....well...that's a different story.

I've been to Oideas Gael - great time and plan on returning, but for my trip in April, I'm looking for something like An Spideal.

I'm interested in learning about others' experiences in getting to speak the Irish language in the Connemara area. Of course I'm aware that basic rules of treating others with respect apply, but would I be limited to just the B&B or are there other opportunities to speak?

I'm also interested in classes in the area also.

Go raibh máith agaibh,

Unregistered guest.

You might find the following website helpful:
http://www.gaelsaoire.ie/asp/gaeltacht_home.asp?language=english&gaeltacht=Galwa y

If you click on Events, you'll find a list of various events (including classes) involving the Irish language in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

The further into Conamara the more Gaelach it becomes.

If people hear a US accent they'll just start firing Aran Jumpers and souveniers at you..

Be polite and say you are looking to have a caint with Gaeilgeoirí.

Get in contact with Gael-Linn..

www.gael-linn.ie/

Go n-éirí leat!
Domhnall

Nicole - thanks for the information - very informative.

Domhnall - your advice about being polite isn't needed. I've been to Ireland many times and know how to treat people properly. I find the Irish to be very warm and receptive and they don't over react to Americans as you imply in your posting above. Sounds like you're the one who has problems with Americans, and since I won't be traveling in your neck of the woods, it will be mutually beneficial. :)

Thanks for the gael-linn link!

Unregistered (and oftimes polite) Guest

I find it funny when I hear people (Americans in particular) refer to the "Irish people" as warm, friendly etc.

Just like every denomination of people, some of us are very kind and polite, while others are complete scum.

Note also that Ireland is a big place! Achill Island is very different to Dublin city for instance.

In general, the further (and more rural) you get from the capital, the nicer the people are. If all you see is the rural areas, then it's easy to develop a perception of them as being very kind and polite. However if you spend some time in Dublin city you'll see we're just like every place on Earth -- we have our fair share of scum.

I suppose you could think of it in terms of ratios or porportions: e.g. for every scumbag, you have 5 nice people (or vice versa).

So much for being helpful...

Last time i checked i wasn't psychic and as such would hardly know how you treat people in all fairness..
BTW there was just a *little hint* of sarcasm in that post..

No i've no problem with americans.. Just one or two in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania ;)