Introduction
Irish is the national and first official language of Ireland. It is an official language of Northern Ireland and is counted among the official languages of the European Union. It is a vibrant language in the arts, media, culture, and enterprise of Ireland, and can be found celebrated across the globe. ​
How the Subject is Useful in Real Life
Per Gradireland: Irish enables graduates to develop interesting careers, not only in the more traditional areas such as teaching, translation and the media, but also in the arts and cultural sector, in public sector organisations, and in professions such as healthcare, ICT and marketing. ​
Sample of Junior Cycle Topics
  • Mé Féin agus Mo Theaghlach 
  • Mo Scoil 
  • Mo Cheantar 
  • Mo Chaithimh Aimsire 
  • Ceol 
  • Spórt 
  • Grammar
  • Correspondence – Emails and Postcards 
  • Essays 
  • Literature (Examined at Higher Level only) 
  • A novel (Higher Level only) 
  • Short films ​
Junior Cycle Exam
Irish is taken at both higher and ordinary level from 2nd Year onwards: 
  • At Both levels, students study various topics under the umbrella of Irish, as well as cultural and literary elements relevant to the language. One of the major differences between the two levels is that only Higher Level is examined on the literature studied. 
CBA 1 – Punann Teanga 
  • CBA 1 is a language portfolio. Students show evidence of their learning over the 3 year period and submit 3 items of work of their choice with one being a sound/video file. 
  • CBA 1 will take place in 2nd Year from the 23/24 school year. 
CBA 2 – An Tasc Cumarsáideach 
  • CBA 2 is a communicative task. This gives students the opportunity to choose a subject, topic or issue in which they are interested or is important to them, and to explore it over a period of time. In this task, strong emphasis is placed on the student’s oral and interactive skills and on their connection to other language users. In completing the task, students may use any one of the following formats: presentation, interview, role play, drama or conversation in response to stimulus material. Students may work individually, in pairs or in groups. ​
Transition Year
During Transition Year students focus on maintaining and improving their Irish through the following methods 
  • Class Projects 
  • Immersion trip to Coláíste Acla 
  • In class focus on the oral exam  
  • Continuous assessment together with end of term assessment ​
Leaving Cert
Irish is studied at Higher, Ordinary and Foundation Level for Leaving Cert. It is a compulsory subject and is comprised of two papers. 
  • Paper 1 – Listening, Written Composition 
  • Paper 2 – Reading Comprehensions, Compulsory Poetry and Prose Questions 
  • Oral – Worth 40% overall.  
  • The oral is a 20 minute exam with a number of different elements. This currently takes place during the first week of the Easter holidays. ​
Events Held During the Year
  • Seachtain na Gaeilge 
  • Gaeilge24 
  • Seó Bóthair Roadshow 
  • Maidin Bricfeasta Gaeilge 
  • Díolacháin Cácaí ​
Links
Booklist – link to main page 
Leaving Certificate books 
Higher:
  • Samhlaíocht - Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin and Triona Geraghty,  
  • An Triail, Mairead Ni Ghrada 
  • Notaí ar an Triail – Elizabeth Wade & Yvonne O’Toole 
Ordinary:
  • Spreagadh - Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin and Triona Geraghty 
 
Junior Cycle books:  ​
​Subject specific websites