16 Beautiful Words That Will Make You Fall in Love with the Irish Language

Irish or Gaeilge may not be used on a daily basis by most of Ireland’s population, but as the language with Western Europe’s oldest vernacular literature, its importance is obvious. Do your part to keep it alive by learning the following few beautiful Irish words.
Fáilte
This word also translates to ‘joy, bliss or happiness’, but is mostly used to say ‘welcome’.
Pronounce it like this: fawl-cha

Abhainn
Pronounce it like this: ow-in

Draíocht
Pronounce it like this: dree-uct

Aisling
Pronounce it like this: ash-ling

Suaimhneas
Pronounce it like this: sue-uv-ness

Grá
Pronounce it like this: graw

Meala
Pronounce it like this: m-yalla

Saoirse
Pronounce it like this: sear-sha

Oíche
Pronounce it like this: ee-ha

Amhrán
Pronounce it like this: ow-rawn

Slíbhín
Pronounce it like this: slee-veen

Croí
Pronounce it like this: cree

Macnas
Pronounce it like this: mock-nus

Teaghlach
Pronounce it like this: ch-eye-lock

Niamh
Pronounce it like this: nee-uv

Fionn
Pronounce it like this: fyun

Fallen head over heals? Put your newfound linguistic knowledge to the test on one of these bookable trips, tours and experiences in Ireland.