The University of Cambridge will this week begin a modern Irish language course, in a move designed to reflect the "rising enthusiasm for Irish studies as a whole".
The course, funded by the Government, also marks the recognition of Irish as the 23rd working language of the EU.
It will be run by the department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (ASNC) at Cambridge and will be formally launched today by the Irish Ambassador to Britain, Dáithí Ó Ceallaigh.
The introduction of the course means that Cambridge is the first English university to teach both modern and medieval forms of the language. It is also the only university anywhere that allows students to study Irish in its wider context as part of a network of ancient languages and cultures that together define the heritage of the British Isles.
Cambridge's decision to introduce the course comes as University College Dublin faces a wave of criticism for its decision to scale back its provision in early Irish studies.
Dr Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, senior lecturer in Celtic languages and literature at Cambridge, said the introduction of the course was "sending a message that Irish need not be only for the Irish, but anyone who has an interest in Irish heritage, culture, or a love of the language itself".
The course involves the study of modern Irish at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, as well as informal conversation sessions for Irish-language enthusiasts. It also includes the study of poetry, short stories, newspaper articles, films and television programmes.
Dr Kaarina Hollo, who will teach the classes, said: "Learning Irish need not be related to ethnicity or family background . . . One of the main reasons for setting up classes at Cambridge is to stress that the study of Irish is of value for anyone interested in it for whatever reason."
Increasingly, Irish studies are seen as having an important part to play in understanding European history and culture, according to a statement from Cambridge yesterday.
Cambridge already has a strong Irish studies portfolio. Medieval Irish is taught alongside the literature and history of medieval Ireland, while other departments teach modern Irish history and Irish literature in English.
