International Linguistics Olympiad

The four top students in the individual category of the All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad (AILO) are selected to represent Ireland at the International Linguistics Olympiad.

To see some IOL Puzzles click here.

The International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) sees talented young decoders from more than 30 countries and territories pit their wits against each other in the hope of becoming world champions. The week-long Olympiad comprises individual and team contests and students enjoy an active programme of social and cultural events.

IOL 2023

The 4 members of the Irish team who will represent Ireland at the 20th anniversary IOL in Bansko, Bulgaria are:

Naoise Sheridan Tullamore College,Offaly
Finn Wallace CBC Monkstown, Dublin
Paddy Clancy St Vincent’s Castleknock, Dublin
Megan Boland Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary

Finn Wallace CBC Monkstown

IOL 2022

The 4 members of the Irish team who represented Ireland in for July 2022 in the Isle of Man were:

Eoin Boushel Belvedere College, Dublin
Finn Wallace CBC Monkstown, Dublin
Justin Cunningham Patrician Secondary School, Kildare
Arthur McKeever Methodist College Belfast, Antrim

Ireland achieved an Honourable Mention at IOL 2022 (https://ioling.org/results/IRL)

IOL 2021

IOL 2021 took place online remotely (from Ventspils in Latvia).

This year, the 4 members of the team proudly representing Ireland remotely from Dublin City University in July were:

Justin Cunningham, Patrician Secondary School
Oscar Despard, Sandford Park School
Natalia Timulakova, Holy Faith Clontarf
David Wright, Lucan Community College

Ireland achieved a Bronze Medal and Honourable Mention at IOL 2021 (https://ioling.org/results/IRL)

IOL 2020, due to be held in Latvia, was postponed due the pandemic.

The 4 members of the team who had qualified but did not get to attend an IOL were:

Zara Watson,Methodist College Belfast
Oisín Dilger, Coláiste an Eachréidh, Athenry, Galway
Dmitri Salyshka, Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, Limerick
Justin Cunningham, Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge, Kildare

IOL 2019

rep of korea flag

IOL 2019 took place in Yongin, South Korea 29th July – 2nd August 2019.

This year, the 4 members of the team proudly representing Ireland in Korea in July were:

Laura Cosgrave, Midleton College Cork
Keelan James Daye, Sandford Park Dublin
Flynn Ryan Rathmore, Grammar School Belfast
Páidí Walsh, Ballybay Community College Monaghan

“When I entered the Linguistics Olympiad, I never dreamed that I’d make it to the international round in China, but I’m so thankful that I did. The problems themselves were engaging and challenging, and I hugely enjoyed myself. It’s been a life-changing experience, and I’ve met people I hope to remain great friends with!”Jane D’Altuin, Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai, Kerry

“This competition has granted me an amazing opportunity to represent my country, and has really improved my problem-solving skills. After the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) 2013 in Manchester last year, I spent months dreaming about Beijing and IOL 2014. To get the chance to do this all over again was simply unbelievable.”Daniel Herlihy, Douglas Community School, Cork