Irish

Language Information

Irish is the official language (along with English) of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is also one of the 24 official languages of the European Union.

Irish, also called Gaelic, is one of the few living Goidelic languages, from the Celtic language family. Irish was the dominant language in Ireland until late in the 18th century, when it was superceded by English. Today, a significant portion (approximately 40%, as of 2022) of the population states they can speak Irish to some degree. Irish remains a primary language in the area of Gaeltacht. 

At Indiana Univeristy, elementary and intermediate level Irish Gaelic courses are offered each year by the Institute for European Studies.

Old Irish

Old Irish, sometimes known as Old Gaelic, is the Celtic language that was used in Ireland and the surrounding area from about 600 - 900 CE. Numerous written works in Old Irish remain important for religious and literary scholars today, including the Cambrai Homily, The Book of Armagh, and the Stowe Missal.

Recording Archive

Teach Yourself Irish, by M. Dillon and D. O'Croinin

Irish Gaelic Language Course (IU login only)

Old Irish, by E. Hamp and M. Dillon (IU login only)

Excerpts from the Gospels