Are you visiting the Gaeltacht this summer? You may be planning a trip to Donegal, Kerry or Connemara, or perhaps a friend or family member is attending an Irish-language course in a Gaeltacht area.

A visit to the Gaeltacht is a wonderful opportunity to hear and use Irish in a natural setting. You do not need to be fluent to say a few words, ask a question or begin a short conversation. People are often happy to help, and using a few simple phrases can help you feel more confident.

Give Gaeilge a Go!

Don’t worry about making mistakes. They are a natural part of learning, and the most important thing is to give the language a go. Even using simple phrases such as “Dia duit”, “Go raibh maith agat” or “Ba mhaith liom cupán tae” helps support Irish as a living community language.

You may also hear different dialects and local expressions during your visit. Irish varies between Gaeltacht regions, so pronunciation, vocabulary and everyday phrases can differ from one area to another.

Keep these phrases below on your phone or in a notebook, start a small conversation and enjoy your trip to the Gaeltacht!

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Beannachtaí agus Comhrá Ginearálta

Greetings and General Conversation

Dia duit!

Hello!

Conas atá tú? (Kerry Gaeltacht)

Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú? (Connemara Gaeltacht)

Cad é mar atá tú? (Donegal Gaeltacht)

How are you?

Tá mé go maith, go raibh maith agat.

I’m well, thank you.

Deas bualadh leat.

Nice to meet you.

Ag Iarraidh Cabhrach

Asking for Help

Gabh mo leithscéal.

Excuse me.

An féidir leat cabhrú liom?

em>Can you help me?

Cá bhfuil an siopa is gaire?

Where is the nearest shop?

Cá bhfuil an trá?

Where is the beach?

Ní thuigim

I don’t understand

I gCaifé, i mBialann nó i Siopa

In a Café, Restaurant or Shop

Ba mhaith liom cupán tae, le do thoil.

I would like a cup of tea, please.

An bhfuil bord saor agaibh?

Do you have a free table?

Tá triúr againn.

There are three of us.

Tá seo go hálainn.

This is lovely.

Ag Caint faoin nGaeilge

Talking about Irish

Tá mé ag foghlaim Gaeilge.

I’m learning Irish.

Níl mórán Gaeilge agam fós.

I don’t have much Irish yet.

Ba mhaith liom mo chuid Gaeilge a chleachtadh.

I would like to practise my Irish.

Tá mé as cleachtadh!

I’m out of practice!

Tá m’iníon ag foghlaim Gaeilge.

My daughter is learning Irish.

Conas a deirtear...?

How do you say...?

Frásaí Úsáideacha

Useful Phrases

Go raibh maith agat.

Thank you.

Míle buíochas.

Many thanks.

Le do thoil.

Please.

Tá fáilte romhat.

You’re welcome.

Ceart go leor.

All right.

Sin iontach!

That’s great!

Dáiríre?

Really?

B’fhéidir.

Maybe.

Slán go fóill.

Goodbye for now.

Bain sult as an lá!

Enjoy the day!