IE · Subject guide
Irish (Gaeilge)
Leaving Certificate Irish (Gaeilge) (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Irish (Gaeilge)
Leaving Certificate Irish (Gaeilge) (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 14
02 · Complete topic map
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.
- 01
Éisteacht (Listening / Aural Comprehension)
Developing the skill of understanding spoken Irish across dialects, assessed in the cluastuiscint with recorded conversations, news items and announcements.
- 02
Labhairt (Speaking / Oral Production)
Building fluent, accurate spoken Irish for conversation and self-expression, the foundation of the oral examination worth 40% of the marks.
- 03
Léitheoireacht (Reading Comprehension)
Reading and interpreting Irish-language texts, with comprehension passages drawn from current affairs, culture and biographical writing.
- 04
Scríobh (Writing / Composition)
Producing extended written Irish in formats such as essay, story, newspaper or magazine article, blog, letter and debate or speech.
- 05
The Comhrá / Oral Conversation
Sustained spoken interaction with an examiner on personal, social and topical themes, assessing fluency, vocabulary, accuracy and communication.
- 06
An tSraith Pictiúr (Picture Sequence)
Narrating and describing a sequence of pictures aloud in the oral exam, demonstrating range of structures, tenses and connected speech.
- 07
Aithriseoireacht / Filíocht Bhéil (Recitation of Poetry)
Reciting prescribed verse aloud as part of the oral assessment, showing pronunciation, rhythm and engagement with the poem.
- 08
Communicative Themes and Topics
Functional language across themes such as family, relationships, school, social issues, the environment and global concerns linked to Irish life.
- 09
Grammar and Language Accuracy (An Ghramadach)
Mastery of Irish grammar, including verbs, tenses, the modh coinníollach, séimhiú and urú, and the tuiseal ginideach, applied across all skills.
- 10
Prós Ainmnithe (Prescribed Prose)
Study of set prose texts, including short stories and prose passages on the prescribed literature course, with analysis in the written exam.
- 11
Filíocht Ainmnithe (Prescribed Poetry)
Study of prescribed poems, examining themes, imagery, language and personal response in the Paper 2 poetry questions.
- 12
Drámaíocht (Drama)
Study of a prescribed play, such as An Triail at Higher Level, exploring plot, character, theme and dramatic technique.
- 13
Litríocht Bhreise (Additional Literature)
Higher Level engagement with a wider literary reading or an unseen poem, requiring independent analysis beyond the core prescribed texts.
- 14
Cultúr agus Saíocht na Gaeilge (Irish Culture and Heritage)
Insight into Irish cultural, literary and social heritage to foster a positive attitude towards the language and the Gaeltacht.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
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.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
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
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.