Barr na gCnoc Gaeltacht Residency Programme

31 May 2024

Some 42 students attended the Kerry and Waterford Gaeltachtaí in May 2024

Throughout May students from Gaelcholáiste Mhic Shuibhne, Knocknaheeny, Cork, attended the Barr na gCnoc Gaeltacht Residency Programme, hosted in Dún Chíomháin, Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry, and Coláiste na Rinne, Rinn Ó gCuanach, Co. Waterford. The programme provided an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Irish language and to be part of the Gaeltacht community.

Two groups of Gaelcholáiste Mhic Shuibhne students participated in the residential programme at Dún Chíomháin, including 13 fifth year students and 17 first- and second-year students.  One group of 12 students attended Coláiste na Rinne. Throughout the course of programme, students participated in language classes, extra-curricular activities, and connected with the local Gaeltacht communities.  

Students reported that they were surprised to find that the locals spoke Irish daily, and while this posed some challenges, it enhanced their appreciation of the Irish language. Some noted that they build stronger friendships with their classmates during the programme and felt a greater sense of identity as a Gaelcholáiste Mhic Shuibhne student. Many said that their interest in Irish history and culture grew because of their time in the Gaeltacht.

I loved it, I would love to go again. It was such a good experience, I would recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity- Student, Gaelcholáiste Mhic Shuibhne.

The Gaeltacht Residency Programme improved the student’s spoken language skills as it gave them learning targets. Their listening skills were enhanced as they connected with people in the Gaeltacht – they realised that there are different dialects in the Irish language. Their social skills also improved throughout the course of the programme- Teacher, Gaelcholáiste Mhic Shuibhne.

Gaeltacht activities are a core element of the ‘Student Support’ pillar of the Barr na gCnoc project. The Gaeltacht Residency Programme aims to ignite enthusiasm for continuous daily Irish-language usage among pupils and for underlining the intangibles of pride and identity.