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An Ghaeilge or the Irish Language is one of two official languages in the Republic of Ireland (the other being English or An Bhéarla). Although now being spoken by less than 30,000 people as their first language it has it's roots in antiquity. The oldest written sources show an early form of the language in use since historical records began but it is reasonable to surmise that, due to its advanced state at this time, it was the language used in the Island well before that time.
The Irish Language is officially classified as part of the Goidelic (or "Q" Celtic) branch of Celtic which is itself classified as a branch of Indo-European Languages. It is divided into the following: Primitive Irish (up to 6th century a.d.) Old Irish (7th century to the 10th century) Middle Irish (11th century to the 13th century) Classical Irish (14th century to the 17th century) Modern Irish (17th century to today)