Go for Gaeilge: A Beginner’s Guide to Using Irish in Everyday Life
There’s been a surge lately in adults revisiting the Irish language - those who haven’t really used it since school suddenly wishing they’d kept it up.
Adding more Irish to your vocabulary doesn’t need to feel like you’re back in the classroom though. In fact, sprinkling Irish into your everyday is a sure-fire way to get you back into the swing of it. Start with these six wonderful words and phrases and you’ll be fluent in no time!
Tá orcas an domhain orm [thaw ukruss on down urum]: I’m starving
Us gaeilgeorí are pretty dramatic, so while it technically means I’m hungry, saying ‘the hunger of the world is on me’ is just so much more impactful. Next time you’re absolutely ravenous, be sure to throw this in.
Préachta [prayk-ta]: freezing cold
Preachta is so much better than just saying you’re a bit cold, or just ‘fuar’. Préachta means chilled to the bone, totally frozen. Perfect for those who like a dip at Blackrock or are just experiencing the wild west of Ireland weather every day.
Nár laga dia thú [Nar log jia hu] : no bother to you
A great term of encouragement for your nearest and dearest, use it when they’ve achieved something great, or you’re just totally proud of them. While the literal translation means ‘may God not weaken you’, it’s really just a better way of saying ‘fair play’ or ‘more power to you’.
Misneach [mish-nuk]: courage
We all need misneach from time to time, and it’s just a lovely word to say. Whether you’re prepping yourself for an exam or job interview, or encouraging a friend to be brave and take a leap, it’s just about having a bit of misneach!
Taisce [tash-ka]: my treasure
There are countless beautiful terms of endearment in Irish, from a stór to mo ghrá geal, but there is something gorgeous about this lesser-used word, meaning treasure. Calling someone ‘mo taisce’ is guaranteed to make them fall totally in ngrá leat!
Sin é [shin-ay]: that’s it
If you’re not using this already, it’s time to start. If you take nothing else from this list, there is no scenario where a little ‘sin é’ doesn’t work. Finished a long-winded story? Sin é! At the end of your pint and definitely heading home? Sin é pals! It’s perfect at the end of just about every sentence… sin é!
Now, where to take your newly loaded vocab? There are plenty of spots in Galway city and beyond that would appreciate some Gaeilge.
If you’re looking for a pint as well as caint agus craic, Taaffes or Cóilí’s along Shop Street are ideal. If you’re more of a coffee and cake person, Plámás prides itself on being a bilingual cafe, and they even have a ciorcal comhrá every Monday.
You can enjoy an Irish-speaking event at Tribe Gin School or Micil Distillery, both in Salthill. Or head out toward Connemara for countless Irish-speaking businesses, from Pota Cafe in Inverin to Builín Blasta in Spiddal.
While you’re out that way, you could hop on the ferry and spend the day on any of the Aran Islands to chat as Gaeilge with the local business owners.
If you’re looking for something more official and structured, opt for Irish classes in Áras na nGael.
There’s no shortage of options ar fud na Gaillimhe when it comes to trying out a bit of Gaeilge, so bain triail as!
Photography by Ave Calvar.
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