5 Irish TV Shows To Watch To Help You Learn The Accent
If you’re learning English right now in Ireland, you might have noticed that we speak with an obvious accent, and that we sound different depending on what county we come from, sometimes even what part of the county we come from! We do essentially speak the Queens English, but mixed with our slang, our Irish twang and how quickly we have been known to talk (especially in Cork) we can sometimes be impossible to understand for non English natives. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favourite Irish TV shows from different parts of the country that we think you should watch, to get you familiar with our accents.
The Young Offenders: Inspired by the real-life exploits of Irish criminals in Cork, “The Young Offenders” is a comedy series that follows two hapless teenagers, Conor and Jock, as they get into various misadventures. Set against the backdrop of Cork city and county, the show features the distinctive accent of the region, known for its musicality and unique cadence. With its humor and heartfelt moments, “The Young Offenders” provides an entertaining way to familiarize yourself with the Cork accent and Irish slang, and most importantly, it’s in Cork Boi!
Father Ted: A classic sitcom that has achieved cult status, “Father Ted” is a hilarious portrayal of three priests and their housekeeper living on the fictional Craggy Island off the west coast of Ireland. The show’s exaggerated characters and comedic situations make it an enjoyable watch for language learners, who can pick up on the broad accents and colorful expressions commonly found in rural Ireland. If you’re already living in Ireland, you can actually experience the wacky world of Father Ted for yourself as we hold a festival in March each year called TedFest on the island of Inis Mor to celebrate all things Father Ted. This year we even had some of the actors from the show join in!
Normal People: Based on the bestselling novel by Sally Rooney, “Normal People” follows the complex relationship between Connell and Marianne as they navigate love, friendship, and identity. Set in County Sligo and Dublin, the series showcases a range of Irish accents, from the soft tones of the west of Ireland to the more urban speech of the capital. The naturalistic dialogue and intimate scenes offer a nuanced portrayal of contemporary Irish speech patterns.
Love/Hate: For those interested in Dublin’s urban accent and street slang, “Love/Hate” offers a gritty and gripping portrayal of the city’s criminal underworld. This crime drama series delves into the lives of gangsters, drug dealers, and law enforcement, providing an authentic depiction of contemporary Irish society. While the subject matter may be intense, the dialogue is packed with colloquialisms and Dublin vernacular, making it a valuable resource for language learners.
Derry Girls: Set in the 1990s during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, “Derry Girls” follows the lives of a group of teenage girls attending a Catholic school in Derry. The show captures the essence of Irish humor and offers a glimpse into the distinct Northern Irish accent. The characters’ quick wit and colloquialisms provide an authentic experience for language learners aiming to understand the nuances of Irish speech.
— no context derry girls (@nocontextderryg) July 3, 2019
That’s it from us this week, if we’ve convinced you to come for a visit and hear all of these amazing accents firsthand, feel free to send us a message by clicking here.