Gaeltacht Immersion Programs, now in their 28th 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.

For the second year we will offer a naíonra (pre-school) day program. Children's classes can be arranged for young children accompanying parents.

Daily Language Classes and Peer-Led Conversation Groups (both mandatory) along with 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 still time for swimming, hiking or relaxing.

I mbliana beidh Ailbhe Ní Ghéarbhuigh ó Éirinn linn mar mhúinteoir Gaeilge le haighaidh 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.

Most people bring soda bread, crackers, cheese, or fruit to share the "snack table". Soda and alcoholic beverages of your choice are your own responsiblity. Refrigeration is available. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.

PLEASE BRING A FLASHLIGHT.

LOCATION

The Town of Esopus is in Ulster Co., New York, on the west bank of the Hudson River, and 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).

DIRECTIONS TO ESOPUS

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 Route 9W. Follow 9W North - 5 miles to Marist Retreat Center on the right. See below, All Drivers.

FROM LONG ISLAND:

Take Hutchinson River Parkway to I-684 to I-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 I-84 West to the Taconic State Parkway North to Route 55 and follow directions above.

FROM THE NORTH:

Take NY 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.

Local Taxi Services: