EuraStudy
IESubject guide
Leaving Certificate Irish (Gaeilge) (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Overview
Leaving Certificate Irish (Gaeilge) (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
Developing the skill of understanding spoken Irish across dialects, assessed in the cluastuiscint with recorded conversations, news items and announcements.
Building fluent, accurate spoken Irish for conversation and self-expression, the foundation of the oral examination worth 40% of the marks.
Reading and interpreting Irish-language texts, with comprehension passages drawn from current affairs, culture and biographical writing.
Producing extended written Irish in formats such as essay, story, newspaper or magazine article, blog, letter and debate or speech.
Sustained spoken interaction with an examiner on personal, social and topical themes, assessing fluency, vocabulary, accuracy and communication.
Narrating and describing a sequence of pictures aloud in the oral exam, demonstrating range of structures, tenses and connected speech.
Reciting prescribed verse aloud as part of the oral assessment, showing pronunciation, rhythm and engagement with the poem.
Functional language across themes such as family, relationships, school, social issues, the environment and global concerns linked to Irish life.
Mastery of Irish grammar, including verbs, tenses, the modh coinníollach, séimhiú and urú, and the tuiseal ginideach, applied across all skills.
Study of set prose texts, including short stories and prose passages on the prescribed literature course, with analysis in the written exam.
Study of prescribed poems, examining themes, imagery, language and personal response in the Paper 2 poetry questions.
Study of a prescribed play, such as An Triail at Higher Level, exploring plot, character, theme and dramatic technique.
Higher Level engagement with a wider literary reading or an unseen poem, requiring independent analysis beyond the core prescribed texts.
Insight into Irish cultural, literary and social heritage to foster a positive attitude towards the language and the Gaeltacht.
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy to begin working with the material.