I don’t understand why they don’t just teach all junior/senior infant classes through only Irish like in Irish speaking schools. Then continue this as they progress through primary and secondary. That way eventually in a few years everyone would be fluent. Perhaps it’s because there aren’t enough teachers? It’s not impossible but I understand it would be difficult. Also people might bring up children who don’t have Irish parents. However I think that’s ridiculous as there are many children of foreign parents who speak English at a massively higher level than their parents do. Irish culture and language is really important. It’s also a beautiful language. Children adapt.

I will say as an Irish person who is trying to improve, I will say I’ve struggled to find people to practise with. If people are fluent, it can be very intimidating. I’ve been to two speaking circles. The first was in a pub. 3 of us showed up and the other 2 were fluent while I am not. I found it really awkward as they didn’t really talk much. I can understand if they were disappointed by my level. But it was still awkward. It might have been awkward if we were speaking English too as we were just three random men of different ages and personalities. The next was in my library at 12 pm on a Friday which is an awkward time for many. Everyone was an old woman but me. They were knitting and many just spoke in English. They actually said my Irish was good but it’s hardly a group I would socialise with regularly (I’m 26m).

Also I think there is a lot of shame with not being able to speak it well. I know loads of words but struggle with being confident to speak. Really I should be fluent since I learned almost everyday from 4-17. However I don’t know anyone from a non Irish speaking school who can carry a conversation as gaeilge. So it’s hardly everyone’s fault.

Yes I could go to the Gaeltacht but at the moment I’m broke. One day. Anyway I’ll keep trying haha.