Irish Language Guide

Irish Language Today

There’s a government-backed push to revive the Irish language, which is now a required subject from primary school through the Leaving Certificate (akin to the US SATs or British A-Levels). Some schools even teach solely in Irish schools. Outside of schools, find many pockets of native Irish speakers throughout Ireland.

Though few people have daily Irish conversations, most are conversational in Irish. Many Irish people use sprinkles of Irish in everyday dialogue, email salutations, and exchanges. All road signs, official documents, and government services are translated into Irish. Cultural content is increasingly created in the Irish language, including Irish-only TV and radio channels, as well as songs, literature, and books.

Interestingly, though Irish people speak English as the main language, our own particular brand of English varies from English spoken elsewhere. It’s called Hiberno-English. Many words or phrases are largely unique to Ireland.

For example, when the Irish are flat out, they are busy. Putting something in the press doesn’t relate to journalism, but rather, someone’s likely telling you where to put dishes or food (it means a cabinet or pantry). Don’t ask for a ride; ask for a lift (ride has a very different meaning). If someone says you’re grand, they don’t mean you’re elegant, but more likely, they mean it’s alright or fine. And if they are doing the messages, they aren’t texting but rather doing their weekly shopping.