SIMON TIERNEYfinds ways to explore the Irish language and culture on less cash
Conradh na Gaeilge (6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, tel: 01-475 7401) is a good spot for learning the lingo because it’s so central and easy to pop into after work. It operates Irish language classes for adults of all levels throughout the year. The next term begins at the end of September.
CnaG is offering a full term of weekly classes (worth up to €180) to the first five people to email brenda@cnag.ie. For details of times and levels, visit cnag.ie. Even without realising it, we are surrounded by the cúpla focal every day, whether it's hopping on the Luas at Na Ceithre Cúirteanna or listening to the Luas tannoy. The Church (Jervis Street/Mary Street Junction, Dublin 1, tel: 01-828 0102) hosts live traditional music from Sunday to Wednesday every week. It is offering dinner for two, with a bottle of house wine, in their Gallery Restaurant (normally up to €100), to the first three to email competitions@thechurch.ie with the answer to this question: who was married in The Church in 1761? This is a great spot to enjoy some traditional music in a location steeped in Irish history.
The Newbridge 200 Festival marks the bicentenary of the Co Kildare town, on September 6th-16th. A parade, fireworks, theatre and family activities are some of the events that will be lighting up Newbridge. There are four pairs of tickets (normally €15 for each ticket) up for grabs for the Anúna concert at St Conleth’s Church (Naas Road, Newbridge, Co Kildare) on September 15th. Email hazel@riverbank.ie
Conradh na Gaeilge has set up weekly gatherings around the country for those keen to develop Irish language conversational skills. The scheme is entitled "Is Leor Beirt", or "It Only Takes Two". For details see the Campaigns section of their website , cnag.ie.
Irish language play An Triail is being performed by Fíbín at the Hawks Well Theatre (Temple St, Sligo, Co Sligo, tel: 071-916 1518) on November 15th-16th. There are five free pairs of tickets (normally €12.50 for each ticket) available to the first readers to email info@hawkswell.com
Last but not least . . .
Eumom.ieand ClapHandies.comare running a series of free play coffee mornings during September. Taking place in locations across Dublin, this is an opportunity to chat with other young parents in the community while the kids are entertained. To register, book and find out location details, log on to eumom.ie
