Best Irish learning app

First, we consulted with language experts to identify the factors needed to make online language learning effective.

From this we identified 5 overall criteria: effectiveness, user experience, features, value for money and goals.

These, in turn, are underpinned by sub criteria. Some directly related to language learning such as vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. Others influencing learning success more generally. Such as using a mix of methods, fun activities and the ability to personalize your learning.

One of our language learning specialists will then spend around 10 hours, usually over the course of two weeks, testing each Irish app, before awarding scores.

Finally, our editorial team checks each review to make sure that the scoring system has been applied consistently.

We believe that this is the best way to objectively evaluate apps with different feature sets. It also means that you, the reader, can tailor your search to your own needs.

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The best app to learn Irish for one person may not be the best app for another for three reasons: your goals, current skill level and budget:

• Goals - are you looking to learn Irish for a holiday, to pass an exam, to become conversational or even fully fluent? Your goal will have the biggest impact on your choice of app as each app has its own strengths and weaknesses.
• Skill level - where you are on your Irish learning journey will have a big influence on your choice. Some apps are more tailored toward beginners than intermediates or vice versa. We generally find that apps with live lessons are a good option for intermediate to advanced speakers because they give you the most control over your learning.
• Budget - some apps are free to use, but have limited feature sets. Others charge a monthly subscription, have a pay per lesson model, and some even have a one time purchase fee. Knowing what you're prepared to pay is important: but remember that learning a language is a skill for life, and value for money is as important as the amount you'll actually pay. You want to make sure you're not losing time and money on an app that's not very effective at meeting your needs.

We've made things easy for you by letting you filter our list based on the above.

A language learning app can be one of the best ways to learn Irish. While each provider is different, the general benefits are that you:

• Can learn at your own pace
• Benefit from scientifically proven methods
• Learn whenever it suits you
• Learn anywhere and on any device
• Can have more fun than in a traditional classroom

Using an app is straightforward and you can often get setup and start learning in a matter of minutes. Each app will be slightly different, but the steps are generally the same:

• Find and download the app
• Create an account - usually using either your email, Facebook or Google account
• Choose which language you want to learn
• Start learning, stay motivated and keep going

Remember that apps only work if you do. Often they'll come with practice guides, so its important you stay disciplined to achieve your goals.

If you’re looking to learn Irish there are plenty of apps to choose from.

Having spent over 30 hours reviewing the best 3 Irish apps, our conclusion is that the overall winner is Rosetta Stone with a score of 8.6. Coming in at a close second is Pimsleur with a score of 8.03.

That said, if you’re looking to learn Irish to achieve a specific goal, at a particular skill level, or within a fixed budget, head on up to the top of our comparison table and filter based on that.

Whatever choice you make, a large part of your success in learning Irish will depend on the work you put in!

We’ve put in a lot of hard work and effort to help you find the best app for you to learn Irish. Now it’s over to you.

Good luck!