An Introduction to Irish
Modern Irish, also known as Gaeilge (in Irish) or Irish Gaelic (in countries like the USA where Irish is uncommon), is spoken by over a million people in and out of Ireland today as a first or second language. It is recognized as the official language of the Republic of Ireland, taught in schools, used in Irish broadcasting and news reporting, and spoken in everyday social situations. It can also be a lot of fun to learn! (x)
Here are some basic phrases in Irish*
*There are three major dialects in Irish– Munster, Connacht, and Ulster. This post will be using the Munster dialect, as that is the one my teacher uses and I am more familiar with. Other dialects may vary in spelling, pronunciation, or use different phrases.
Dia dhuit Hello
Dia dhaoibh Hello (Plural form)
Dia is Muire dhuit Hello (Reply)
Dia is Muire dhaoibh Hello (Reply, plural)
These two phrases literally mean “God to you” and “God and Mary to you” respectively, but they are used as greetings in all contexts, religious and nonreligious. You can also use “heileo” (hello), which tends to be more informal.
Conas atá tú? How are you?
Conas atá sibh? How are you? (Plural)
Tá mé go maith, agus tú féin? I am well / I am good, and yourself?
Tá mé go dona. I am not good
Slán Goodbye
Oíche Mhaith Good night
Más é do thoil é / Le do thoil Please
Go raibh maith agat / agaibh Thank you / Thank you (Plural)
Tá fáilte romhat You are welcome.
Tá brón orm I am sorry.
Gabh mo leithscéal Excuse me
In Irish, there is no single word for “no”. Instead, to say no to a question, you rephrase the statement to be negative. For example:
Aon scéal? Any Story? / What’s up?
Níl aon scéal agam. I have no story.
There are also a few Irish phrases that are commonly recognized outside Irish-speaking circles, such as:
Sláinte Cheers (Literally, “health”)
Fáilte Welcome
Céad Míle Fáilte Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Éire go Brách Ireland to the end of time / Ireland forever
Póg mo thóin Kiss my ass
For help pronouncing Irish, there are many resources online where you can find text-to-speech audio, IPA notation, and recordings of real speakers. Here are a few:
Forvo.com
Focloir.ie
Abair.ie
Irish Phronology on Wikipedia
And that’s a basic introduction to Irish. Go raibh maith agaibh!















