Modern Irish at U of T

Modern Irish belongs to the Celtic Branch of the Indo-European family of languages. The other Celtic Language are Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Manx, Breton and Cornish.
Modern Irish is spoken in areas of Ireland, especially on the West coast, these areas are known as "Gaeltachtaí." The last census indicated there were 100,000 native speakers with another one million declaring to have a working knowledge of the language.
Modern Irish is the first official language of Ireland and holds official status in the European Community. The language is supported by a radio station and television station, R na G and TG4. Both of these stations are very popular.
There is a vast body of literature written in the language, from the early religious poetry to the modern poetry of Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, and many of the brightest and most promising younger poets and prose writers are writing in the language today.

From a ninth-century poem about a scholar and his cat:
Irish	English
Mise agus Pangur bán	I and white Pangur
Ag cleachtadh ár gceirde féin:	Practise each of us his special art:
Seilg is mian leis sin de ghnáth;	His mind is set on hunting;
M’aigne féin ar mo shaincheird.	My mind on my special craft.

Does Irish use a different writing system?
The Roman alphabet is used and only 18 letters . The other letters you will find in borrowed words.
Is it difficult to learn?
Many people have the idea that it must be difficult. However, like any language, if you make the commitment to learning it, you can master it.
If I learn the language can I speak it if I visit Ireland?
Absolutely. There is tremendous interest in the language in Ireland and knowledge of the language will open many interesting avenues to the learner.
What other benefits will I get from studying Modern Irish.
You will be able to access a vibrant and rich body of literature written in the language.