Language Guide
Irish (Gaeilge) — The Basics
Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language of Ireland — as stated in the constitution. In practice, the vast majority speak English in everyday life, but Irish is present everywhere: road signs are bilingual (in the Gaeltacht areas on the west coast only in Irish), all government documents are in Irish, and it is taught as a compulsory subject in schools.
In the Gaeltacht areas (Connemara, Aran Islands, Dingle Peninsula, parts of Donegal and Ring), Irish is actually the everyday language — about 70,000 people speak it as their mother tongue. Knowing a few words of Irish is received here with genuine joy.
| Irish | Pronunciation | German |
|---|---|---|
| Dia dhuit | Djia gwit | Hello (literally: God be with you) |
| Dia is Muire dhuit | Djia is Mwirra gwit | Response to Dia dhuit |
| Conas atá tú? | Kunas atah tu? | How are you? |
| Tá mé go maith | Tah meh go mah | I'm good |
| Go raibh maith agat | Go rev mah agat | Thank you |
| Slán | Slahn | Goodbye |
| Sláinte! | Slahn-tsche! | Cheers! (literally: Health!) |
| Fáilte | Fahl-tsche | Welcome |
| Céad míle fáilte | Kehd mihlä fahltscha | A hundred thousand welcomes |
| Le do thoil | Leh do hol | Please |
| Tá | Tah | Yes |
| Níl | Nihl | No |
| Leithreas | Leh-ras | Toilet |
| Mná | Menah | Women (toilet sign!) |
| Fir | Fir | Men (toilet sign!) |
Understanding Irish Place Names
| Irish | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Baile | Town/Village | Baile Átha Cliath = Dublin |
| Cill | Church | Cill Airne = Killarney |
| Dún | Fortress | Dún Laoghaire |
| Inis | Island | Inis Mór = Inishmore |
| Loch | Lake | Gleann Dá Loch = Glendalough |
| Carraig | Rock | Carraig Phádraig = Rock of Cashel |
| Gleann | Valley | Glendalough = Valley of the two lakes |
| Trá | Beach | Trá Mór = Tramore |
Tipp
"Sláinte!" (Cheers!) is the most important word you should learn — you'll use it dozens of times. The second: "Céad míle fáilte" (A hundred thousand welcomes) — you'll read and hear it everywhere.
Irish English & Pub Vocabulary
Irish English (Hiberno-English) has its own peculiarities — shaped by Gaelic grammar, old English, and a love for language that manifests in creative expressions.
Typical Irish Expressions
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Craic (Kräck) | Fun, good atmosphere, sociability. "The craic was mighty" = It was a great evening |
| Grand | All right, good, okay. "How are you?" — "Grand." Universal answer to everything |
| Yer man / Yer one | The guy / The woman (general, not derogatory) |
| Eejit | Idiot (affectionate). "You're a right eejit" = You're a fool |
| Gas | Funny. "That's gas!" = That's hilarious |
| Give out | Scold, complain. "She gave out to him" = She gave him a telling-off |
| Bold | Naughty, mischievous (only for children). "He was very bold" = He was very naughty |
| Deadly | Great, super. "That gig was deadly" = The concert was awesome |
| Sound | Nice, reliable, okay. "He's sound" = He's a good guy |
| What's the story? | What's new? (Greeting) |
| Acting the maggot | Messing around |
| Fierce | Very, extremely. "It's fierce cold" = It's very cold |
| Shift | Snogging. "Did you shift anyone?" = Did you kiss anyone? |
Pub Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pint | 0.568 liters (an imperial pint, larger than 0.5l!) |
| Half | A half pint |
| Round | Round — everyone takes turns buying for all |
| Snug | Small, separate area in the pub (in historic pubs) |
| Session | Live music evening (Trad Session) or extensive drinking |
| Lock-in | Illegal drinking after closing time (it happens, but shh!) |
| Last orders! | Last call! 15 minutes before closing |
| Time, ladies and gentlemen! | Closing time! Please finish your drinks |
| Carvery | Sunday roast buffet in the pub (lunch menu for €12–15) |
| Toby | Large beer glass (in some regions) |
| Naggin | 200ml bottle of spirits |
| Shoulder | 350ml bottle of spirits |
Tipp
When an Irish person asks "How are you?", do NOT respond with an honest description of your condition. The correct answer is always "Grand" or "Not too bad". Anything else will result in puzzled looks.
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