ABOUT OUR GAELTACHT SUMMER COURSES
Coláiste na bhFiann is the premier provider of 3 week residential Irish language summer courses in the Gaeltacht. Our courses are designed to give students an immersive and enjoyable experience of the Irish language. Our Gaeltacht courses in Ireland are perfect for students looking to improve their Irish language skills, whether they are beginners or more advanced. With our summer Irish language courses, students will experience the beauty of the Gaeltacht region and learn from experienced teachers while immersing themselves in the Irish language. At Coláiste na bhFiann, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, effective, and enjoyable Irish language education for students of all ages and skill levels.
Summer Gaeltacht Courses dates & locations 2023
| Centre | Age group | Dates | Fees |
| Ráth Chairn, Meath | 12 – 16 | 04-24/06/2023 | €1,100 |
| Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal | 12 – 16 | 04-24/06/2023 | €1,100 |
| Ros Muc, Galway | 14 – 18 | 04-24/06/2023 | €1,100 |
| 14 – 18 | 02-22/07/2023 | €1,100 | |
| Droim Rí, Meath | 12 – 16 | 02-22/07/2023 | €1,100 |
Coláiste na bhFiann aims to promote the language as a living language to young people. We endeavour to create a supportive environment where young people can use Irish and develop their confidence to speak it. We build on the Irish that children learn at school and complement it by providing a real life Irish language experience where they can put all they have learned into practice. This is achieved through the provision of a wide range of fun activities for young people to participate in alongside friends, old and new.
Our services run year round and include residential summer courses, youth clubs, tours and events through the medium of Irish.
We are delighted to be back with our residential summer courses for summer 2023 having spent the last two years evaluating and reimagining the services we provide.
Daily Activities during our Irish Language Courses
At Coláiste na bhFiann, our Irish language summer courses are designed to provide a full immersion experience in the Irish language and culture. A typical day during one of our Gaeltacht courses is detailed below.
Morning Irish classes
In our morning classes students can practise their skills and learn new vocabulary. Classes are taught through the medium of Irish by qualified Irish teachers. Our teachers use a variety of methods to ensure that all students regardless of ability are capable of interacting and gaining benefit from the classes.
Activities
After the morning session, students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of organised activities. Whether it’s playing sports, practising yoga, creating art, or visiting the beach, there is something for everyone.
Evening Céilí
In the evening, students can look forward to a traditional Irish Céilí where they can dance and socialise with their peers while practising their language skills.
Brief description of our locations and ages
Ros Muc (14 – 18 years old)
This Gaeltacht is located in Connemara, 35 miles from Galway. Students stay in Irish speaking family homes in beautiful surroundings. This course is particularly aimed at those who have already a good competency in the language.
Ráth Chairn (12 – 16 years old)
The Gaeltacht of county Meath is situated in Ráth Chairn, just outside Athboy. In this area, students stay with Irish speaking families in their homes. These families have been providing accommodation for us for many years. The homes are all located close to the college where classes, sports and evening activities take place.
Droim Rí (12 – 16 years old)
This College is situated in our HQ in Ionad Óige na hÉireann, Droim Rí, Co. Meath. This is an all Irish youth centre all year round, and during the summer months, it is the location for a variety of residential courses.
Gaoth Dobhair (12 – 16 years old)
This Course is located in the Gaeltacht of Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal. This is a lovely area which is overlooked by Errigal mountain and also close to many beautiful beaches. Students stay in family homes with a leader in each house and Coláiste na bhFiann are in this area for several years now. The students travel by coach to and from the College centre each day.
Irish Language Immersion
All students attending courses will attend an information meeting in the coming months, accompanied by a parent. This is the opportunity for us to partner with you so that your children will benefit from our courses as much as possible.
This year the same rule will apply on all of our courses. Please note the wording of the rule: If a student accidentally speaks English, she/he will receive a warning. If such an incident is repeated, parents will be contacted and asked to speak to their child. If she/he speaks English again, we will have no option but to send the student home. However, deliberate speaking of English will not be tolerated and any student found doing so must leave the course without warning and with no fee refund. (These rules are enforced from the time the student arrives on the course.)
