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Irish is one of the most fascinating languages in the world, and hearing it spoken can spark anyone’s curiosity enough to decide to learn it.
While Irish is mastered by an estimated 1.2 million speakers in the world, the majority of which reside in Ireland, the language is in decline. This makes it all the more irresistible for many people to learn.
Now, if you’re wondering how to start down that path, why not use the help of a few apps to learn Irish?
The following list includes eight apps that’ll introduce you to Irish grammar, vocabulary, and more.
Top picks
There are a good number of apps to learn Irish fit for all learning levels and styles. For starters, here are my favorites:
- Learn Irish with fun, interactive games on Ling App or Duolingo
- Get conversational quickly with Pimsleur
- Immerse yourself in the comprehensive Rosetta Stone course
- Find Irish tutors on italki or Preply
This short list should give you an idea of which app to download if you’re aiming to gain a specific skill. Below, we’re diving into the features and benefits of each app. Seo linn!
Best apps to learn Irish
1. Pimsleur
Try Pimsleur Irish FREE for 7 days
One of the greatest things I like about Pimsleur is that it can make you familiar with the Irish language in almost no time. The course introduces you to Irish Gaelic mainly using audio-based content, which is divided into 30-minute lessons.
The app will also test you in everyday grammar and vocabulary used in many situations. Here, you’ll learn common phrases to communicate your needs whether you’re in school, shopping, going to the movies, etc.
Let’s not forget that the course is based on the Pimsleur Method, which a lot of learners swear by.
Why you should try Pimsleur:
- Strong focus on conversational skills
- Good introduction to common Irish terms and phrases
- Based on the effective Pimsleur Method
Pricing: The Audio-Only subscription is $14.95/month, the Premium membership (with Bonus Materials) is $19.95/month, and All Access is $20.95/month. Try it for free!
Devices: iOS and Android
2. Ling App
If you’re still over the fence about learning Irish but want to get a taste of the language, why not go for Ling App? This is one of the most fun apps to learn Irish. It takes you step-by-step through the basics, starting with the alphabet, and all the way to common words and phrases.
Yet, the thing I like most about Ling App is that it teaches you Irish through light interactive games. So, you could get lost in the app trying to solve puzzles and make your way through challenges. And, soon enough, your Irish should sound a lot better!
Why you should try Ling App:
- Teaches you Irish through entertaining games and puzzles
- Provides users with audio exercises to get a grasp on their pronunciation
- A great candidate for people on a budget
Pricing: Ling App is free. Unlock more content when you upgrade to the pro version for only $14.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
3. Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone app is a must-have for people who want to learn Irish. The app is built by the world’s best linguists, who created effective techniques for language learning that you should give a try.
The first thing I admire about this app is that it mimics real-life situations. Being so immersed in the experience can help you learn words, phrases, and idioms in no time. It’s just like you’re living in Ireland!
This is also one of the best apps to learn Irish if you want to train your ears. Aside from the core lessons and phrasebook (which contains essential Irish words), you can also talk to native-speaking tutors. Plus, the Audio Companion feature lets you take a break from the screen by listening to your lessons.
Why you should try Rosetta Stone:
- Courses are created by professional linguists
- An immersive curriculum for better results
- Includes many tools such as core lessons, numerous exercises, a phrasebook, and Audio Companion
Pricing: Membership starts at $7.99 per month. Snatch a discount here.
Devices: iOS and Android
4. Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most beginner-friendly apps you could use, and it should be able to guide you on your journey to learning Irish. At some point, it can even become addictive.
The first thing I admire about Duolingo is that it helps you commit to whatever language you’re learning. If you give it permission, the app will send you notifications every day so that you’ll get your daily dose of Irish practice.
Better yet, Duolingo is full of exercises that should test your vocabulary, grammar, and common expressions. The app keeps track of your progress and makes sure that you learn from your mistakes.
Why you should try Duolingo:
- Offers fun exercises to teach you the spelling and pronunciation of Irish words and phrases
- Walks you through common Irish expressions used in everyday situations
- You can enable app notifications to stay dedicated to your language-learning journey
Pricing: Duolingo is free, but you can sign up for a Duolingo Plus account to get access to more features.
Devices: iOS and Android
5. Nemo Irish Gaelic
The coolest thing about Nemo Irish Gaelic is that it compiles important Irish words and expressions that every learner should know. So, the more words you master reading, writing, and speaking, the easier it should be to understand Irish.
If you have some previous knowledge of Irish, the app could help you learn phrases about specific concepts and scenarios. These include essential words used in travel, different fields of business, etc.
You can also use Nemo Irish Gaelic to fine-tune your pronunciation thanks to the Speech Studio feature.
Why you should try Nemo Irish Gaelic:
- Not lesson-based, but lets you build your knowledge of Irish day by day
- Makes users familiar with common Irish phrases in a short amount of time
- Includes Speech Studio, which can help you perfect your pronunciation
Pricing: Nemo Irish Gaelic is free, but there are in-app purchases. A single item usually starts at $9.95.
Devices: iOS and Android
6. Caoga Caoga
Caoga Caoga may be the perfect introductory app for kids as well as adults who want to start learning Irish Gaelic. The interactive game helps you become familiar with Irish vocabulary by linking words to images and illustrations.
This app covers 24 topics with over 450 words. You’ll learn through word and image-based games and hear recordings of native speakers in three dialects: Connacht, Munster and Ulster.
Better yet, if you’re always on the go or have a busy schedule, you’ll only need to spare about five minutes per day for each lesson. For a relaxed and fun learning experience, consider trying Caoga Caoga to get started with Irish.
Why you should try Caoga Caoga:
- Small lessons for a daily dose of new Irish words
- A game-like experience for effortless and unhurried learning
- High-quality recordings in three Irish dialects
Pricing: Caoga Caoga is completely free!
Devices: iOS and Android
7. italki
Italki is my second favorite app for learning Irish, especially for people who have some basic knowledge of the language.
What makes Italki extra special is that, once you sign up, you could communicate with a native speaker to perfect your Irish. Or, you may want to be taught by a certified tutor in regular sessions.
Either way, getting in touch with someone proficient in Irish should be an effective way to get a grasp of the language. Better still, Italki is quite affordable when compared to getting Irish lessons in real life. Overall, it’s a win-win!
Why you should try Italki:
- Offers real-time conversations with Irish native speakers and tutors
- You get to choose your teacher according to reviews
- Includes a 30-minute trial at a lower price
Pricing: Irish lessons begin at an hourly rate of $23, with $40 being the average. Check out promos here.
Devices: iOS and Android
8. Preply
Preply is another great app for finding Irish tutors. The best thing here is that you get to make your choice based on profiles and user reviews. Better still, if you’re not satisfied with the first lesson, you could always request another teacher!
Yet, my favorite thing about Preply is that it lets you enter a virtual classroom when it’s time for your lesson. That should set the mood for learning Irish, not to mention help you stay committed.
Why you should try Preply:
- Offers one-on-one lessons in virtual classrooms
- You can filter based on specialties and other languages spoken
- Allows you to change your tutor for another for free after the first lesson
Pricing: Most tutors on Preply will charge you from $15 to $25 per hour. Bulk discounts are available too.
Devices: iOS and Android
FAQs about learning Irish
What’s the difference between Irish and Gaelic?
Irish is the name of the language itself. However, Gaelic is an adjective that describes the people of Ireland as well as the culture.
Gaelic, as a language, refers only to the language of Scotland. Still, people outside Ireland use the term “Irish Gaelic” to tell the language apart from Scottish Gaelic. Yet, this term isn’t preferred by the Irish.
Where is Irish spoken?
Irish is the official language of the Republic of Ireland, but the majority of the Irish speak English in their daily lives. However, a percentage of people still speak Irish on a regular basis. The following regions have the highest percentages of Irish speakers:
- Galway County (49%)
- Clare (45.9%)
- Cork County (44.9%)
Is Irish hard to learn?
Irish can be quite challenging to learn for an English speaker because it has various complicated rules. In addition to that, the pronunciation is quite complex.
However, if you give yourself time and take it step-by-step, learning Irish shouldn’t be any tougher than learning other languages. Becoming familiar with the sounds, words, phrases, and grammar should get you there.
What’s the best way to learn Irish?
The best way to tackle Irish is to use a mixture of different resources to improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. After learning the alphabet, apps, books, podcasts, and videos should help you perfect your language.
What’s the best app to learn Irish?
In general, interactive apps like Duolingo and Ling App should be great if you want to know the basics and take it one step at a time. They should also be perfect for a busy schedule.
If you need more concentrated doses of Irish lessons, consider going for Rosetta Stone. On the other hand, Pimsleur may be the best option for auditory learners.
Wrap up
Mastering Irish sure takes time and effort, and it may seem hard in the beginning. Yet, with confidence and persistence, you should get the results you’ve been dreaming of.
Let’s not forget that using some of the best apps to learn Irish could give you the push you need. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced Irish speaker, you should find the perfect app to work on whatever skills you want.
For the best result, consider using a mix of all these apps and adding resources like books and podcasts, and watch the magic unfold!