"Rich in its complexity, soulful in its expression and resonantly inspirational, the Irish language, too often perceived as a burden, is as important to our identity as the very land upon which it is spoken. Life without it would seem empty and unfulfilled — with it we nurture our sense of place. Too often we hear the cries of regret in advanced years, as if a part of us is missing, and, to remedy this, our challenge is to pass it on to the next generation and to encourage them to do likewise, for the fact remains and always will, the Irish language, battered as it may be, is far too strong to just simply go away."— Fiachna Ó Braonáin ó THE HOTHOUSE FLOWERS

Since its foundation in 1984, OIDEAS GAEL has attracted hundreds of participants annually its highly acclaimed language courses for adults and Irish activity holiday cultural programmes each year.

Irish people, drawn from all backgrounds, constitute up to half of those attending, while the remainder travel from many other parts of the world especially to attend. The unique blend of our expertly prepared language courses and an attractive mix of cultural sessions, all located within a Gaeltacht community, enables adult learners to improve their fluency in Irish, while at the same time enjoying our living culture.

As an alternative to the graded language courses, a broad range of cultural activity programmes is offered to participants interested in experiencing a unique style of learning in an Irish activity holiday.

Group Organisers are also encouraged! We are skilled at creating tailor-made programmes especially suited to your group's participants' varied interests, combining both Irish Gaelic classes and special Irish cultural activities; including programmes that support a University's aims and curriculum.

Over the years, we have welcomed groups from prestigious universities in the USA and Europe. We deliver regular semester programmes for the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Evergreen State College, Olympia; University of Charlston, South Carolina and numerous others.

Your visit to Oideas Gael with a group can vary in length from a few days to a five-week programme, and include both language courses and cultural activities.

Please see our Active Culture pages or contact us at no obligation to find out how we can help you organise a truly unique and memorable experience for your group holidays in Ireland.