Every Irish learner has their own unique journey. A journey shaped by curiosity and discovery. Sometimes it begins at school, sometimes abroad, and sometimes long after formal education has ended – often shaped by children or family members! Other times, it begins with a small decision: signing up for a course, opening a book, or using a word with confidence for the first time.

But there is usually one thing that all learners share: a desire to connect more deeply with the Irish language and its culture.

With Turas Teanga, we are celebrating the stories of our own learners. What inspired them to learn or relearn Irish, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the progress they’ve made along the way. This series offers an honest, personal insight into the experience of learning Irish with Gaelchultúr, both in Ireland and internationally.

Through this series, we are giving our learners a platform to share their stories, and perhaps inspire someone else to take their next step with Irish.

This is Turas Teanga!

Learner:

Chris Sullivan

Tell us about yourself – what is your background and where are you currently based?

I’m from America and I now live in St Louis, Missouri.

What or who inspired you to learn (or re-learn) Irish?

From a young age, I have known about my ancestors who were from Ireland. It was a source of interest and pride for me, but I didn't know many specifics. My son finished his degree and wanted to travel to Europe. We chose two weeks in Ireland. I am interested in languages and I started to learn a few words in Irish. It was difficult but I liked it. We went to Corca Dhuibhne and I realised that I needed to learn a lot more Irish!

While my son and I were travelling in Ireland, I thought a lot about our ancestors and that they left this beautiful land so many years ago and that over the years this beautiful and precious language had been lost to us. A terrible loss that I am committed to remedy and I am attempting to bring at least a bit of the language back into our family.

What experience did you have with Irish before you started with Gaelchultúr?

I tried books and Duolingo. They weren't helpful. Irish is just too challenging a language for those things alone!

What made you choose Gaelchultúr as part of your language journey?

I found Gaeilge Gan Stró in a bookstore in Dingle. I liked it and searched for Gaelchultúr on the internet. I was very happy when I found live classes online! Also, I wanted to attend an Irish language school – perfect!

What aspect of Gaelchultúr's courses has helped you the most to progress in your language journey?

I love interacting with the other learners and the teacher.

I am grateful for the kindness, patience and welcoming spirit of all the students and teachers. I was very nervous about not having “enough” Irish to do the classes but was absolutely delighted to feel so welcomed and supported from the very beginning.

How do you use Irish in your daily life now – at home, at work, with friends or online?

I use my Irish every day – reading books, listening to podcasts, watching TG4. There are no Pop-up Gaeltachts around here so Gaelchultúr’s classes are the only place where I can use my Irish.

What impact did learning Irish with Gaelchultúr have on your confidence or your identity?

My ancestors were refugees from the Great Famine and ended up in Wisconsin USA many years ago. I feel like I am honouring their sacrifice by reconnecting with Ireland and making an effort to learn their language. It has been a wonderful gift, and I am so appreciative of the opportunity!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking an Irish course, but isn't sure yet?

Why not?! The classes are great fun and everyone is warmly welcomed and encouraged. All the students and teachers are supportive and enthusiastic.

What was the biggest challenge you faced on this journey – and how did you overcome it?

It’s not been possible for me to find local opportunities to speak Irish. I have found the Gaelchultúr classes invaluable for learning, practicing, and speaking Irish.

Anything else?

I am so thankful to have found Gaelchultúr and to have the opportunity to take classes with committed and encouraging teachers and students. I would have given up out of frustration and confusion with the language if I had not found these classes! There’s a good mix of useful and meaningful ways to begin to speak and understand Irish in a supportive environment.