Teaching Through Irish (Gaeloideachas)

This postgraduate diploma prepares qualified graduates to teach through the medium of Irish in Gaelscoileanna, Gaelcholáistí, and Gaeltacht schools at primary or post-primary level. You develop advanced Irish language competency alongside immersion pedagogy, learning how to deliver curriculum subjects entirely through Irish in real classroom settings. Modules cover bilingual and multilingual learning theory, subject-specific terminology across curriculum areas, and culturally responsive teaching rooted in Irish language communities. You spend significant time on supervised teaching practice in Irish-medium schools, gaining hands-on experience of planning and assessing through Irish. A typical week blends language workshops, lectures on immersion methodology, and reflective seminars with practising Gaelscoil teachers.

Entry typically requires an Honours Bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) in a relevant discipline, along with a recognised teaching qualification or concurrent enrolment in initial teacher education, as requirements vary between University of Galway and Maynooth University. A high standard of spoken and written Irish is essential, and you will normally be assessed through interview or language proficiency test at application stage. Candidates without a primary degree in Irish may be required to demonstrate subject competency. Mature applicants with substantial relevant professional experience in Irish-medium education may be considered under flexible entry arrangements. HEAR or DARE provisions may apply where institutions offer them for postgraduate access.

Demand for teachers qualified to work through Irish is strong and growing, driven by a sustained rise in Gaelscoil enrolments and government commitments under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Irish Language Strategy. Registration with the Teaching Council (Drochphost Gairmiúil Gaeilge category) is required to teach in recognised schools, and this qualification supports that registration pathway. Graduates are typically well placed to secure permanent posts, particularly outside Dublin, where recruitment challenges are most acute. Salary scales follow standard Department of Education pay agreements, with starting gross salaries in the region of €40,000–€44,000 rising with experience and allowances.