Since 1984, thousands of participants have enjoyed the varied language and cultural courses at Oideas Gael. The innovative project created by Oideas Gael has attracted much national and international media attention. Here are some excerpts...

"Let's Go / Best Bets for the April 30 edition", Stars and Stripes, Stripes European Travel, Thursday, April 30, 2009. By Jayne Traendly, "...An bhuil Gaelige agat? Would you like to learn some Irish and more about the Irish culture while visiting Ireland? Then a summer course at Oideas Gael in Glencolmcille, County Donegal, might be the place to start..." Read the article here.

"Coming to Grips with Gaelic"  The New York Times, Sunday, September 3, 1989. By Zane Berkins, Senior Writer in the Press Office of New York University. "A quixotic pursuit in a remote corner of Donegal. Just what prompted me to devote a week-almost 50 rigorous hours of class time-to the study of the Irish language at the Oideas Gael summer school in Glencolmcille, Donegal, I cannot fully explain..."  Read the article here.

The Irish Language: An Overview and Guide, by Darerca Ní Chartúir. This book, released January 2002 by Avena Press, provides a wealth of information to all those interested in the language. And its appendix contains a story written for the book by an American who attended a summer course at Oideas Gael. The story gives a vibrant description of his experiences at the school. Read it here.

"Irish Language School Superb Cultural Experience" See review at: Celtic Connection, by Jane Kinnegal, May 1998, Vancouver B.C.

"A tradition that's hard to keep down"...An increasing number of Protestants are showing an interest in the Irish language, a language that they regard as being part of their own heritage... Says Liam 'Peoples' reasons for learning Irish are as varied as the people who come to us... During the summer, Gleann Cholm Cille takes on a truly international flavour, with people from countries like America, Germany, Austria, France and Japan...A little taste of heaven... Newsletter, Belfast. Monday, July 22, 1996. Ian Malcolm.

"Sharing a Learning Experience" Oideas Gael is proud of the advanced techniques used by the teachers on its courses and many of the Irish language teachers, based in Britain, have spent a week or two in Glencolmcille to see how they do things there. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin said to me, "It was tremendous to see the level of interest that exists in England. People who learn the language there, despite the difficulties involved, are an example to the people of Ireland." The Irish Post, London. 12 May, 1990.

"Ar son na cúise—ag foghlaim Gaeilge i nGleann Cholm Cille"  Lá grianmhar eile... deas te arís, dochreidte, seo é Gleann Cholm Cille in Aibreán; bíonn sé grianmhar lá i ndiaidh lae... LÁ, Béal Feirste. 29 Aibreán 1993. Steve Mc Greil.

"The Lost Language of the Celts" ...Over in the corner of the pub I saw a stocky local lad, sunk low on a stool, nursing his pint. He was the epitome of Irish reserve, hiding his blunt face from the crowd, as his fellow men and women crowed, "C' mon Jimmy, give us a song". After a few minutes of gentle coercion, Jimmy slowly drained his beer, stood up and began singing The Ballad of Glencolmcille, his throaty treble crooning a Gaelic love song to his birthplace. The Globe and Mail, Toronto. Saturday, August 8, 1998. John McMillan.

"Below is an article [I wrote that appeared last week in] The Midland Tribune and Tullamore Tribune… I really enjoyed my most recent weekend in Oideas Gael… it is very important, I feel, to immerse myself in this all-Irish environment from time to time, because the opportunities to speak as Gaeilge down here are very few and far between…"  article: Na Créatúir den Ár Imshaol, le: Darrig Ó Fáinín  (click the title to download 36kb Actobat pdf file).

"The Heart of the Irish Experience"  AAA World Magazine, AAA Mid-Atlantic, March–April 2009 issue. By Kathleen M. Mangan. "To experience the ‘real’ Ireland, look beyond the beauty and immerse yourself in the culture ... to get to the heart of the Irish experience, you’ll want to get out of the car and delve into the culture, particularly the 6,000 years of history and the craic (good times) among the locals ... For a sampling of Irish culture, Glencolmcille, located in a Gaeltacht district of County Donegal, is a stronghold of Gaelic language and age-old traditions. Here, you can explore Irish culture and learn new skills at Oideas Gael." Use AAA world archive to find Article here,  or Read the article directly here.

"IRLAND. Gälisch lernen im County Donegal"  Der Spiegel - SPIEGEL ONLINE - Nachrichten - Reise; 17.04.2001.   "…Heute ist es wieder eine Frage des nationalen Stolzes, Irisch, also Gälisch, zu sprechen… Wie sonst nirgendwo in Irland leben die Menschen in dem kleinen Tal Glencolumbkille – gälisch: Gleann Cholm Cille – von ihren Sprachkenntnissen: Hier leitet Liam Ó Cuinneagáin seit 1991 Oideas Gael, eine Organisation, die die irische Sprache und Kultur fördert und im Tal das College betreibt. Die Schule, die sowohl Iren als auch Ausländer – und sogar Briten – in Irisch unterrichtet, vermittelt Grundkenntnisse schon innerhalb von zwei Wochen…"  Read the article here. (as Germáinis, auf Deutsch, in German)

"Use of strong language"... Remote as Glencolmcille is, observes Charles Lysaght, it attracts a diverse gathering of people to Donegal each year, wishing to immerse themselves in Irish language and culture... In a place like Glencolmcille the joy and laughter of that pure-souled enthusiasm is rekindled. It is one of the most enriching experiences I have come across in this country. Sunday Independent, Dublin. July 7, 1996. Charles Lysaght.

"Reminiscing on the summers of their youth, adults come to Glencolmcille to learn Irish...and find romance" ...Young, free agus singil... Even set dancing can vertically express a sexual desire'. Djinn Gallagher travelled to Oideas Gael in County Donegal, "and had as much fun as you can have with your clothes on... outside in the warm starry night, the students exchange addresses and feel sad". The Sunday Tribune, Dublin. 17 July 1994. Djinn Gallagher.

"Forget the stereotypes—At least they can't say, 'No one shouted stop'"... In the magic valley of Glencolmcille in south Donegal, a second community project is under way which has as one of its many aims the staunching of the death-wound, which has bled this isolated society of so much... Fortnight Magazine, Belfast. July/August 1993. Victoria White

"Captivating Irish Village a rarefied retreat"... It's a special place in an unspoiled environment-an escape from the clamour and pollution of cities for Irish and foreigners alike. The captivating landscape is dominated by sheer cliffs and a restless AtlanticŠ The Toronto Star, Saturday, July 1, 1989. Donna Maloney.

"The Glen where visions are born"... In the heady days of summer, Joseph Fitzpatrick followed the footsteps of Colmcille to Donegal to learn Irish and came home with an inspiration for life... At Oideas Gael I met in a week more nationalities and personalities than I would normally experience in a year... Liam says of Oideas Gael, "It has to be the most amazing experience of my life. People are drawn to what we are doing. There is an enrichment that brings people back year after year." The Irish News, Belfast. Saturday, November 22, 1997. Joseph Fitzpatrick.

"Is mise Xavi agus is as Catalunya me." Just a few words to say that last August I attended a course on Irish for absolute beginners at Oideas Gael. The quality of the teaching was excellent and the atmosphere was beyond compare. Lovely Irish music everywhere, good-humoured dances at the ceili, beautiful landscapes and friendly people always willing to talk to you. Go raibh math agat.