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Gaeilge i Mo Chroí - Irish In My Heart
How do you feel about embracing Ireland's native tongue? At odds after a tricky relationship at school? Maybe
you've given up, or don't know where to start?
Well, is fada an bóthar nach mbíonn casadh ann - long is the road that has no turn and, in this book, the road is about to turn.
Molly Nic Céile - creator of social media sensation for Irish-language learners and lovers Gaeilge i Mo Chroí - invites us to connect with Irish in our hearts, as we set out on a journey of renewed pride sa Ghaeilge. Using seanfhocail agus scéalta, proverbs and stories, and with plenty of craic along the way - including the hilarious 'if Irish were English' approach to better understanding sentence structure - the book offers guidance on bringing Irish into our everyday lives, supported by useful word and phrase glossaries throughout.
Connect with an Ghaeilge you didn't know you knew, embrace na botúin - the mistakes - and discover the richness that our beautiful language - ár dteanga álainn - has to offer.
you've given up, or don't know where to start?
Well, is fada an bóthar nach mbíonn casadh ann - long is the road that has no turn and, in this book, the road is about to turn.
Molly Nic Céile - creator of social media sensation for Irish-language learners and lovers Gaeilge i Mo Chroí - invites us to connect with Irish in our hearts, as we set out on a journey of renewed pride sa Ghaeilge. Using seanfhocail agus scéalta, proverbs and stories, and with plenty of craic along the way - including the hilarious 'if Irish were English' approach to better understanding sentence structure - the book offers guidance on bringing Irish into our everyday lives, supported by useful word and phrase glossaries throughout.
Connect with an Ghaeilge you didn't know you knew, embrace na botúin - the mistakes - and discover the richness that our beautiful language - ár dteanga álainn - has to offer.
218 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2024
130 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 17, 2024
Go raibh míle míle maith agat Molly as an leabhar seo a scríobh!
This book is absolutely go hiontach agus molaim do gach duine é!
I have read other books to try boost myself ag foghlaim Gaeilge and unfortunately they came across more, let’s say, academic with fancy English and it really turned me off. It made me feel like now I’m not only struggling with the Irish but also the English!
Molly however wrote her book in such a lovely way, I couldn’t put it down! And she has given the boost I was looking for! Really delighted for her on this new journey and will continue to watch her físeáin ar YouTube!
This book is absolutely go hiontach agus molaim do gach duine é!
I have read other books to try boost myself ag foghlaim Gaeilge and unfortunately they came across more, let’s say, academic with fancy English and it really turned me off. It made me feel like now I’m not only struggling with the Irish but also the English!
Molly however wrote her book in such a lovely way, I couldn’t put it down! And she has given the boost I was looking for! Really delighted for her on this new journey and will continue to watch her físeáin ar YouTube!
September 24, 2024
Is leabhar iontach é seo. Molaim é do gach duine atá ag iarraidh feabhas a chur ar a gcuid Gaeilge.
September 12, 2024
Gaeilge i mo Chroí – Irish in my Heart: Your Guide to Loving and Living the Irish Language by Molly Nic Céile just published September 5th with Hachette Ireland. It’s a treasure-trove of insights, tips and tricks for many, like myself, whose relationship with the Irish language is complex, as well as anyone, no matter their origin, interested in learning the cúpla focail (few words). I studied Irish as a core subject in school from the age of four to seventeen, yet if you put me in a room with a bunch of fluent speakers I would panic and slowly back out the door. Why is this? Where did it all go so terribly wrong that I can barely string a sentence of Irish together without an inbuilt fear of making a mistake and embarrassing myself? To be able to converse in your native tongue should be a given and not the exception. Many of us turned our back on Irish and to be honest the way it was taught most certainly did not encourage many of us to embrace it and love it as we should.
Over the past few years there has been a resurgence in the language and, I’m sure, many of you have heard of Kneecap, the hip hop trio from Northern Ireland who rap in English and Irish. I went to the cinema to see the recent biopic and was just astounded at their love and passion for the Irish language. Their views and the words of their songs may be considered controversial by some, but these lads are so enthusiastic for the language and their dedication to promoting it is admirable. And of course I also have to mention the beautiful Irish language Oscar nominated movie An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) which is based on Claire Keegan’s novel, Foster and was widely acclaimed as a stunning piece of work.
Among the recent surge of online content creators is Molly Nic Céile, a young Gaeilgeoir who is one of the many young people who are part of the Irish language revival. Approximately five years ago Molly began her YouTube and Instagram accounts under the name, Gaeilge i mo chroí, with a combined following, at the moment, of nearly 80,000. Molly is extremely passionate about bringing people together via in-person and online events to speak the language and spread the word that the Irish language is something to be proud of and something we need to cherish together as a people.
Gaeilge in mo Chroí is described as ‘a guide to loving and living the Irish Language’ and it is a valuable reference tool, offering an instructive yet fun resource for anyone, either native or otherwise, with an interest in developing their knowledge of the Irish language. It’s really wonderful to witness this resurgence in the Irish language and to see the pride that is now so clearly attached to it. Comhghairdeas a Mholly!! (Congratulations Molly)
Over the past few years there has been a resurgence in the language and, I’m sure, many of you have heard of Kneecap, the hip hop trio from Northern Ireland who rap in English and Irish. I went to the cinema to see the recent biopic and was just astounded at their love and passion for the Irish language. Their views and the words of their songs may be considered controversial by some, but these lads are so enthusiastic for the language and their dedication to promoting it is admirable. And of course I also have to mention the beautiful Irish language Oscar nominated movie An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) which is based on Claire Keegan’s novel, Foster and was widely acclaimed as a stunning piece of work.
Among the recent surge of online content creators is Molly Nic Céile, a young Gaeilgeoir who is one of the many young people who are part of the Irish language revival. Approximately five years ago Molly began her YouTube and Instagram accounts under the name, Gaeilge i mo chroí, with a combined following, at the moment, of nearly 80,000. Molly is extremely passionate about bringing people together via in-person and online events to speak the language and spread the word that the Irish language is something to be proud of and something we need to cherish together as a people.
Gaeilge in mo Chroí is described as ‘a guide to loving and living the Irish Language’ and it is a valuable reference tool, offering an instructive yet fun resource for anyone, either native or otherwise, with an interest in developing their knowledge of the Irish language. It’s really wonderful to witness this resurgence in the Irish language and to see the pride that is now so clearly attached to it. Comhghairdeas a Mholly!! (Congratulations Molly)
January 22, 2025
In the anam of the leabhar I am going to scriobh some of seo as Gaeilge. Bhí an leabhar seo ar fheabhas!! Nuair a bhí mé ag léamh I didn’t even realise i was ag foghlaim Gaeilge at the same t-am. Is breá liom how mhínigh sí frása agus broke them suas in a way that tuigim iad. Beidh mé tagairt siar to this book in the future!
October 23, 2025
I didn’t grow up with Irish in the classroom — no verb tables or oral exams for me, just fragments gathered over the years. A word from a book, a phrase overheard in a conversation, a road sign spotted while travelling. Bit by bit, Gaeilge became something I reached for rather than something I was ever formally taught.
Molly Nic Céile’s Gaeilge i Mo Chroí feels like a hand held out to people like that and to those who left the language somewhere between school desks and adulthood. It isn’t a textbook; it’s a love letter. Packed with seanfhocail, stories, humour, those brilliant “if Irish were English” moments, and gentle encouragement to weave Irish back into daily life, in texts, in kitchens, in quiet chats with friends.
She understands us all: the fluent, the rusty, the latecomers with pockets full of mismatched words. And she welcomes everyone in with kindness and craic. The glossaries don’t feel like homework, more like small gifts for the journey.
Right now, the language is blooming again. Young people speaking it with pride, TikToks full of Gaeilge agus gáire (Irish and laughter), cafés hosting caife agus comhrá. It feels less like a revival and more like a tide returning.
Gaeilge i Mo Chroí is for anyone who loves the language — by birth, by memory, or by choice.
Comhghairdeas! May we keep carrying Irish forward in our voices, in our writing, in our hearts. Tá sé fíorálainn.
Molly Nic Céile’s Gaeilge i Mo Chroí feels like a hand held out to people like that and to those who left the language somewhere between school desks and adulthood. It isn’t a textbook; it’s a love letter. Packed with seanfhocail, stories, humour, those brilliant “if Irish were English” moments, and gentle encouragement to weave Irish back into daily life, in texts, in kitchens, in quiet chats with friends.
She understands us all: the fluent, the rusty, the latecomers with pockets full of mismatched words. And she welcomes everyone in with kindness and craic. The glossaries don’t feel like homework, more like small gifts for the journey.
Right now, the language is blooming again. Young people speaking it with pride, TikToks full of Gaeilge agus gáire (Irish and laughter), cafés hosting caife agus comhrá. It feels less like a revival and more like a tide returning.
Gaeilge i Mo Chroí is for anyone who loves the language — by birth, by memory, or by choice.
Comhghairdeas! May we keep carrying Irish forward in our voices, in our writing, in our hearts. Tá sé fíorálainn.
July 28, 2025
One of the most delightful books I’ve read in a long time. And as for 5 stars, that’s just for a good book. Sensational books like this one deserve way more stars. This is leerzaam and fun, and really memorable all round. Just as dhátheangach(a) as her own speech. Some of her points I already knew but after Mollie’s rundown of ideas I understand them better and have hslf a chance of remembering them. Every learner of Irish deserves to enjoy Mollie’s presentation on Irish.
July 16, 2025
☘️ Dia Duit! An bhfuil Gaeilge agat? Cúpla focal amháin? Míle buíochas le Molly as a leabhar iontach "Gaeilge i mo chroí". Mothaím spreagtha anois chun níos mó Gaeilge a fhoghlaim.
Irish In My Heart is a really fun read, especially if you’re interested in learning or reviving your Irish. Molly starts each chapter with an Irish seanfhocal, proverb. She explains the word-for-word literal meaning and the Irish perspective. There is a lot of motivation and love of the Irish language in her book.
I now feel motivated to learn more Irish and to participate in an Oideas Gael language course next summer. I continue to follow Molly’s YouTube channel "Gaeilge i mo chroí".
Molly is very encouraging, especially for those students who are still recovering from studying Irish in their school years. The Irish curriculum at that time included studying the rather bizarre short film Cáca milis (you can find it on YouTube) and reading about the hardships faced by Peig Sayers surviving on the Great Blasket Island in the early 1900s.
Luckily, those traumatic school experiences are in the past and now is the time for the Irish language revival, athbheochan na teanga. You can watch up-to-date and interesting Irish language content for free on the Internet, such as the Irish soap opera "Ros na Rún" on TG4.
Go raibh maith agat as do leabhar, a Molly. Lean ar aghaidh leis an obair iontach le do thoil!
Irish In My Heart is a really fun read, especially if you’re interested in learning or reviving your Irish. Molly starts each chapter with an Irish seanfhocal, proverb. She explains the word-for-word literal meaning and the Irish perspective. There is a lot of motivation and love of the Irish language in her book.
I now feel motivated to learn more Irish and to participate in an Oideas Gael language course next summer. I continue to follow Molly’s YouTube channel "Gaeilge i mo chroí".
Molly is very encouraging, especially for those students who are still recovering from studying Irish in their school years. The Irish curriculum at that time included studying the rather bizarre short film Cáca milis (you can find it on YouTube) and reading about the hardships faced by Peig Sayers surviving on the Great Blasket Island in the early 1900s.
Luckily, those traumatic school experiences are in the past and now is the time for the Irish language revival, athbheochan na teanga. You can watch up-to-date and interesting Irish language content for free on the Internet, such as the Irish soap opera "Ros na Rún" on TG4.
Go raibh maith agat as do leabhar, a Molly. Lean ar aghaidh leis an obair iontach le do thoil!
March 5, 2025
Perfect read for Seachtain na Gaeilge! This book serves an excellent refresher for people who have fallen out of touch with their Irish or as a introduction for people who maybe have no experience with the language at all. The writing here takes a very personal approach, similar to a book like Motherfoclóir. Each chapter has an associated idiom in Irish that relates to the content of the chapter, a touch which I greatly appreciated. I also appreciated all of the additional resources mentioned in the book, as a learner it's great to know where to go next to take my learning to the next level.
You will not learn Irish by reading this book. What you will get out of this book is a greater appreciation for the language and culture, and a cúpla focal along the way. Maybe that will be a spark that starts you on your journey to being a gaelgeoir. An easy recommendation for anyone remotely interested in learning the language.
You will not learn Irish by reading this book. What you will get out of this book is a greater appreciation for the language and culture, and a cúpla focal along the way. Maybe that will be a spark that starts you on your journey to being a gaelgeoir. An easy recommendation for anyone remotely interested in learning the language.
August 21, 2025
A wonderful guide. This isn’t a dictionary or anything like that so if that’s what you’re expecting you may or may not be disappointed. I saw this as more of a starting point, to help you get inspired and motivated to not only learn but keep learning. (I live in the US) I was getting into a rut with my Irish. I felt at a standstill and was starting to question what was the point of continuing learning if I’m really never going to use it. But then I picked up this book and after finishing it I have a new motivation to continue learning. Even if it’s only a couple words here and there. There’s also a section at the end of the book where you can find more resources and learn further. Definitely pick up this book if you’re learning Gaeilge.💚
September 20, 2024
This book expertly tackles the two biggest hurdles we face while learning the Irish language.
1. The tricky parts of the language that can be difficult to make sense of and wrap our head's around.
Molly is able to demystify the structure and form of the Irish language through simple and clear examples that provide logical explanations behind aspects of the language which many claim lack sense. Though she does delve into the structure and form of the language, Molly keeps the subject matter fun and energized through her humor and personal stories.
2. The emotional baggage, anxiety and shame that can often be attached to the language.
Through her friendly and warm tone, Molly supports the reader in their journey to explore their language without fear or shame. On the page, Molly comes across like a caring friend offering advice and support over a cup of tea while she shares thoughtful reflection and humorous antidotes to remind us all that the only thing worse than making a mistake in Irish is never taking the chance to use our language at all.
1. The tricky parts of the language that can be difficult to make sense of and wrap our head's around.
Molly is able to demystify the structure and form of the Irish language through simple and clear examples that provide logical explanations behind aspects of the language which many claim lack sense. Though she does delve into the structure and form of the language, Molly keeps the subject matter fun and energized through her humor and personal stories.
2. The emotional baggage, anxiety and shame that can often be attached to the language.
Through her friendly and warm tone, Molly supports the reader in their journey to explore their language without fear or shame. On the page, Molly comes across like a caring friend offering advice and support over a cup of tea while she shares thoughtful reflection and humorous antidotes to remind us all that the only thing worse than making a mistake in Irish is never taking the chance to use our language at all.
October 26, 2024
Maith thú. Is é an leabhar go hiontach. D'fhoglaim mé cúpla focal nua freisin.
I enjoyed the mixture of Béarla and Gaeilge. For a learner like me, it's great because I can easily understand it (mostly).
Thank you for writing this book.
I enjoyed the mixture of Béarla and Gaeilge. For a learner like me, it's great because I can easily understand it (mostly).
Thank you for writing this book.
August 4, 2025
"even though not every day will be full of Irish, there will still be Irish in every day" a wonderful overview on the nuances of the Irish language and how to incorporate it into your life naturally using the Irish in your heart.
January 17, 2025
thaitin an leabhar seo go mór liom bhí sé an úsáideach agus ceapaim go bhfuil sé iontach do na daoine atá ag iarradh gaeilge a fhoghlaim!!
March 4, 2025
Leabhar iontach ar fad!
March 30, 2025
Super well wrote book...one of my favourite this year. It's a brilliant refresher of Irish regardless if your Irish is advanced or a beginner level.
April 8, 2025
Táim i ngrá le leabhar seo! Is brea liom an cultúr ag athru i leith ár dteanga - ar fheabhas ❤️
May 9, 2025
tá sí beo!
May 18, 2025
Bhain mé sult go mór as an leabhar seo. Is ceart é ar ndóigh, tír gan teanga tír gan anam! Agus gan dabht, is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste. Chuir sé gliondar ar mo chroí - go hiontach.
August 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much! It's so well written, and makes Irish really fun and accessible. I loved hearing how the Irish language influences the English spoken in Ireland (and vice versa) too.
Her passion for the language shows through in every chapter, and I hope she writes more soon!
Her passion for the language shows through in every chapter, and I hope she writes more soon!
August 11, 2025
Amazing look into loving the language struggle and how to decolonize our love of language.
August 27, 2025
A book like this would be SO helpful for Scottish Gàidhlig! a super interesting read
September 29, 2025
Tá an leabhar seo go hiontach!
November 16, 2025
every day may not be full of irish, but there will be irish in everyday 💚 go hiontach!
October 6, 2025
what a lovely book, it really ignites a passion for irish language. Especially heartening for anyone who appreciates the ulster dialect, as that's often underappreciated and overlooked. This book is witty, and an excellent additional tool for any learner, like myself. maith thú
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews