If you went to the Gaeltacht in secondary school, you most likely look back on it with fond memories.
This week is Seachtain na Gaeilge, and it was usually the time when applications arrived in schools for your chosen Irish college.
So, here are 20 things you'll remember if you went to the Gaeltacht:
1. You hopped on the bandwagon
Your mates went the year before and had an absolute BALL of a time, so you literally signed up for it just because of them.
Plus, you didn't want to be left for three weeks without friends again.
2. You heard the rumours…
You heard all about the new friendships, the céilís, the boys, the bonfires, the beaches… the boys.
3. 'Name your friends you'd like to be in the house with you'
This was a life or death situation and you put about ten names down in fear you'd be all by yourself.
4. It was ALL you could talk about
For months, it was the only topic of conversation you talked about with your friends. And you didn't even feel bad for the ones not going.
5. Your poor mother
Yep, your mammy basically had to buy you a new wardrobe with three weeks worth of clothing. Again, you didn't feel bad.
6. The craic on the way up was mighty
All bus trips with your mates are a great laugh, but this one was special. You kept an eye out for any lads you might fancy and even made new friends*.
*You kinda had to since you were sat beside them on a bus for four hours.
7. The tears
If you didn't get into a house with all your mates, you went into meltdown and your eyes filled with tears as they walked away to their new home for three weeks.
8. The first day of school
The first day of school in the Gaeltacht marked the day that all basic knowledge of the Irish language left your brain.
9. But you were a pro by the end
Yep, you could go all day speaking only Irish. Until all of the teachers and Cinneraí left, then it was back to English aaaaall day long.
10. The friendships you made were the best
The people you met in the Gaeltacht were like no other. Probably because you were all lodged on an island together for three weeks, but still, they were strong.
11. Everyone matched up really quickly
Love was certainly in the Gaeltacht air. But the pressure was on near the end if you didn't have a date to the céilí mhór.
12. The dances
You had about two hours everyday to learn off Irish dances. And while you were SO embarrassed at first, they actually turned into great craic.
13. The *rude* dance
Remember this gem?
14. The day trip
The day trip was spent going over to a small local village. If they had a chemist where they did ear piercing, EVERYONE (even the lads) pierced their ears. We were so cool.
15. The bonfire
If you went to Arainn Mhor, then you definitely know what I'm talking about (wink, wink).
16. The sneaking out
Everyone said they would sneak out of the Bean an Tí's house, but let's be real, most of us were too chicken to do it. And the ones that did, got caught.
17. The Célilí Mhór
The dresses, the tears, the disco… It was a night to be remembered and you acted like you'd never ever see these people again.
18. Except you saw them the very next morning
And spent four hours on a bus with them… and then saw them again the week after, and the week after that… and the week after that.
19. The Gaeltacht reunion
Exactly one week to the day you came home, everyone would meet back up again and it usually entailed drinking in a park somewhere in the city centre, Classy, huh?
20. And years later…
The Gaeltacht was probably one of the best times from your teenage years. If only they had one for adults…
