GAELTACHT WEEKS now in their 24th year, were established to provide a setting where students could absorb the Irish Language and culture while enjoying the companionship of others with similiar interests and abilities.

The only requirements are a desire to learn, a commitment to use whatever Irish you do have, and a willingness to comply with the rule: Irish will be spoken by all, at all times, to the best of one's ability.

If enough interest is shown, naíonra (pre-school) and children's classes can be arranged for young children accompanying parents.

Daily Language Classes (mandatory) and Workshops in Music, Singing and Céilí/Set Dancing are offered as well as other workshops throughout the week. Evening activities are scheduled and there is ample time for swimming and relaxing or hiking with friends.

I mbliana beidh Aoife Ní Chonochúir, múinteoir Gaeilge do dhaoine fásta in Éirinn, linn le haghaidh na daoine atá an-líofa.

WHAT TO BRING

Sheets, pillow cases, towels, all personal toiletries, bathing suit, pens, pencils, notebook, and any textbooks you might need. Bring your musical instruments and
PLEASE BRING A FLASHLIGHT.

LOCATION

Situated in the Town of Esopus in Ulster Co., New York, on the west bank of the Hudson River, the Marist Center is approximately 70 miles north of Manhattan on Rout 9W. Its isolated location lends itself well to the total immersion concept created by Daltaí na Gaeilge.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Sleeping accommodations are dormitory style. Meals are served in the dining room at specified times. Some special needs can be accomodated (and must be indicated on the registration form). The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.

DIRECTIONS TO ESOPUS

(845) 384-6620

FROM MANHATTAN/NEW JERSEY:

Take New York State Thruway to exit 18, New Paltz. At end of ramp make a right onto Route 299. Follow Route 299 to end and make a left onto 9W. Follow 9W North - 5 miles to Marist Retreat Center on the right.

FROM LONG ISLAND:

Take Hutchinson River Parkway to 684 to 84 West to Taconic State Parkway. Go North on the Taconic to Route 55 West (Exit for Poughkeeepsie). Follow Route 55 through Poughkeepsie, across the Mid-Hudson Bridge and take Route 9W North for 8 miles to the Marist Retreat Center on the right. See below, All Drivers

FROM CONNECTICUT:

Take 84 West to the Taconic State Parkway North to Route 55 and follow directions above.

FROM THE NORTH:

Take NYS Thruway South to New Paltz. Exit 18 or Taconic State Parkway South to Route 44 West. Follow 44 West to the Mid-Hudson Bridge and follow directions above.

ALL DRIVERS:

After entering Marist, follow the driveway always bearing left. After the 90 degree turn, go straight through to furthest courtyard inside stone walls. Before unloading, check in at Main Building.

TRAIN / BUS / AIRPLANE:

The closest train line is Metro North-Hudson Division to Poughkeepsie, NY. Then take taxi to Esopus (10 mile trip).

Buses run to New Paltz. Then take taxi to Esopus (10 mile trip).

The closest airport is Stewart International in Newburgh, N.Y., about 30 miles from Esopus.