Dia Duit
We bring together adults of all ages in Chicago to immerse themselves in Irish culture through language.
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Conversation focus
Our teachers use an interactive approach that emphasizes speaking and understanding the language, with grammar and composition gradually introduced as student skills develop.
Four levels
Beginner, Beginner 2, Intermediate and Advanced.
In person or online
We offer weekly classes in person in Chicago and online via Zoom.
Weeknights or weekends
We hold classes on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday morning.
Adult learners
Our classes are for adults. They are also suitable for motivated teens who are comfortable working with adults.
In Person
In-person classes meet at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave. in Chicago
Online
Online classes are on Zoom. You’ll need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a video camera, speakers and a microphone (or headset with a microphone) to participate fully.
We don’t recommend phones or tablets because they may have limited functionality.
Tuition
Tuition is $130 for new Na Gaeil Chicago students and $105 for our returning students.
Tuition includes books and materials.
If you take an online course, we’ll mail you the textbook.
When
Classes meet once a week.
Beginner and online classes are 90 minutes. All other classes meet for 2 1/2 hours with a tea break.
Our terms are typically 15 sessions long.
Fall term starts around the third week of September.
Spring term starts around the last week of January.
Getting Started
If you have no prior experience with the Irish language or otherwise need a Beginner-level class, the fall term is your starting point. (The spring term picks up where the fall term leaves off.)
Intermediate and advanced students can start in the fall or in the spring.
If you want to begin studying on your own before September, check out our resources.
Registration
- Registration and tuition payments are handled by Eventbrite
- Fall term registration opens about six weeks before classes begin
- Spring term registration opens about three weeks before classes begin
In person 1.5 hours | Online 1.5 hours
This is a beginner-level Irish language class for adults. It is also suitable for motivated teens who are comfortable working with adults.
This class is for true beginners who are starting Irish studies from scratch. It is also suited to students who have done some self-study with little or no feedback from an instructor and want to get a good foundation in Irish.
A four-skills class (speaking, listening, writing, reading) with an emphasis on speaking the language and learning about Irish culture.
We use the textbook Gaeilge Gan Stró! (Beginners Level) and supplement it with other materials.
In-person class meets at the Irish American Heritage Center and is followed by tea and conversation.
Online class meets via the Zoom videoconferencing platform.
You’ll need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a video camera, speakers and a microphone (or headset with a microphone) to participate fully.
We don’t recommend phones or tablets because they may have limited functionality.
In person 2.5 hours | Online 1.5 hours
This is a "beginner plus" level Irish language class for adults. It is also suitable for motivated teens who are comfortable working with adults.
This class could be right for you if:
- You have completed a full year of Beginner Irish
- You took a Beginner class with us but could not attend the second term
- You studied Irish a while ago and want to reinforce a good foundation before advancing
- You have recently had a solid semester or so of instruction in Irish elsewhere
A four-skills class (speaking, listening, writing, reading) with an emphasis on speaking the language and learning about Irish culture.
We use the textbook Gaeilge Gan Stró! (Beginners Level) and supplement it with other materials.
In-person class meets at the Irish American Heritage Center and is followed by tea and conversation.
Online class meets via the Zoom videoconferencing platform.
You’ll need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a video camera, speakers and a microphone (or headset with a microphone) to participate fully.
We don’t recommend phones or tablets because they may have limited functionality.
In person 2.5 hours | Online 1.5 hours
This intermediate-level Irish language class is for adults who have had 2-3 years of structured Irish study. It is also suitable for motivated teens who are comfortable working with adults. This is the next level after Beginner 2.
The goal of this class is to build on basic knowledge of Irish vocabulary and grammar and become more comfortable with writing and conversation. We use the textbook Gaeilge Gan Stró (Lower Intermediate Level), supplemented by handouts. You will learn vocabulary, pronunciation, and points of grammar through prose and song.
This class could be right for you if you have completed the Beginners Level of Gaeilge Gan Stró or attended 2 to 3 years of Irish-language instruction.
In-person class meets at the Irish American Heritage Center and is followed by tea and conversation.
Online class meets via the Zoom videoconferencing platform.
You’ll need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a video camera, speakers and a microphone (or headset with a microphone) to participate fully.
We don’t recommend phones or tablets because they may have limited functionality.
In person 2.5 hours
This is an in-person advanced-level Irish language class for adults. It is also suitable for motivated teens who are comfortable working with adults. This is the next level after Intermediate.
The goal of this class is to enhance your existing knowledge of Irish vocabulary and grammar and boost your confidence in writing and conversation. Throughout the course, you will develop your vocabulary, improve pronunciation and comprehension, and grasp grammatical concepts through written, listening, and spoken exercises.
In-person class meets at the Irish American Heritage Center and is followed by tea and conversation.