Take your Irish skills to the next level

Discover how the language really works.

In my experience, when you begin to read stories, poems, essays, and books in Irish, your understanding and mastery grow quickly. You gain confidence, too, not just in your reading but in your speaking.

In Read Irish with Friends, you’ll put together what you’ve learned already:

grammar, vocabulary, idioms – and you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and possibility as you read stories, poems, essays, and books, all within a warm community of Irish learners.

This class is for you:

• if you’ve taken at least one term of Irish in the past
• if you’re excited to see the words and grammar in real sentences and stories
• if you love to read and chat
• if you haven’t been sure what to do next with what you’ve learned
• if you would like some structure and company as you take your next steps

This class is not for you:

• if you’re just getting started with Irish. Please come join us in “Welcome Home to Irish” and you’ll soon be ready to read with us!

How the course works

• Each Wednesday you’ll receive a video lesson, a pdf with the week’s reading, and a resource sheet with grammar notes and vocabulary
• Each Tuesday evening, we’ll meet on Zoom to read, translate, and enjoy some guided Irish conversation about the week’s reading.
• You don’t have to buy any books or other resources. You’ll receive everything you need in the course.
• And again: no grades, no tests, no pressure. Join us for the fun, the togetherness, and the learning!

Read & Enjoy

Learn & Grow

Connect & Share

What’s Included

• Each Wednesday, you’ll receive a video lesson, a pdf with the week’s reading, and a resource sheet from Kate
• Each Tuesday, Kate will write you a little note to remind you of our upcoming class
• Each Tuesday evening, we’ll gather online to read, translate, and chat
• At the end of the course, you’ll receive a pdf booklet with each reading and vocab sheet
• You’ll also continue to have access to the teaching videos and class recordings

Our Dates

We meet on Tuesdays, 7:45-9:00 pm, EST:

• 13 January
• 20 January
• 27 January
• 3 February
• 10 February
• 17 February
• 24 February
• 3 March

Please note: you’ll receive your first teaching videos and resource sheet before our first Zoom meeting.

I’ve been madly in love with the Irish language for more than 30 years – and I’ve been teaching it for almost that long!

I began my own study in a course taught at University College Cork, Ireland. From the very first class I was hooked!

I went on to study in Donegal, Ireland at the superb language school, Oideas Gael, and at Harvard University where I earned my PhD in Celtic Languages and Literatures. Since then, I’ve taught Irish in the Harvard Extension School and in Harvard College more times than I can count. It has been my JOY to introduce hundreds of eager learners to this source of enrichment, empowerment, and fascination. I’m proud to say that I have earned a teaching award for every one of those classes – a reflection of my love and enthusiasm for the language and for my students, too.

The Irish language lives in my heart and in the hearts of many who love and study it. It would be an honor to welcome you to the course!

FAQ

Do I need to be of Irish descent to take part?

Absolutely not! If you are interested in Irish language, folklore, music, or culture, you will be right at home. People of all backgrounds, races, and identities are warmly welcome to join us.

What if I’m a complete beginner?

This is not the class for you, my friend. You’ll be lost and frustrated. I encourage you to register for “Welcome Home to Irish” or another introductory Irish class and then come back to join us here to read together.

Will I get individual attention?

Yes! I make sure to hear every voice in every class. You will be heard and helped. You will also be known and quickly feel you’re walking down the steps into Cheers, “where everybody knows your name.” Celtic Wisdom School students – and Irish students – are a friendly bunch!

How and when do the gatherings take place?

We meet on Zoom over eight Tuesday evenings, 7:45-9:00 pm EST: 13, 20, 27 January; 3, 10 ,17, 24 February; 3 March. You’ll receive a link for each week’s gathering twice – in a note on Tuesday afternoon and again on Wednesday with the new lesson.

How and when will I receive the course materials?

Each week, I’ll email you on Wednesday with three things:

1. A teaching video in which I read aloud the week’s selection
2. A pdf with the week’s selection – a story, essay, short book, or group of poems
3. A glossary with vocabulary and grammar notes to help you

At the end of our time together, you’ll receive all the worksheets in a pdf booklet.

What will we be reading?

I have delicious things to share with you! We’ll start with a wonderful children’s book, we’ll explore some classic Irish poems, we’ll look at a fun Irish-language essay, and we’ll read a few old and new Irish stories. I am choosing readings that I think you’ll like and that will stretch but not frustrate you. I want you to really enjoy yourself!

If I have to miss a session, will you provide a recording?

Yes, everything will be recorded and available to you on a private and secure site. Only members of the course will have access to the recordings.

What if I fall behind or don’t have time to watch the teaching videos?

There is ZERO pressure here. If you can’t get to the week’s reading or teaching video, I encourage you to join us anyway for class where you’ll have a chance to learn in the moment. And all of the resources will be there waiting for you whenever you have the time and inclination to tune in to them.

Any other policies I should know?

I don’t offer refunds. Before you purchase, if you’d like to get a better sense of my teaching style, you might enjoy sampling some of the videos on my YouTube channel or browsing my blog. You can also take a look at all of my free offerings and books on the Free Teaching & Gifts page.

In a nutshell

• 13 January – 3 March 2026
• 8 Weekly teaching videos
• 8 Weekly readings
• 8 Weekly resource sheets
• 8 Weekly live/online class meetings on Zoom
• A pdf of course materials at the end of the course