As we step into fall and embrace the change of season, why not take this time to look inward at your Irish heritage?
If you are curious about connecting to the Irish language and culture, then this online immersive journey from Scoil Scairte into the heart and soul of Irish culture, heritage, and language is for you.
Scoil Scairte is an award-winning online cultural learning experience that weaves creativity, heritage, language, folklore, and indigenous wisdom with individual, social, and ecological wellbeing. 95% of Scoil Scairte alumni report a desire to continue deepening their relationship with the Irish language and culture beyond the live series.
Steeped in rich cultural heritage, their new 9-week voyage of discovery will shine a spotlight on the inspirational people, places, songs, and stories of Donegal (Dún na nGall).
Scoil ScairteBook your spot on Scoil Scairte's award-winning online Irish language course starting Oct 3 which will shine a spotlight on the inspirational people, places, songs, and stories of Donegal. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/4d2LZKo Trailblaze
Posted by IrishCentral.com on Thursday, September 12, 2024
What's Involved:
9-week online course with 20+ hours of live & recorded content.
- 21 inspirational gaeilgeoirí guides & guest contributors
- 9 live gatherings with cultural guides, music & language teaching
- 9 care packages with slides, recordings & resources
- 3 months of tutorial sessions for beginners & intermediates
- 3 months free Meitheal community membership
- 1 guided meditation series by Kathy Scott & composer Brian Crosby
Begin your Irish language journey and sign up for Scoil Scairte: Donegal here
The Magic of Donegal
Mount Donegal in evening light. Credit: Patrick Metzdorf
Situated in the northwest of Ireland, Donegal’s most northerly point at Malin Head feels like it is perched at the edge of the world.
To the north, sky and sea fill the horizon stretching towards Iceland and further away to the shores of North America. To the south, the spectacular cliffs of Slieve League are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
The islands off the Donegal coast from Arranmore Island (Árainn Mhór) to Inishbofin Island (Inis Bó Finne) and Tory Island (Toraigh) have captured the imagination of artists and writers for thousands of years.
Donegal is home to Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht. Its language is shaped by a long tradition of storytelling, song, folklore & the ancient mythology of Balor and Lugh Lámhfhada. The landscape boasts spectacular scenery with epic rugged landscapes, ancient forts, mountains, bogs, fjords, and deserted white sand beaches. Renowned for traditional music Donegal has been made world famous by the distinctive sounds of Clannad, Altan, and singer Enya to name a few.
Meet your Guides
Following the sell-out success of their first five live immersions, Scoil Scairte is thrilled to announce a brilliant line-up for the upcoming sixth edition.
Scoil Scairte: Donegal will be guided by a host of inspiring bilingual multidisciplinary artists, activists, creatives, educators, culture makers, and language keepers including:
- Kathy Scott (Host, Creative Director of The Trailblazery)
- Manchán Magan (Writer, Presenter, Documentary-Maker)
- Breandán de Gallaí (Former Lead in Riverdance)
- Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill (Traditional Singer)
- Caitríona McLaughlin (Artistic / Co-Director at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin)
- Gearóidín Bhreathnach (Sean-nós Singer, Storyteller)
- Róisín El Cherif (Irish-Palestinian Musician)
- Ajeet (Music artist weaving inspiration from traditional Irish folk)
- Moya Brannan (Voice of Irish music band Clannad)
... and many more!
The lead guide for this edition will be Annemarie Ní Churreáin, acclaimed award-winning poet from the Donegal Gaeltacht. Scoil Scairte is once again supported by Foras na Gaeilge, the body responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland.
"For me, poetry is an extension of the place I come from and its living culture. I lived close by ‘Droichead na nDeor’ (‘the Bridge of Tears’), a famed farewell point for emigrants to America. When you live in a small, rural Gaeltacht community, you learn to live with the echoes and shadows of the past”, she explains.
A past participant of the course says, “Scoil Scairte inspires the Irish language to come alive in you. It helps chase away the old wounds from learning in the classroom and connects you with an Irish-speaking community that is thriving now around the world.”
You can find out more information about Scoil Scairte: Donegal here, book early to secure your spot. You can also keep up to date with The Trailblazery on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
