Unlocking Irish: Free Learning Resources & Fun Games!
Whether you’re looking for free Irish language courses or the easiest way to start learning Irish, I’m here with fresh insights and recommendations to help you on your language journey. Let’s dive right in and explore the exciting world of Irish language learning together!
You can learn Irish for free through online courses and resources. The easiest way to start is by using free websites like Teanglann.ie and Focloir.ie which provide language learning materials and dictionaries.
But there’s more to discover on your Irish language adventure. Keep reading to explore some amazing resources and tips that’ll make your learning journey even more enjoyable and effective.
Free Learning Resources to practice speaking
When I kicked off my Irish relearning journey, speaking the language was my main challenge. I started reading children’s books to my son, but unsure if I pronounced the words correctly. Like many learners, I lacked access to fluent speakers for guidance. However, there’s fantastic help available online for free!
One of my all-time favourite websites is Abair.ie. It’s my trusty go-to for checking word pronunciation. If you’re learning Irish, bookmark it on your phone for easy access; you’ll use it a lot! You can even type a sentence and hear it in the three dialects, plus there’s a nifty feature to record yourself for pronunciation checks.
Another gem I’ve found incredibly useful is Gliglish. It’s an AI-based language teacher offering free practice in various languages, including Irish. They also offer paid options if you will be using it more frequently. Gliglish is perfect for starting conversations without the initial embarrassment. It’s like chatting with a friendly real person. Dive in and give it a try!
As noted earlier, Teanglann.ie and Focloir.ie offer fantastic free language learning resources and dictionaries. What makes it more fantastic is that both these websites provide audio files for most words across the three dialects. This feature is incredibly handy for perfecting your pronunciation, especially when you’re just starting out. They’ve got user-friendly apps you can easily download for your convenience! I rely on these apps so often that when I’m unsure of a word, my son says, “Just ask the man!” referring to the helpful audio files they provide.
Irish Language Games For Adults
When learning a language it can get a bit boring if your only interaction with it is through a course you are doing or learning material. It is a really good idea to find a way to learn why also doing something fun. There are a number of free online games available for adults to aid in your learning but also just for fun.
Guess The Word Games
These are the Irish version of the popular word game Wordle.
Here’s how to play “Guess the Word” in six tries or fewer: Take a shot at guessing a valid five-letter word, then hit Enter to submit your guess. After each guess, the tiles will change color to indicate which letters are correct or close. A green tile means it’s in the right word and position, orange means it’s in the word but not the correct spot, and grey means it’s not part of the word you’re trying to guess. Even though these games can be a bit challenging for my current level of Irish, I like to give them a shot every now and then.
Spell The Word Game
Litreach is my top pick for a quick daily game when I have a few minutes to spare. It follows the same format as Wordle but focuses on spelling. To play, you start by listening to the word in any of the three dialects, or all three if you prefer. Your task is to correctly spell the word you hear within 5 attempts, and each time you try, the correct letters light up in green. You’ll receive 5 spelling challenges every day, and your game results are saved on your device for later reference.
If you’re up for more spelling challenges on the same day, Teanglann.ie offers another option. This game doesn’t limit word length to just 5 characters, and you can keep playing as many rounds as you’d like.
https://www.teanglann.ie/en/spelling-game/
Spelling games are fantastic for language learning. They help you quickly recognize the unique sounds of the Irish language and become familiar with the sounds in different dialects. Give them a try to enhance your language skills!
Learning Games for All Ages
Now, let me introduce you to Séideán Sí, a fantastic resource primarily designed for primary school children, but don’t let that deter you! It’s a gem for learners of all ages. With a variety of games catering to Junior Infants up to Sixth Class, you can start at the beginner level with the Junior Infant games and progress from there.
This resource offers a wide range of digital tools and activities crafted to enhance language skills acquired in the classroom. It follows a communicative approach and seamlessly integrates three essential language strands: oral language, reading, and writing. Plus, there’s even a handy app you can use on the go!
App links for google play store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=CCEA
App links for Apple App Store
https://apps.apple.com/ie/developer/ccea/id636492197
Embarking on your Irish language learning journey has never been easier with these free and engaging resources. Whether you’re honing your pronunciation with Abair.ie, having interactive conversations with Gliglish, or enjoying word games like “Guess the Wordle” and “Litreach,” there’s something for every learner to enjoy. So, dive into the world of Irish language learning and make it an enjoyable and effective experience!
