Our classes are held on Tuesday & Wednesday nights during the Victorian school terms (except public holidays). Tuesday classes start at 7:30 pm and finishing between 8:30 & 9 pm, depending on the class. Wednesday classes start at 7:00 pm and generally finish at 8:00 pm.
In-person classes are held on Tuesday nights at the Kathleen Syme Library & Community Centre, 251 Faraday Street, Carlton.
Our other classes are held on Zoom. The Wednesday Zoom classes are primarily for people who live outside Melbourne or have trouble getting to a class.
| Tuesday | Beginners Intermediate |
Carlton |
| Advanced | Zoom | |
| Wednesday | Beginners Intermediate |
Zoom |
You’re welcome to try a class before committing, but get in touch first. All continuing students are expected to become members of the Cumann ($45 per year). In addition, we offer our teachers an honorarium for their hard work and to help finance that and room bookings we charge students $40 per term. This is roughly equivalent to the money that was collected at physical classes at the Celtic Club.
Terms
We follow school terms, but finish a bit earlier in December. The only public holiday that falls on Tuesday in 2025 is Melbourne Cup Day (4 November) and the library will not available that day.
| Term 1: | 28 January – 2 April |
| Term 2: | 22 April – 2 July |
| Term 3: | 22 July – 17 September |
| Term 4: | 7 October – 10 December (16 December — Christmas party) |
Textbooks
Books are sold at cost price, which varies with exchange rates. Prices aren’t settled for 2025 yet, but in 2024, Gaeilge gan Stró (Beginners Level) was $65 and Lower Intermediate Level was $70. Buntús na Gaeilge was $35–37.
Zoom
Although you can join a Zoom meeting using only a web browser, it is recommended that you get the Zoom app (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS). If you can manage it, headphones with a microphone will make it much easier to hear and be heard. Classes starts at the same time (7:30 pm), but run for about an hour and a quarter.
Payment options
Irish Language Association of Australia
Great Southern Bank
If you have any questions about classes please contact us, giving an indication of your level of Irish (beginner, intermediate, advanced). If you’re interested in helping with teaching, you’d be very welcome too.