Welcome to ‘Gaelic on the Go’! Overland Ireland has put together a list of useful Irish phrases to help you impress the locals and immerse yourself in our culture. While you don’t need to speak Irish in Ireland as almost everyone speaks English, we believe it’s not only a ton of fun to learn a new language, but Irish is a beautiful and unique language worth learning!
During our Small Group Tours of Ireland, not only will you see Ireland through the eyes of the locals on your tour, but you will learn to speak like them too!
If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Gaeilge Abú!
Meaning: Hurray for Irish! Pronunciation: Gayl-ga a-boo
Dia Duit
Meaning: Hello (literal translation: God to you) – Pronunciation: Jee-ya gutch
Gaeilge
Meaning: The name for the Irish language – Pronunciation: Gay-L-ga
Slán
Meaning: Goodbye – Pronunciation: Slawn
Sláinte
Meaning: Cheers (Literal translation: Health) – Pronunciation: Slawn-cha
Go Raibh Maith Agat
Meaning: Thank you – Pronunciation: Guh ruh moh a-guth
Tá Fáilte Romhat
Meaning: You’re welcome – Pronunciation: Thaw fall-cha row-th
Aon Scéal?
Meaning: Any news? – Pronunciation: Ain sh-cale
Tá Mé Go Maith
Meaning: I’m doing well – Pronunciation: Thaw may guh moh
Ceart Go Leor
Meaning: OK – Pronunciation: Kyart go lore
John Is Ainm Dom
Meaning: John is my name – Pronunciation: John is an-im dumb
Cad Is Anim Duit?
Meaning: what is your name? – Pronunciation: Cod is an-im dutch?
Céad Míle Fáilte
Meaning: A Hundred thousand welcomes – Pronunciation: Kade mee-la fall-cha
Oíche Mhaith
Meaning: Good night – Pronunciation: Ee-ha wah
Maidin Mhaith
Meaning: Good morning – Pronunciation: Mah – gin wah
Tabhair Aire
Meaning: Take care – Pronunciation: Thore are-ah
Tá An Bia Go Hálainn
Meaning: The food is lovely – Pronunciation: Thaw on bee-ya guh hall-in
Le Do Thoill
Meaning: Please – Pronunciation: Le duh hull
Bealach/Slí Amach
Meaning: Exit – Pronunciation: Bal-akh/ Shlee amakh
Leithreas
Meaning: Toilet – Pronunciation: Le-ris
Fir
Meaning: Men – Pronunciation: Fear
Mná
Meaning: Ladies – Pronunciation: Ma – naw
Giorraíonn Beirt Bóthar
Meaning: Two people shorten the road
Pronunciation: Girr-ee-in birch bo-har
Is Fearr Beagán Den Ghaol Ná Mórán Den Charthanas
Meaning: A little kinship is better than a lot of charity
Pronunciation: Is far beg-awn gin gail naw more-awn gin corr-hanas
Níl Aon Thinteán Mar Do Thinteán Féin
Meaning: There is no place like home
Pronunciation: Kneel ane hin-tawn mar duh hin-tawn fane
Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile
Meaning: There is no strength without unity
Pronunciation: Knee nyart guh kir leh kayla
Comh Ciotach Le Muc Ag Dul Suas Dréimire
Meaning: As clumsy as a pig climbing a ladder
Pronunciation: Ko key-uh-tach le muck egg dull sue-As dray-mer-A
Is Fearr Cara Sa Chúirt Ná Punt Sa Sparán
Meaning: It is better to have a friend in court than a pound in your wallet
Pronunciation: Is far kah-ra sa coor-ch naw punt sa spaw-rawn
An Rud Is Annamh Is Iontach
Meaning: What is rare is wonderful
Pronunciation: An rud is an-iv is een-tach
Is Fearr Gaeilge Bhriste Ná Béarla Cliste
Meaning: It is better to have broken Irish than clever English
Pronunciation: Is far gayl-ge vrish-ta naw bear-la clish-ta