Hello everyone!
I am very happy that I stumbled upon this Forum! My father's side is Irish and I've always wanted to learn more about the culture and language. I also dream of visiting one day; I'll be in Europe this summer studying and would love to find an inexpensive way to travel up to Ireland.

It's so very nice to meet you all!

Is deas bualadh leat! (It's nice to meet you!) Welcome to the forum, Hayley.

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I am only a beginner. Please get confirmation before using any of my suggestions.

Hi, Hayley. Welcome. Hope you are able to make use of your chance to go to Ireland. It is well worth the effort.

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[hr]Múinteoir Gaeilge - Irish Teacher[/hr]
My "specialty" is Connemara Irish, particularly Cois Fhairrge dialect, but I can also speak Ulster and Munster Irish with native-level pronunciation.
Is fearr Gaeilge ḃriste ná Béarla cliste, cinnte, aċ i ḃfad níos fearr aríst í Gaeilge ḃinn ḃeo na nGaeltaċtaí.
Gaeilge Chonnacht (GC), go háraid Gaeilge Chois Fhairrge (GCF), Gaeilic Uladh (GU), Gaelainn na Mumhan (GM), agus Gaeilge an Chaighdeáin Oifigiúil (CO).

Tá Failte Romhat, Is deas bualadh leat freisin, (welcome, pleased to meet you, as well)

If you're studying in Europe, the cheapest way to get to Ireland is usually Ryanair, It mightn't be the best experience (you have been warned)but go to their site as much in advance as possible for best deals, and be careful to read the fine print re:baggage etc.

hope you have fun