Italian
Italian is the seventh most widely spoken language in Europe. It is the key to one of the most culturally and gastronomically rich countries in the world.
With a population of 61 million, Italy is the fourth largest country in the European Union.
Key economic power
The backbone of the Italian economy is small and medium-sized firms producing high quality consumer goods like fashion, foods and appliances. Famous companies include carmaker Fiat, coffee company Lavazza and luxury fashion giant Gucci.
Large market for Irish exports
Italy is the seventh largest market in Europe for Irish exports and the fourth most important market for services – primarily insurance and computer services, according to Enterprise Ireland.
Fascinating cultural heritage
From the Roman empire to the Renaissance city states, Italy has been at the forefront of arts, architecture and science for much of its history. Today Italy boasts more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country: from the Colosseum in Rome to the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the historic Florence skyline.
The Italian language will open the way to explore one of the world’s great cuisines, from the Risottos of the Lombardia to the Pizzas of Campania. It is also one of the world’s most passionate footballing nations, with Milan and Rome hosting two of the world’s greatest footballing rivalries.
Check out our “Why Learn Italian?” video playlist
Italian music playlist
Listening to music is a really useful way to build vocabulary and to improve pronunciation, so why not discover some great Italian music to help you on your language learning journey.
Visit our Spotify for some recommended playlists in Italian and more.
Italian reading recommendations
Reading in Italian or any new language can be very helpful. It is a great way to learn new vocabulary and introduce common phrases and idioms.
Find a book to get you started in our Italian reading list.
Learn some classroom vocab with our Italian language mat
Study Italian at Third Level
- Animals and Veterinary Science with Italian
- Farming, Horticulture and Forestry with Italian
- Food and Beverages with Italian
- Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science with Italian
- Computers and ICT with Italian
- Construction Architecture and Property with Italian
- Earth and Environment with Italian
- Engineering, Manufacturing and Energy with Italian
- Physics, Mathematics and Space Science with Italian
- Leisure, Sport and Fitness with Italian
- Medical and Healthcare with Italian
- Psychology and Social Care with Italian
- Art, Craft and Design with Italian
- Media, Film and Publishing with Italian
- Music and Performing Arts with Italian
- Education and Teaching with Italian
- Government and Politics with Italian
- History, Culture and Languages with Italian
- Law and Legal with Italian
- Accountancy and Taxation with Italian
- Banking and Finance with Italian
- Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations with Italian
- Business Management and Human Resources with Italian
- Tourism and Hospitality with Italian
