Bitesize Irish Podcast - podcast cover

Bitesize Irish Podcast

Bitesize Irishwww.bitesize.irish

Discussion podcast for Irish language learners. Bitesize Irish offers self-paced Irish language learning courses, and a private online community including regular conversation practice calls. Based in Limerick, Ireland, since 2010.

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Episodes

Podcast 179: Crossing the language barrrier & Deireadh ré

In the final episode of the Bitesize Irish Podcast, Emma speaks to a Breton learner of Irish, Patricia, and Niall wraps up with hope for the future of the language. Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Mar 24, 202533 min

Podcast 178: Seachtain na Gaeilge, le hOrlaith Nic Ghearailt

In this episode, Niall talks to Orlaith Nic Ghearailt , manager of Seachtain na Gaeilge , the biggest Irish-language festival in the world, which runs 1-17 March every year. They talk about Conradh na Gaeilge , the festival's origins, and how you can get involved. A few useful links: Conradh na Gaeilge Seachtain na Gaeilge - further info Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025 - events this year See shownotes and original video at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/snag-25/ Go to offer.irish for a 10% discount ...

Mar 10, 202525 min

Podcast 177: Twice Removed - Member Interview with Sandra

In this Agallamh Baill, Emma talks to Grow member Sandra about her experiences with Irish language and identity as she grew up in England and Ireland and later moved away again as an adult. Read shownotes and watch original video at https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/do-you-really-know-the-irish-interview-with-sandra/ Go to offer.irish for 10% off membership of Bitesize Irish. Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Feb 24, 202534 min

Podcast 176: Love Letters (Grá agus Gaeilge)

In time for Lá Fhéile Vailintín , Niall and Emma discuss Irish language terms of endearment along with proverbs, poems, songs and stories relating to love. See shownotes and original video at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/love-letters/ Get 10% off membership at: offer.irish Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Feb 10, 202542 min

Podcast 175: All about Bríd with Dr Niamh Wycherley

Beannachtaí na Féile Bríde oraibh! The Bitesize Irish podcast is back with a special discussion about St Brigid and her influence on Irish life with Dr Niamh Wycherley of Maynooth University. Niamh is host of the excellent Medieval Irish History Podcast . See shownotes and original video at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/all-about-brid/ Check out all the seasonal material on our blog here: https://www.bitesize.irish/seasonal/ Get 10% off membership at: offer.irish Support the show Go to www.bi...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 14 min

Podcast 174: Rogha na Nollag (Christmas Favourites)

In this special Christmas edition of the Bitesize Irish Podcast , Eoin and Niall discuss their favourite Christmas memory , song , movie , decoration , day , food and tradition . Cad iar bhur gcuid roghanna féin? What are your own choices? Find out more and join the discussion at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/rogha-na-nollag Take our Gaeilge Gach Lá 1-Week Challenge! https://www.challenge.irish/ Get a 10% discount off Bitesize Irish membership at offer.irish. Support the show Go to www.bitesi...

Dec 09, 202442 min

Podcast 173: Ceisteanna Casta #1

In the first episode of a new series, Niall and Ben discuss the trickier questions relating to the Irish language. In Ceisteanna Casta #1 , you’ll hear about: the four ways to say “I am” in Irish how to answer a copula question the pronunciation of words such as “cnoc”, “mná”, “gnó” and “tnúth” the difference between the words “má” and “dá” how to recognise a noun’s gender when to use séimhiú after the word “cén” An bhfuil ceist agatsa? Do you have a question you’d like answered in a future epis...

Nov 25, 202436 min

Podcast 172: Dioscaí Díthreibhe (Desert Island Discs)

In this episode, Niall and Emma discuss their desert island discs – five songs they would take if abandoned on a desert island. Listen to the full playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnQCywadvLJ8uI4Y6236ze4hT4MKTvDBB Find out more and join the discussion at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/dioscai-dithreibhe/ Go to offer.irish for 10% off membership. Amhrán scoir/closing song: Berg Man, le Low Flying Orchestra https://lowflyingorchestra.bandcamp.com/album/ep1 Support the show G...

Nov 11, 202451 min

Podcast 171: Scéalta Samhna (Halloween Stories)

Especially for púcaí season, listen to seven stories from míolseanchas na hÉireann – the lore of Irish creatures. You’ll hear about na sióga – the fairies an bhean sí – the banshee an púca – the pooka an chailleach – the witch an síofra – the changeling an mhaighdean mhara – the mermaid an fathach – the giant You can find even more stories like this at dúchas.ie , the online home of the National Folklore Collection of Ireland . Gaeilge script available at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/scealta...

Oct 28, 202458 min

Podcast 170: In Search of Giants with Colleen Snyder

Bitesize Irish member Colleen Snyder talks to Niall about tracing her roots in Ireland and the very real medical impact of that genetic trail. Shownotes including picture of Colleen and Niall here: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/roots-in-ulster-interview-with-colleen/ Find Colleen and Brendan's book on her website: https://www.insearchofgiants.org/ Go to offer.irish for a 10% off Bitesize Irish membership. Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and member...

Oct 14, 20241 hr

Podcast 169: Ask the Author with Garry Bannister

In this Q&A from the archive, Bitesize Irish members put their questions to Dr Garry Bannister, author of Teasáras Gaeilge-Béarla (Irish-English Thesaurus) and more. Further shownotes including links to Garry's books at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/ask-the-author/ Get your 10% discount off Bitesize Irish membership here: offer.irish Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Sep 30, 202459 min

Podcast 168: the Irish of Corca Dhuibhne (Q&A)

In this live Q&A from the archive, Eoin and Ben discuss the dialect of Corca Dhuibhne (the Dingle Peninsula). Shownotes available at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/qa-gaelainn-chorca-dhuibhne/ Go to offer.irish for discounted membership of Bitesize Irish Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Sep 16, 202455 min

Podcast 167: From Central Europe to the Edge of the World!

In this episode we feature two recent conversations with Bitesize Irish members, one on the European mainland and one from a chance meeting on the edge of the known world aka County Donegal. Watch the original interview with Katie here: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/londoner-learning-irish-in-the-netherlands/ Our interview with Janine from last year: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/interview-with-janine/ fite fuaite - interwoven, intertwined Go to offer.irish for discounted membership of Bites...

Sep 02, 202436 min

Podcast 166: The Lore of Lúnasa, with Conchúr Mag Eacháin

In this episode Niall interviews folklorist Conchúr Mag Eacháin about traditions surrounding Lúnasa, the ancient Irish festival which gave its name to the modern month of August in Irish. See shownotes and original video at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/lunasa-lore/ Check out all the seasonal material on our blog here: https://www.bitesize.irish/seasonal/ Get 10% off membership at: offer.irish Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #Gaeil...

Aug 19, 202459 min

Podcast 165: Aonach Tailteann - Ireland's ancient Olympics

In this episode Ben and Niall discuss Ireland's ancient answer to the Olympic Games - Aonach Tailteann. Watch the original video at: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/aonach-tailteann/ Get a 10% discount from membership of Bitesize Irish at: offer.irish Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá

Aug 05, 202431 min

Podcast 164: When do we use the tuiseal ginideach? (Archive Q&A)

In this archive Q&A session, Ben and Siobhán discuss some of the big questions surrounding the genitive case. Resources mentioned: focloir.ie teanglann.ie tuairisc.ie (nuachtán/newspaper) nos.ie (iris/magazine) tg4.ie (TV) https://www.rte.ie/radio/rnag/ (radio) Nuacht Mhall (Slow News) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cnag-ldn See shownotes and watch the original video here: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/irish-language-genitive-clause/ Go to offer.irish for 10% discount off membersh...

Jul 22, 20241 hr 3 min

Podcast 163: Briseadh i dToraigh - A report from the Gaeltacht

In this episode, Niall reports from Oileán Thoraí (Tory Island), a Gaeltacht community off the north coast of County Donegal. See our blog for shownotes and pictures. Go to offer.irish to get a 10% discount off monthly or annual membership of Bitesize Irish. Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Jul 08, 202430 min

Podcast 162: 5-year check in with Peadar

Emma chats to one of our long-terms members, Peadar, about his progress and how Bitesize Irish has grown and developed in his time. Find the original video, and the link to the very first interview we did with Peadar back in 2020, at this link: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/patience-is-key/ Go to offer.irish for 10% discount from monthly and annual memberships. Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Jun 24, 202437 min

Podcast 161: Discover your Irish heritage with A Letter From Ireland

In this interview from the archives, Eoin talks to Mike Collins, founder of aletterfromireland.com, about helping people rediscover and reconnect with their Irish heritage and ancestry. See the original video and shownotes at:https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/video-irish-family-tree-research/ Go to offer.irish for 10% off annual or monthly membership of Bitesize Irish. Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Jun 10, 202447 min

Podcast 160: Everyday Irish in the American Midwest

Grow member Walter discusses with Emma his journey of learning Irish in Missouri. His fascination with Irish stemmed from his exploration of endangered languages, recognising the cultural importance and identity tied to these languages and their speakers. This, alongside his introduction to Irish music motivated him to start learning Gaeilge. He shares how he uses the language in his family life with his children, as well as at work. See the original video at https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/iris...

May 27, 202430 min

Podcast 159: Bealtaine, Ireland's Fire Festival

In this bumper edition, Eoin introduces one of the most important ancient Irish festivals and Niall talks to photographer Alan Tobin about booleying/buailteachas, an almost forgotten practice associated with this time of year. To see all of our FREE resources relating to seasons and festivals go to: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/seasonal/ To watch Eoin's original video see: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/bealtaine-irelands-ancient-fire-festival/ And to see Niall and Alan's conversation go to:...

May 13, 202455 min

Podcast 158: From Brooklyn to Bitesize! Member interview with Cathy

In this Agallamh Baill (member interview) Cathy tells Niall about her Irish heritage, how learning a language is similar to learning a musical instrument, and how Bitesize Irish has helped her along her language journey. Watch the original interview at https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/an-irish-brooklynites-journey/ Bitesize Irish is an online learning platform that includes self-study lessons, an online community and live video calls. Podcast listeners can avail of a special 10% discount monthly ...

Apr 29, 202431 min

Podcast 157: Where to use Irish when visiting Ireland

In this Q&A session, Eoin and Ben field questions about where and how to use Irish when visiting Ireland, and other topics. We mentioned these Irish-language courses for adults in the Gaeltacht: Oideas Gael, Donegal www.oideas-gael.com Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne, Kerry https://www.oidhreacht.ie/ Check out other options too, for example, in Waterford and Conamara. Information about Irish languages events/businesses/services elsewhere: www.peig.ie (all Ireland) www.baclegaeilge.ie (Dublin) www...

Apr 15, 20241 hr 4 min

Podcast 156: Learn how to have conversations step by step

Bitesize Irish founder Eoin and learning content developer Niall talk about some recent updates to the beginner's course Tús Maith and general strategies for learning and practising Irish. Find the full video and more shownotes here: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/learn-conversation/ Get 10% off monthly or annual membership by going to : offer.irish Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Apr 01, 202431 min

Podcast 155: How much Irish can you learn in a year? - Member Interview with Deborah

Happy St Patrick's Day! Beannachtaí na féile ort! (Tá súil agam nach bhfuil póit ort!) This week we bring you an Agallamh Baill (Member Interview) from the end of 2023, in which New Yorker Deborah tells Niall about her remarkable year of learning Irish. An inspiration to learners everywhere! Watch the original interview over at https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/a-year-of-irish-interview-with-deborah/ Bitesize Irish is an online learning platform that includes self-study lessons, an online communit...

Mar 18, 202437 min

Podcast 154: Celtic Myth and Divine Time with Dr Gwilym Morus-Baird

In this episode Eoin talks to Dr Gwilym Morus-Baird about the shared Celtic heritage of Welsh and Irish culture, with a special focus on the mythology of both countries. Find links to Gwilym's work and see the original video here: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/celtic-myth/ Get 10% off monthly or annual membership by going to : offer.irish Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Mar 04, 20241 hr 22 min

Podcast 153: Dúshláin Foghlama - Learning Challenges

In a live Q&A in December Ben and Niall discussed your greatest learning challenges. Amongst the topics discussed were: Confidence as a earner Understanding Irish speakers Pronunciation Conversation/speaking practice Phonetic transcriptions of Irish How to deal with tricky sounds like dh Some of the fantastic resources we recommend: www.focloir.ie www.teanglann.ie www.fuaimeanna.ie www.tg4.ie Find the full video and more shownotes here: https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/challenges-learning-iri...

Feb 19, 202452 minEp. 153

Podcast 152: Agallamh Baill le Marian - Member Interview with Marian

In the first Agallamh Baill of 2024, Emma talks to Marian from Shropshire and finds out how her daughter's connection to Ireland drew Marian herself closer to the country and the language. Watch the original interview over at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-qlL9Uqg6k. Bitesize Irish is an online learning platform that includes self-study lessons, an online community and live video calls. Podcast listeners can avail of a special 10% discount monthly or annual membership by going to offer.irish....

Feb 05, 202429 minEp. 152

Podcast 151: Did the neolithic people of Múchán speak Irish?

Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit! Happy new year! In this episode, Eoin investigates the origins of the Irish language - just how far back does it go in Irish (pre)history? An raibh Gaeilge ag muintir Mhúcháin? Watch the full video at https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/muchan-hill-fort/ Go to offer.irish for a special 10% discount off monthly or annual membership of Bitesize Irish. Support the show Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá...

Jan 22, 202439 minEp. 151

Podcast 150: Carúl na Nollag - A Christmas Carol

In the 150th episode of the Bitesize Irish Podcast, Niall and Emma are visited by three ghosts - Taibhse na Nollag atá thart, Taibhse na Nollag san Am i Láthair agus Taibhse na Nollag atá le Teacht - and they discuss Christmas past, present and future. Go to offer.irish for 10% off monthly or annual membership of Bitesize Irish. Membership gives you access to self-paced courses, an online community and live practice sessions. Why not make it your New Year's Resolution? #GaeilgeGachLá Support the...

Dec 11, 202337 min
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