For parents of young learners
Irish for Children: Resources for Parents
Helping a child learn Irish (sometimes called Irish Gaelic), at home or alongside a Gaelscoil or school? You need resources that are age-appropriate, safe and fun.
We’re still building this guide
Children’s resources need their own criteria, such as age fit, read-aloud quality and audio, so we don’t score them on our adult rubric. Our picks by age group (0–4, 5–8 and 9–12) are coming next.
Our picks are provisional
They come from desk research against our published rubric. Our teachers are testing each resource hands-on, and the picks may change.
Non-profit. No affiliate links. No sponsored rankings. How we review
What you need most
What matters for you
Age-appropriate
Books and audio that match your child’s age and level.
Safe
Resources you’re happy for your child to use.
Support for school
Something that backs up what they learn at Gaelscoil or school.
Our picks
The best resources for you
Chosen from every guide on the site for how well they fit you, not just their overall score.
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Children’s books
Futa Fata
The leading Irish-language children’s publisher: original picture books and Irish editions of Julia Donaldson, Oliver Jeffers and Jeff Kinney, several with song or audio CDs.
Prices vary
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Podcast
Ón Domhan Thíos
A nine-part drama about fairy forts and a changeling, engaging for older children and adults at intermediate level.
Provisional score 72.5/100 · Free
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Dictionary
foclóir.ie
For you as a parent: look up words with audio, so you can help with homework and say them properly.
Provisional score 85.5/100 · Free
A simple plan
At home
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1
Read together
Picture books with audio help you both, even if your own Irish is rusty.
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2
Listen together
Stories and songs in Irish make it part of everyday life.
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3
Look words up
Use foclóir.ie to check words and hear how they’re said.
Watch out for
Things to avoid
- Don’t use machine translation to write Irish for your child. It’s often wrong.
- Check that apps and audio are suitable for your child’s age before they use them alone.
- Keep it fun. Little and often works better than long sessions.
Other learners
Guides for other learners
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