Another first for DCU and the Irish language

A bilateral agreement has been signed with Charles University Prague by the International Office in DCU and Dr Pádraig Ó Liatháin, Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge, further strengthening the link between the Centre for Irish Studies in Prague and Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge, DCU.

While there are a growing number of universities in Europe that offer beginners' courses in modern Irish, this new connection with Charles University is unique as it offers the opportunity for students of Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge to fulfil their credit requirements in Prague almost entirely through the Irish language, in courses offered by the Centre for Irish Studies in the Faculty of Arts.

Courses will include language classes, studies in translation, literature, politics and culture, and students will also have the opportunity to participate in a weekly conversation group organised for Irish speakers in the city, or to assist in the teaching of Ab Initio Irish language courses. The main course lecturer is Dr Radvan Markus, who recently won the Czech National Award for literary translation, the Magnesia Litera, for his translation of Máirtín Ó Cadhain's classic modernist novel Cré na Cille.

There is also a staff mobility arrangement as part of the agreement.