Is it polite to try speaking Irish, and which phrases are safe to use?
Yes, and it lands well, because nobody expects fluency from a visitor. Safe starters: Dia duit (DEE uh gwit) for hello, go raibh maith agat (guh REV MAH uh gut) for thank you, slán (slawn) for goodbye, and sláinte (SLAWN chuh), meaning health, when a glass is raised. Expect the reply to come back in English, often with a smile, because Irish people switch out of habit and kindness. Keep it light, use one phrase at a time, and do not apologise for your pronunciation. The phrases page on this site gives the fuller set with the sounds written out.
Useful pages: Irish customs · Ireland dos and don'ts · Irish words and expressions · Irish phrases and sayings · The Irish language: a beginner's guide · The Irish language · Irish music · Irish music and dance · Irish sport · Etiquette and customs · Flags of Ireland · Heritage · Meeting locals in Ireland · Ireland photography tips · Events
Sources
- Foras na Gaeilge and Udaras na Gaeltachta: the Irish language, Gaeltacht areas and language guidance, forasnagaeilge.ie and udaras.ie
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