Coláiste Árainn Mhóir has been bringing young people to learn Irish on Arranmore Island for over 50 years. Each summer approximately 500 students from all over Ireland come to Arranmore, an island of immense natural beauty, to immerse themselves in the irish language and irish culture. We like to think that we’re doing something right as each year we find that most of our students are returning for their second or third years. In fact most of our staff have attended as students to return later as cinnnire and then teachers.

We believe that the best way to learn Irish is in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We have a motto in the college that says “Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná béarla cliste”, which roughly translated as “its better to hear broken Irish than good English”. Morning classes provide students with the vocabulary they will need for the course while also focusing on junior and leaving cert course content. Afternoons are spent doing music, sports and dancing. These activities allow for the use of Irish in an informal environment. In the evenings Ceilis, Treasure hunts, Concerts and Barbaques provide further opportunities. Students return home after three weeks with a confidence in their spoken Irish which stands to them come exam time. They also begin to count the days until they return for next years course.