10 Irish Language Shorts to Improve your Irish
Engaging with Irish in a real-world context is not only a handy way to test your language skills, but more importantly, necessary to improve it. Although it is unfeasible for most people to move to a Gaeltacht to hear Irish spoken outside of class, that doesn’t mean one can’t still immerse themselves. Thanks to various online resources, one can steep themselves in Irish no matter where they are. One of the best, and most enjoyable, ways to do that is by watching Irish language shorts.
While viewing a feature film in Irish can be a time commitment, Irish language shorts are typically in manageable lengths of twenty minutes or less. That makes them perfect for settling down after after work or with a cup of coffee in the morning, as well as watching multiple times to pick up new vocabulary or phrases you might have missed before. The context of the scene is a great comprehension aid in understanding the dialogue between characters.
With all that said, here are ten of the best Irish language shorts to help you improve your Irish.
1. Yu Ming Is Ainm Dom (Yu Ming is My Name) [2003]
One of the most well known Irish language shorts, “Yu Ming is Ainm Dom” tells the story of a young Chinese man who spins the globe to decide where to travel. It lands randomly on Ireland, and so he learns the Irish language. However, when he arrives on the island he is dismayed to find out that most people can’t understand him. The short film is often listed on the Irish leaving cert, the entrance exam into university.
Fluent Dysphasia [2004]
Written and directed by Daniel O’Hara, “Fluent Dysphasia” was screened at film festivals internationally and took home awards such as Best Fiction at the Taipei Golden Horse Short Film Festival 2005, the Audience Award for Best Irish Short at the 2004 Cork Film Festival and the 2005 Belfast Film Festival’s award for Best Short Film. In this Irish language short, Murph (played by Stephen Rea) invests more energy drinking with friends than hanging out with his daughter. When he suddenly wakes up and can speak only Irish, he finds that it’s his daughter that he truly needs to spend time with.
3. Fíorghael (Ultra Irish) [2005]
This nine-minute long movie, directed by Macdara Vallely, starts with three people at a psychologist’s office. The receptionist appears to be talking about them, but as the three people don’t have fluent Irish, they can’t be sure. What follows is both humorous and poignant. This satire was meant to inspire adults to learn the Irish language.
4. Lipservice [1998]
Exam day, Northside Dublin. Students prepare to take their oral exams and impress the examiner enough to achieve high marks, even if they have little actual affection for the language. It was written and directed by Paul Mercier, who also directed Prospect House (2023). Barry Ward starred in both “Lipservice” and Prospect House.
5. Cáca Milis (Sweet Cake) [2001]
Another film studied by Irish students taking the leaving certs, “Cáca Milis” features an early starring role by famed Irish actor and gaeilgeoir Brendan Gleeson. Gleeson plays the blind and overly chatty Pól, who tries to engage Catherine, a business woman sitting across from him on the train. Not wanting to be bothered, she eventually takes matters into her own hands
6. An Leabhar (The Book) [2000]
Who says Irish language shorts can’t be filled with intrigue and mystery? One of the most intricate films on this list, “An Leabhar” stars Colm O’Maonlai (from the show EastEnders), brother to the singer Liam O’Maonlai. In “An Leabhar,” an Irish student staying in a Parisian hotel finds out that his family is from a line of ancient assassins that dates back 400 years. The action film is split between the streets of Paris and Galway, Ireland.
7. Rúbaí [2013]
Before her first communion, Rúbaí declares that she is an atheist. This causes a conundrum for the people around her, including her exasperated teacher and overwhelmed mother. The ten-minute film is written by Antoin Beag Ó Colla and directed by Louise Ní Fhiannachta.
8. An Teanga (The Tongue) [2007]
One of the most absurd examples on this list of Irish language shorts, a lowly office clerk suddenly finds that his tongue has disappeared. Literally. He must face off against the “Establishment” to solve his problems but he can’t make himself heard. This short comedy is written and directed by Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde.
9. An Rinceoir (The Dancer) [2011]
This simple four-minute Irish language short is a love song to Irish dancing. Áine waits nervously on the side of the stage until it is her time to perform her set in front of a large audience. Will she nail it? The film, in addition to being charming, also comments on access to the Irish identity.
10. Céad Ghrá (First Love) [2014]
Two boys quit playing basketball to set out to win over their first love, Lisa Duggan. Being in the conundrum that both of them likes her, they go to her house to see which one she will choose. This comedy was the Jury Award winner at the 2014 Dublin Gay and Lesbian Film Awards.
From Irish-speaking assassins to children trying to figure out how the world works, this list of Irish language shorts will help liven up your study of the language. Enjoy some of the classics still given to Irish pupils, as well as films that have travelled the world winning awards. Watching these shorts are not only a great way to work on your comprehension skills and pick up new vocabulary, but also participate in Irish culture while doing it. Be sure to also see our list of 20 of the Best Irish Language Films.
Are there any Irish language shorts that you would recommend for the list? We’re always excited to hear what people are watching as Gaeilge or how they are complementing their journey to learning the language.
Bígí páirteach!
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