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

Gaelic script
Gaelic script | © Peter Clarke/WikiCommons

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

Fáilte – Welcome

Abhainn

Pronounce it like this: ow-in

Abhainn – River

Draíocht

Pronounce it like this: dree-uct

Draíocht – Magic

Aisling

Pronounce it like this: ash-ling

Aisling – Dream

Suaimhneas

Pronounce it like this: sue-uv-ness

Suaimhneas – Peace

Grá

Pronounce it like this: graw

Grá – Love

Meala

Pronounce it like this: m-yalla

Meala – Honey

Saoirse

Pronounce it like this: sear-sha

Saoirse – Freedom

Oíche

Pronounce it like this: ee-ha

Oíche – Night

Amhrán

Pronounce it like this: ow-rawn

Amhrán – Song

Slíbhín

Pronounce it like this: slee-veen

Slíbhín – Sly person

Croí

Pronounce it like this: cree

Croí – Heart

Macnas

Pronounce it like this: mock-nus

Macnas – Playfulness

Teaghlach

Pronounce it like this: ch-eye-lock

Teaghlach – Household or Family

Niamh

Pronounce it like this: nee-uv

Niamh – Radiance

Fionn

Pronounce it like this: fyun

Fionn – Blonde

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

About the author

From Irish cuisine to the best gallery shows, Kate covers everything Ireland has to offer. She has bylines in numerous publications including IMAGE Interiors & Living.

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