From Sharks to 'An Scrúdú': My Journey Learning Irish

I have no natural talent for languages. I took four years of high school Latin and a few semesters of introductory Italian, yet I can’t speak or read a word of either. I like to say it’s only through sheer force of will that I learned Irish—commuting an hour or more during rush hour, or logging into evening Zoom classes after a long day.

But willpower alone isn’t enough to learn a language.

Comhphobal: The Importance of Community

Irish requires the intentional creation of a learning community in a way many other languages do not. With Spanish, for example, you can easily travel to a country where you’re immersed in the language. That’s not always the case with Irish. Even in the Gaeltacht, the default assumption is often English first—especially if you’re American.

To learn Irish, you need to seek out others who share that goal and are willing to speak it with you. Having a community where you feel safe making mistakes is absolutely vital.

For me, the decision to learn Irish was also personal. I work in conservation, focusing on endangered sharks in Ireland. It felt like a natural extension to want to preserve an endangered language as well. As a dual American and Irish citizen, I occasionally heard elder relatives speak the odd word or phrase in Irish, though no one was fluent. Learning the language became a way to stay connected to them—even after they had passed.

‘Cúrsaí Gaeilge’ and Taking the TEG Exam

Over the years I’ve taken many Irish courses and attended Comhrá sessions—both in-person and online—with Let’s Learn Irish. In 2021, I signed up for the TEG A2 exam to test how well I had (or hadn’t) mastered the language.

That year, the test was virtual. I took it from the comfort of my home, which was convenient—but also isolating. When it ended, I simply shut my computer and walked into the kitchen to eat dinner with my family. While they were supportive, they couldn’t really understand the grammar and vocabulary that continued to challenge me.

The exam had been difficult, and I wasn’t confident I had passed. But—by some miracle—I did. By just 5%. I had never been so proud of such a low score! It proved that all the studying, classes, and practice were worth it. Since then, I’ve doubled down on learning Irish. My comprehension has soared. I now watch TG4 regularly without English subtitles and read Irish-language novels almost exclusively.

Eispéireas Nua: The In-Person Exam

When Let’s Learn Irish announced an in-person, full-credit TEG A2 exam in Washington, D.C. in June of this year, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to see how much I had improved.

This time was different. Students came from across the U.S.—Nashville, Florida, Boston, Maryland, and more. Many of the faces were familiar from Zoom classes or Comhrá sessions. We met the evening before the test for a final review, swapping tips and encouraging each other.

Lá an Scrúdaithe: Exam Day

‘Eas Liath’, meaning ‘Grey Waterfall’, in Co. Mayo – my surname is represented here!

The TEG exam has two parts: the oral exam and the written exam. I had the first slot for the oral exam, so I arrived alone—anxiously sipping coffee and reviewing my notes in the quiet.

I completed the 15-minute scrúdú béil, and when I came out, I was pleasantly surprised to find a group of familiar faces waiting to congratulate me. Conas a rinne tú? Bhí tú go hiontach! Comhghairdeas leat!

With one part done, there was still a lot of waiting—for time slots, coffee refills, and the written exam to begin. Despite the heat (and an AC unit that wouldn’t turn on), we stayed in good spirits. We passed the time reviewing grammar, trading memory tips, and watching the football match on RTÉ.

Alongside Bríd at the TEG A2 exam in Washington DC, June 2025.

During the written exam—taken in complete silence, everyone scribbling answers—I was struck by how different the experience was from 2021. Afterward, others had brought snacks and drinks for a celebratory Cóisir. We celebrated together—sharing which questions we got wrong, and which we were surprised to get right.

This time around, I wasn’t overwhelmed. I didn’t feel lost. I understood the questions. The ease with which I could comprehend the language was reassuring—it showed, without a doubt, how far I’d come. Will I stop here? Definitely not. Next stop: Cúrsa B1!