The Irish Language

Bilingual campus

This is predominantly due to its proximity to the Connemara Gaeltacht, one of several Irish-speaking regions in Ireland.  Furthermore, its links with the region are strengthened by its Irish language education and cultural centres in the towns of An Cheathrú Rua and Carna, Co. Galway and Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal. The University offers a bilingual environment where the Irish language is regularly used in academic and social life on campus. 

A unique aspect of NUI Galway’s role as a University is its strategic commitment to the provision of University education through the medium of Irish and the University’s aim to serve the Gaeltacht and the Irish language community, and to create an exemplary bilingual campus.  The University’s language scheme under the Official Languages Act 2003 is central to the creation of an exemplary bilingual campus here in NUI Galway. The main aim of the scheme is to expand the provision of Irish language services in the University in academic and administrative areas and in general services.  

NUI Galway teach the Irish language from beginner to advanced level, we provide programmes in Irish literature and culture at degree and postgraduate level, and we are dedicated to pioneering third-level education through the medium Irish. Roinn na Gaeilge offers programmes in the Irish language and is located in a dedicated building, Áras na Gaeilge. University's Irish language institute, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is dedicated to pioneering third-level education through the medium Irish.