Scríobh Risteard (ar snáth eile)
http://www.daltai.com/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/daltai/discus/show.pl?tpc=20&post=96166#PO ST96166

Hi,

Apologies, my irish isn't yet good enough to post this as gaeilge. I'm planning on moving up to Gweedore for a few months, or possibly a year, from the beginning of May. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice about living there, particularly about accomodation and how to get a chance to actually speak Irish.

I hope to rent an apartment/house and have seen a couple advertised for 60-70 euro per week. They all seem to require min. 1 year lease, though. Does anyone know if this is negotiable as I'm not sure if I can spend a whole year up there? Also, I don't have a car so I wanted to know where would the best part of Gweedore to live in terms of being in contact with other poeple and having access to shops etc.

As for actually speaking the language, I wanted to know what kind of opportunities there are? I don't like classes, as I never learn anything from them. I would prefer to study it by myself and actually speak to people from the area whenever possible. Obviously I can just go to the pub but is there any other activity, such as voluntary work, where I can make myself useful and learn at the same time?

Finally, if this isn't the best thread for this question can someone let me know?

Thanks for the help,

Risteard

quote:

particularly about accomodation and how to get a chance to actually speak Irish.

You can speak Irish with most people in Gaoth Dobhair. Any person you meet on the street, you can talk to him/her in Irish - if you aren't lucky it'll be one of the inhabitants who are from the outside, but I was there last summer and among all the persons I talked to, there were only 2 persons who hadn't Irish (in this case they just say "sorry I don't speak Irish").

quote:

Also, I don't have a car so I wanted to know where would the best part of Gweedore to live in terms of being in contact with other poeple and having access to shops etc.

You may choose to live in Doiri Beaga or in Middletown (na Machaireacha), you'll find everything you need there.
The main "developed" area for food, banks, hotels etc is in the western part of the parish : an Bun Beag, na Machaireacha, and Doiri Beaga, one after another on each side of the main street (you don't even notice you leave an Bun Beag to enter na Machaireacha and that you leave na Machaireacha to enter Doiri Beaga).

You could not choose a better place , apart from maybe Gleann Colm Cille. it is a a true Gaeltacht thet the locals actually speak Irish Regulary. I live about an hours drive away from it , sorry to say i dont go there as much as i used to , but was there at the end of November and loved it , so i will make a point or returning more often. In fact we are arranging a trip there as a group at the end of March when hopefuly the weather will be nicer. I know some people who live there so if i can find out anythg i will let you know (who have offered me free accomodation , many times ). Your email address would help. Maybe tricky if your Irish isnt that good , but im sure you will still enjoy the experience and Learn from it. Ádh Mór ort
Ailéin

Try contacting either of these organizations also.

Pádraig Ó Domhnaill
Comharchumann Forbartha Gaoth Dobhair Teo.
Srath na Corca,
Doirí Beaga,
Tír Chonaill
074-9532208


Bríd Nic Gairbheith
Comharchumann Thoraí Teo.
Ionad Pobail Thoraí,
Toraigh,
Doirí Beaga,
Tír Chonaill
074-9135502

Some info on the area at www.discovergweedore.ie and www.gweedore.ie also. these are community run and in the early stages but some useful info here fopefully.

Go raibh maith agaibh!

I appreciate all the replies. I've been in contact with the Comharchumann and hopefully that will lead to something.

Ádh mór,

Risteard

A chairde, Would the authorities in Gweedore set up, in conjunction with locals, something like this? A place where you could go and pay TO work and at the same time you could learn Irish outside the classroom environment. The classroom puts some people off and being outside, listening to various native speakers on a casual basis would be great, in my opinion.
At Gaeltacht courses, to be honest, you don't get the chance to meet many locals during the day.

Just a suggestion, what do people think? Maybe some sort of summer school where you can stay with locals for the week and pay them for the experience? It would be like a summer college for kids but for adults? Maybe some families could set up independently and advertise to take in guests for a week-end for 100 euros but must engage in conversation with them for the full week-end. I don't know!! It would bring in some revenue to the areas concerned.

Good idea, but hard to organise.

Cinnte, bheadh rud éigin mar sin iontach maith! The queation is would it be practical to work out?