The Irish Language

Gaeilge is one of Europe's oldest languages and still part of daily life in the Gaeltacht. Learn its story, plus ten essential words with pronunciations.

The Irish Language

The Irish language (Gaeilge) is one of the oldest languages in Europe and remains a core part of Irish culture and heritage. Though English is the dominant language spoken in Ireland, Irish is still an official language and is taught in schools, used in road signs, and spoken in daily life in certain areas known as the Gaeltacht.

For visitors, learning a few Irish words can enhance your experience, especially in rural parts of the country. Below is an introduction to the language along with 10 essential Irish words and their pronunciation.

Dia duit

(JEE-uh gwitch)

Hello

(literally “God be with you”)

Sláinte

(SLAWN-chuh)

Cheers!

(used when drinking)

Go raibh maith agat

(Guh rev mah agut)

Thank you

Tá fáilte romhat

(Taw fall-cheh rowt)

You’re welcome

Conas atá tú?

(KUN-us a-TAW too?)

How are you?

Slán

(Slawn)

Goodbye

Fun Facts About the Irish Language

• Irish is one of the oldest written languages in the world, with texts dating back to the 4th century.
• Some common English words come from Irish, like brogue (from bróg, meaning “shoe”) and whiskey (from uisce beatha, meaning “water of life”).
• The longest place name in Ireland is in Irish: Muckanaghederdauhaulia (Muiceanach idir Dhá Sháile), a townland in Galway.

The History of the Irish Language

• Irish is over 2,500 years old, dating back to the arrival of the Celts in Ireland.
• It is part of the Celtic language family, closely related to Scottish Gaelic and Manx.
• It was widely spoken across Ireland until the 19th century, when British rule and the Great Famine led to a decline in its use.
• The Gaeltacht regions (primarily in counties Galway, Donegal, Kerry, and Mayo) still have Irish-speaking communities where the language is a part of everyday life.

Where You’ll Hear Irish Today

• Gaeltacht Areas: In Connemara (Galway), Dingle Peninsula (Kerry), and parts of Donegal, Irish is the first language of many locals.
• On Road Signs: Place names are in both Irish and English across Ireland.
• Public Transport & Official Documents: Announcements in Dublin’s Luas tram system and official government paperwork use Irish.
• Radio & TV: TG4 is Ireland’s Irish-language TV channel, and Raidió na Gaeltachta broadcasts Irish-language radio shows.

Should You Try Speaking Irish in Ireland?

Yes. While most people in Ireland speak English, locals appreciate when visitors make an effort with Irish. Even a simple “Sláinte” (cheers) or “Go raibh maith agat” (thank you) can be a great way to connect with people and embrace the culture.

Irish on the road

You do not need Irish to travel in Ireland. English is spoken everywhere, but the language is part of the landscape. Road signs are bilingual across the Republic, and in the Gaeltacht districts of Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Meath, Irish is the everyday community language and signs may be in Irish only. Place names carry meaning: Baile means a town, Cill a church, Dun a fort, Inis an island, Slieve a mountain and Gleann a valley, which is why so many town names begin the same way. A few spoken words go a long way and are always received warmly: dia duit (hello), go raibh maith agat (thank you), slán (goodbye) and sláinte (cheers). TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta carry Irish-language television and radio, and summer Irish colleges in Gaeltacht areas have introduced generations of Irish teenagers to the language.