Coming Home: One mans return to the Irish Language

Some part of me believed I would become a more complete person if I spoke Irish, more in tune with my roots, my identity, my very being. 

I was one of the 1.8 million people who claimed to speak Irish but like most of that cohort I was faking it. 

I was about to turn 50 The future had arrived. My idea of personal ambition had shifted The Irish language, normally meandering around the edges of my consciousness, suddenly demanded my full attention.

This is the story of Michael McCaughans journey around Ireland and the Irish language. From a surreal start involving dedicated listening to Raidió na Gaeltachtas death notices, to rediscovering the soul of the language through immersing himself in Phil Lynotts music all without becoming a Gaelbore Coming Home will make you want to follow in his footsteps and strike out in search of the grá.

A hugely enjoyable linguistic travelogue that is also a sort of love story: full of passion, lightness, but, also, commitment. McCaughans engaging prose is a joy to read. Discover the Sex Pistols connection with Cúil Aodha and many another startling fact about the Irish language. This journey towards a homecoming will touch many hearts. Joseph O'Connor