Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Get an introduction to Ireland’s culture by learning the basics of the Irish language. Engage with Irish culture and history through language. Ireland is home to a unique language and a vibrant Gaelic culture. On this course, you’ll discover how Irish people drew inspiration from nature to create their own unique script and alphabet.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You’ll explore Ireland’s rich culture of dance, Gaelic games, music, storytelling and literature. And you’ll gain an insight into the language of Ireland and the people who speak it.
So take the first step on your journey to learn one of the oldest literary languages in Europe.

What topics will you cover?

  • Introduction to the Irish language
  • Ogham and the first writing in Irish
  • The alphabet & pronunciation
  • Greetings, blessings and curses
  • Irish names and mythology
  • Me, my family and where I come from
  • An overview of the Gaeltachtaí and other cultural places in Ireland
  • Numbers and counting
  • The home and social life
  • Amenities, directions and Gaelic sport

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Engage with the Irish language through culture
  • Explore the beginnings of the written language through learning about OGHAM and the origins of the Irish alphabet
  • Discuss greetings, blessings and curses in the Irish language
  • Discuss where you and your people come from
  • Describe your family, your home and your interests
  • Compare Irish names and gain an understanding of naming conventions in Irish
  • Explore the cultural association of the language with mythology, sport and music
  • Identify the Gaeltachtaí or Irish speaking areas where Irish is the main language of communication
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Trinity College Dublin

The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece (FutureLearn)

Discover medieval Ireland using the Book of Kells, a ninth-century manuscript featuring the four gospels of the new testament. The Book of Kells manuscript, housed at Trinity College Dublin is world famous - it attracts almost one million visitors a year. But what can this book tell us about Irish history? And what significance is the manuscript in today’s world?

Available now
4 Weeks
Learn English Through TV Drama Series: Skipper's Pass (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Chasing Time English

Learn English Through TV Drama Series: Skipper's Pass (FutureLearn)

Improve your English language skills by watching a short television drama series. Explore a unique and engaging way to learn English. English language classes should grip your imagination and inspire you to speak and write. The unique format of this course allows you to watch an original and exciting TV drama series and then apply the language from each episode to your English language learning journey. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to apply your English language skills in everyday contexts, such as asking for directions.

Jun 27th 2022
4 Weeks
Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Language and Culture (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Explore intercultural communication by understanding the relationship between language and cultural identity. Examine the relationship between language, nationality and cultural identity. On this course you will analyse why language is a social construction and examine how it relates to cultural identity.

Feb 16th 2026
2 Weeks
Irish 201: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Dublin City University

Irish 201: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Learn about the rich culture found in the Irish language while developing your spoken, reading, listening and writing skills Learn how to describe your background, family and where you live in Irish. Build on your existing basic knowledge of the Irish language and culture. Whether you’re looking to work, study or travel in Ireland, gain a greater insight into the Irish language and improve your language skills on this engaging online course.

Jan 8th 2024
4 Weeks
Jane Austen: Myth, Reality and Global Celebrity (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Southampton

Jane Austen: Myth, Reality and Global Celebrity (FutureLearn)

Discover the fascinating story of author Jane Austen, from her own life in Hampshire to what she means to a global audience today. Jane Austen went from being a moderately successful anonymous novelist in her own time to a global celebrity in ours. On this course you will explore how that happened, exploring Austen’s own literary influences, and her reputation over time.

Jan 30th 2023
3 Weeks
How to Read a Novel (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Edinburgh

How to Read a Novel (FutureLearn)

Get underneath the skin of a novel by understanding some of the main building blocks of modern fiction. What makes a great novel? How is a novel woven together? How can we best appreciate works of fiction? Answer these questions and more with this course from The University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Jan 13th 2025
4 Weeks
Irish 107: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Dublin City University

Irish 107: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Continue on your Irish language journey and explore conversational themes and gain new insights into Irish culture and language. Immerse yourself in the Irish language and its culture. Building upon previous courses, Irish 107 will help you take the next steps in learning the Irish language. You will broaden your ability to converse in the language by learning how to describe people by personality and appearance and converse about shopping for clothes.

Nov 13th 2023
4 Weeks
EAL: English Language for Nature Conservation and Sustainability (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology,Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology - NMIT

EAL: English Language for Nature Conservation and Sustainability (FutureLearn)

Advance your study of English as a second language as you explore sustainability and discover the wonders of New Zealand. Improve your language skills with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. The themes of conservation and sustainability are present in most major academic English exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and NZCEL. This four-week course will prepare you for reading, listening, writing, and speaking about these themes.

Jun 27th 2022
4 Weeks
Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leicester

Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL (FutureLearn)

Get an introduction to applied linguistics and how linguistics is applied in a range of fields - from language teaching to law. Explore the field of applied linguistics through real-world case studies. This online course introduces the field of applied linguistics and how it relates to disciplines including linguistics and language teaching.

Jan 15th 2024
5-12 Weeks
Irish 203: Irish Language and Culture for Adults (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Dublin City University

Irish 203: Irish Language and Culture for Adults (FutureLearn)

Develop your Irish language skills whilst discovering Irish culture with Dublin City University. Learn Irish and be inspired by the rich culture of Ireland. On this course, you’ll develop your knowledge of the Irish language and explore the many facets of Ireland’s culture. The course is set at an elementary level and, by the end of the course, you should feel more confident speaking and understanding Irish grammar at a more intermediate level.

Aug 21st 2023
4 Weeks
Te Reo Māori: Introduction to Pronunciation (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
EduMaxi

Te Reo Māori: Introduction to Pronunciation (FutureLearn)

Learn the basics of Māori language pronunciation, including some everyday words, key greetings and phrases. Develop your understanding of the pronunciation of the Māori language. The Māori language, culture, people, and land are intrinsically connected, with the language being the vehicle for that connection. To pronounce the Māori language correctly is to show respect for the people, culture, land, and history of New Zealand.

Jun 27th 2022
3 Weeks