In the 21st century, learning a foreign language is one of the best ways by which you can ensure success in life. While others may not see it yet, having expertise in some in-demand languages like Mandarin Chinese, German, Spanish, Japanese, French, and Russian can help you locate an amazing, high-paying career in diverse fields.

In fact, organizations across the globe are actively looking to diversify their teams and are willing to pay the high price just to get multilingual staff working with them for them. In addition, having employees who understand a different language can open new revenue streams and help in creating a very targeted marketing campaign.

But before you dive deep into the hardest and easiest languages, you should learn, allow us to first introduce to you the Irish language.

Why Learn Irish

The Irish language, also known as Erse, Gaelic, or Irish Gaelic, is one of the most unique languages globally, and over 1.7 million people only speak it. So by trying to learn this language, you are basically also helping to save it from being an endangered language! While it may be pretty difficult at first, Gaelic is a beautiful language, and it can help you connect better with the locals.

6 Best Apps To Learn Irish Fast

And speaking of learning, you do not have to go all out and purchase expensive books and tools just to learn this! While getting a language tutor can also significantly help you out, you can simply start mastering the basics of the Irish language using the impressive free apps that we have listed below. So, if you are up for something exciting, then let’s start unveiling the names of these apps now!

1. The Ling App – An All-In-One Application With Gamified Content

If you are on the lookout for a free language learning application complete with outstanding content, then the Ling app by Simya Solutions is what you should check out! It can be accessed on the web but can also be downloaded for free on your mobile devices so that you can start learning Irish and 60+ other foreign languages on the go! What makes this a real gem is that it combines multiple features that will help you progress in grammar, writing, reading, and speaking without ever feeling overwhelmed or bored while learning.

Features

• More than 200 lessons cover a wide variety of topics.
• For more conversational interaction, you can utilize the app’s built-in chatbot.
• Minigames that teach a language in a lighthearted way.

Pricing

• Free for beginner lessons
• Monthly subscription: $8.99
• Yearly subscription: $79.99
• Lifetime membership: $149.99

Since it makes use of gamification content, all users will have fun since it has exciting challenges, quizzes, and review features that will keep you motivated and excited to learn. Another thing that we should note here is that Ling courses cover important linguistic features and is not just keen on having you memorize terms. To ensure the quality and correctness of the information, Simya Solutions is consistently working with real native speakers and language professionals from locations all over the world!

2. Duolingo: Best For Visually-Based Learning

The most popular language-learning app is Duolingo. Excellent for learning the fundamentals of a language and having fun doing it with engaging visual lessons. These will provide knowledge in digestible portions, allowing you to concentrate and participate more effectively. The app is not just practical but also incredibly user-friendly.

Features

• Beautiful visual lessons.
• Gamified style of learning.
• Self-paced exercises.
• Tons of basic vocabulary and phrases.

Pricing

• Duolingo Super: $6.99 per month

3. Rosetta Stone: Best For Beginners

When it comes to learning a new language, Rosetta Stone is excellent for learning new words, genders, plurals, and even certain verb conjugations. While it’s great for getting you used to speaking with native speakers and tapping into your brain’s natural tendency to absorb language from basic material, it’s not as useful when learning more advanced topics like grammar and complexity. As a whole, Rosetta Stone demonstrates that immersion in the target language is the most effective method for learning it.

Features

• Short and digestible lessons.
• Using voice-recognition software to polish your pronunciation.
• Lessons can be downloaded and used in an offline setting.

Pricing

• 3-month plan: $35.97
• 12-month plan: $95.88
• Lifetime subscription: $299

4. iTalki: Best For One-On-One Lessons

If you’re someone who’s really excited to learn more about language and culture, and you also want to learn directly from native speakers, then iTalki is the perfect choice for you! iTalki is a great platform where you can find professional teachers who can help you improve your Irish language skills right from the comfort of your own screen. By engaging in two-way communication, you’ll definitely see a rapid improvement in your speaking skills. Also, feel free to ask your teachers if you have any questions about culture.

Features

• Lessons are designed based on your current level.
• Work on your speaking abilities with the native.
• You can learn from anywhere in the world with live lessons.
• You can join the community and ask any questions regarding the language.

Pricing

• Price varies based on the online tutor.

5. Culturlann – Best For Listening And Learning Concepts About Irish Gaelic

Irish language, music, history, and culture enthusiasts will find a wealth of learning resources at Culturlann. Culturlann is basically a free podcast that seeks to help you move from being a beginner to an advanced Irish speaker through its 15 to 45-minute episodes that can be accessed online through the web or your mobile device. It is an ideal tool for people on the go. It comes with an impressive range of episodes that focus on vocabulary and phrases suitable for formal and casual interactions. It is guaranteed to help boost your listening and speaking skills as you can directly review how the native speakers pronounce everything and use it in sentences.

Features

• Intensive course schedule in the Irish language.
• Several conversation circles and quizzes.
• Focus on conversation at three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Pricing

• Starting from £175.

As of writing this post, they have 23 podcast mini-courses for beginners in the language tab, but they will also have intermediate and advanced episodes added soon.

6. Clilstore – Ideal For Teaching Yourself Irish Through Localized Resources

Clilstore is definitely the home language resource for the Irish language. It may not have its native app yet, but you can use its website seamlessly, even using a mobile device. What makes it interesting is that you can use the platform for free, and you can search all their available units of lessons perfect for levels A1 to C2!

Instead of just providing you with a boring downloadable, this one has tons of videos, pictures, and audio files that will expose learners to the type of Irish used in media. Since it takes on a scholastic approach, what you can learn here is pretty formal and polite. If you want to learn slang words and expressions, this may not be the perfect tool for you.

Features

• 200+ units in Irish lessons.
• Well-developed dictionary tool.
• Audio and video materials that demonstrate how to pronounce the words properly.

Pricing

• Free

Conclusion

And there we have it! As we are reaching this part of the post, we hope that you were able to identify what are the best language-learning tools that you should try out today. If you enjoyed this post and would like to get more support from our team about the Irish language, be sure to check out our previous posts like how to count using Irish, the translation of common animal names, and an in-depth discussion on the two basic languages you should know when traveling to Ireland.

There is denying that learning Irish can be exciting and incredibly rewarding. Even if you do not intend to make this your second language, having expertise in this will greatly help you when speaking with the Irish people, and it will also help you appreciate better the culture of Ireland. While we only focused on the free apps that you can download on your smartphone today, there are still tons of available resources out there. If we have missed any, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know about your favorite apps in the comment section below.

Let’s Learn Irish With Ling Now!

Why bother getting overwhelmed with all the different apps out there when you can just go with Ling right from the start? Ling has got this amazing all-in-one app that can help you improve your language skills like no other app out there. It’s super awesome!

Download Ling from App Store or Google Play Store today, and choose subscription options to access the entire course!

Updated content by Mei

Why Is Ireland A Perfect Place To Visit?

If you have ever been to Ireland or are planning to visit the country, you must know that it is like a really cool place because you will meet the past and the present! It’s like a time machine…only this one actually exists, and instead of riding a machine, you simply have to book a ticket to visit. Unlike many other places, the Irish people pride themselves on their country’s ancient monuments (where some Game of Thrones shots were taken), jaw-dropping glorious landscapes and cityscapes, and picture-perfect natural wonders making it one of the perfect holiday destinations.

Additionally, the place does not just feature a buzzing city and country life but also sumptuous native delicacies that can only be found there! Ever heard of the famous Soda Bread, Boxty, Barmbrack, or Coddle? Just thinking about all of those can seriously make anyone linger for traditional Irish food! And what better beverage to down after such a heavy meal than traditional Irish alcohol? In fact, if you want to learn more about its people, you simply have to do a bar crawl, and you’d definitely unlock everything there is to know since Irish people are somewhat in a relationship with liquor.

While we can go for pages writing down everything there is to love about Ireland, let’s focus on the reason why you landed on this page. Perhaps you are really interested in leveling up your vocabulary words in the Irish language and want to be as descriptive as possible during conversations. After all, it is almost impossible to be clear when you can’t even name the color of your shirt, right? In today’s post, we will give you help you navigate this tricky situation by giving you the best list of translations for color-related words so that you can incorporate them into your usual interactions.

What Are The Colors In Irish?

Can you literally imagine a world without colors? To put it simply, would you be comfortable living in a world of purely black-and-white hues? For most of us, such an instance will be depressing… just too gloomy for anyone’s taste as you cannot distinguish the difference between green, blue, black, or any other color. So, before we start, let’s focus first on a few words related to it. The word color can be directly translated to dath, or dathanna is plural.

Below are some examples of how to use this single word appropriately:

Now that that is out of the way, let’s move on to the different ways on how you can translate the names of Irish colors; starting with the most basic ones:

But of course, there are still a number of different ways to say specific colors, which is why the list below will cover more descriptive colors in the Irish language.

As you reach the end of this post, we hope that we can provide you with the best range of color-related words using Irish Gaelic. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to read more tips and tricks involving the use of the Irish language, like how to say I love you and the best transportation-related vocabulary. Also, feel free to share this post on social media or share with us your ideas about Irish in the comment section down below.

Other Irish Color Names You May Also Need To Know

Questions And Answers Related To Irish Colors

Now that you learned more about the colors in Irish, you should be able to make a few sentences out of it. The best way is to have interactive chats with your Irish friends by asking a few things about what color they like. Here are some of the most common questions about colors in Irish:

Want To Learn More About The Irish Gaelic?

Which among those is your favorite color in Irish? Is it “rua”, “glas” or “uaine”? If you have already forgotten what the translation is, always remember that you can also use English words since most Irish locals primarily use English in day-to-day conversations.

If you enjoyed this post on how to say colors in the Irish language, then we believe you will fall head over heels for the Ling app. It is an exceptional language app that will guide you in reading, speaking, and conversing like a pro in over 60+ languages, including the Irish language. It is available for download using any mobile device, or you can use its web-based platform to challenge yourself in your chosen language anytime.

Time and time again, it was recommended that people look for language resources that are most suitable for their lifestyle. Given that most of us are usually stuck using our mobile phones or laptops, using the Ling app is the best choice for all types of language learners. It is perfect for kids, young adults, and even professionals. Want to start using it? Check it out on the Play Store or App Store today!

It has remarkable features guaranteed to motivate and challenge you to learn every day for as short as 10 minutes! It is definitely built for learning and entertainment. So, what are you waiting for? Level up your knowledge of Irish and hone your reading, writing, and listening skills with Ling App.

After all, learning about the basics such as this one can certainly help set you up for success. If that sits well with you, then let the learning begin!

What Is The Irish Gaelic?

Irish is the native language of Ireland. The other languages spoken widely in Ireland are English, French, and Spanish. The word “Gaelic” refers to Irish in the Irish language, which is the reason Irish is also known as Irish Gaelic. It is referred to as Irish Gaelic because the Gaelic language and culture first originated in Ireland.

Irish Gaelic is usually called Irish inside Ireland. However, it is called Gaelic outside Ireland. Most of the non-native speakers also use the same word, which is Irish. Traditionally the Gaelic letters were named after a tree or shrub, but this concept is not seen much in today’s world. There are three dialects of the Irish language: Munster, Connacht, and Ulster. These dialects slightly differ in pronunciation and are best known to be one of the few surviving dialects of Irish.

Latin Alphabet: The Main Script For The Irish Language

Latin alphabet refers to the alphabet written by the Roman people in ancient times. These are also called Roman Alphabets, which use Roman letters. Latin alphabets are used in Irish and while writing Gaelic script. For an English speaker, the Irish alphabet can look the same as the Latin alphabet but is pronounced differently.

Traditional Irish Alphabet

There are 18 letters in the traditional Irish alphabet: “a b c d e f g h i l m n o p r s t u”.

These eighteen letters are easy to learn. The letter “h” was incorporated later into the alphabet. Initially, the alphabet had these letters only. However, with time, other letters also started becoming a part of it to write English loan words.

In addition, most of the letters in the standard Irish alphabet are pronounced the same way as their English equivalent.

What You Need To Remember About The Irish Language

There are several key rules for Irish spelling and how each consonant is pronounced. For instance, if the consonant s is used after the front vowels is pronounced as “sh” while when it is written with the back vowels, it is pronounced as “ss”.

Consonants

There are 13 consonant letters in Irish which are further divided into two types;

Slender Consonants

Slender consonants in the Irish are spoken by pushing the tongue upwards, touching the hard palate. The consonants are pronounced this way if they are next to the same type of vowel. For instance, Beag (small) is an Irish word pronounced with a “b-yah” sound.

Broad Consonants

Broad consonants are velarized i.e spoken touching the soft palate, or simply ver in Irish. The consonants are pronounced this way if they are next to the same type of vowel. For instance, Balla (wall) is an Irish word pronounced with the regular “b” sound.

Vowels

The vowels in the Irish are the same as in the English language; a, e, i, o, u. However, there is a slanting line on top of each vowel which is the accent on the vowel. There are various cases in which the only difference between two words in Irish is the presence or absence of the accent. Vowel sounds are based on the presence or absence of an accent mark on them.

These letters in Irish are further classified into two types:

Broad Vowels

The letters “a”, “o”, and “u” are these kinds of vowels and are also called Leathan in Irish.

Slender Vowels

The two vowels “i” and “e” are these kinds of vowels and are also called caol in Irish.

An Important Rule

One key rule (which can be used in most cases) is caol le caol (slender with slender) and leathan le leathan (broad with broad). For instance, the word chuir (to put), when integrated with the word, will become Chuireamar instead of Chuiramar. This is an example of how one word can be written using this rule of thumb.

Tips On Writing Irish On Your Keyboard

In order to write accented vowels on your keyboard, you can press Alt+vowel. For instance, to type the accented vowel “u,” simply press alt+u, and it will give you a ú. For the vowel “a,” simply press alt+a. However, if you are not using Windows and using MacBook, then pressing the vowel for a few seconds can provide options, and one of them will be its vowel form.

Quick Quiz

1. How many letters are there in the Gaelic Alphabet?
2. Is the pronunciation of this alphabet different or similar to the English alphabet?
3. What’s the difference between the traditional Irish alphabet and the modern Irish alphabet?
4. Is the Latin alphabet the same as the Gaelic alphabet?
5. What is meant by “acute accent”?

Ready To Learn Irish? Use The Ling App!

Learning Irish can be hard, but we will provide you with the easiest ways of learning this language. Irish or Gaelic is a language spoken in many countries, including Ireland and the United Kingdom. If you are interested in learning similar words or more foreign words using the Gaelic alphabet along with their accurate pronunciation, then make sure to visit the Ling app. We have also uploaded blogs on wishing the new year in Irish and saying cheers in Irish. There are countless easy lessons and tutorials along with quizzes to learn Gaelic.

Put Gaelic as one of your goals to finish learning soon! You can download the Ling app on the Play Store or App Store to start this journey.

Also, if you are a traveler, learning this will prevent you from making costly mistakes! To help you get started, we have prepared a simple guide that will walk you through the numbers (ordinal and cardinal) in Irish and say it like a real native speaker.

There are basically three ways to count in the Irish language, making it quite challenging for new learners. The locals have the basic cardinal numbers for describing the quantity, and this can be further divided into two categories: basic Irish numbers and cardinal numbers with a noun. We also have the Irish ordinal numbers to tell positions. Before we discuss all the translations for this, let us first identify some of the basic vocabulary terms which you have to master first:

How To Count Things In Irish

If you have been watching native speakers count aloud, you might realize that the locals usually add the letter “a” before the actual cardinal number. Due to this phenomenon, some numbers like a haon (one) or a hocht (eight) also transform to include an -h prefix. Below are the cardinal translations that you must master to be confident in the Irish language.

Notice the pattern in the Irish numbers there? To continue counting until 1000, all you need to do is add the number’s translation in the tens place first and then continue adding the numbers. Below are the Irish translations for the tens.

Irish Numbers In Ordinal Format

When it comes to describing the different orders and positions, may it be for competitions, ranking things, or the day of the month, we use ordinal numbers or Orduimhreacha. See the details below on the translations so that you start using them when speaking with the locals.

As you can find from the table above, the pattern is the same, and all you need to do is to add the same translation to the end of the word. Below is a continuation for Irish numbers 30 to 1000.

Irish Numbers For People

In the case of Ireland and the Gaelic language, the locals make use of another counting system when they are referring to people. This counting system is known as personal numbers. I’ll be listing below the basic counting from one to twenty to help you get started.

As we reach this part of the page, we hope that you were able to understand how the Irish people count using their native language. And now that you are done with it, we hope that you’ll find the courage to put the words into use when speaking with the locals or Ireland. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, we invite you to stick around and read out updated posts, such as the basic languages in Ireland, the most common Irish verbs, and how to construct a meaningful question-based statement.

Before you jump off, allow us to ask you a question… would you be interested in learning Irish and multiple foreign languages today? Well, search no more because we’ve got the support you’ll ever need. Read on below to find out more about our most recommended site and application!

Transform Your Language Learning Journey Today!

When it comes to learning a language different from your native one, we do understand that you can easily get overwhelmed or demotivated. However, we believe that if you actively expose yourself to the target language, you can seriously reach the level of proficiency you want to be in. So, if you have at least 10 minutes per day to spare, then you definitely have to check out the Ling app.

The Ling app is an interactive language learning platform developed to help language enthusiasts from all walks of life. What separates it from the rest of the other apps is that this one is made and maintained by real native speakers and language professionals. For this reason, the translations here are guaranteed to be correct, and that the audio files you will hear are spoken by real people and not robotic voices!

And the best part of it all… the Ling app is available to download from the Play Store and App Store. Get the best language learning support today!

The temptation can be hard to get rid of. If that’s the case with you, then worry no more! In today’s post, we will walk you through the basic grammatical points you need to learn to start creating meaningful sentences. If you are up for that, then let the learning begin!

Syntax In The Irish Language

Irish is one of the renowned Celtic languages, which is mainly spoken in Ireland but also in other regions like England. The Irish language uses various prepositional pronouns, which is a similarity shared by other Celtic languages. Those other Celtic languages include Welsh, Cornish, Manx, etc. Irish verbs are different from English verbs in many ways.

Most of the European languages have similar syntax in their writing however, Irish syntax is somewhat different from the other languages. The reason behind this is that the Irish syntax uses a unique sentence order, i.e., verb subject-object order.

Irish Sentence Word Order

Irish grammar has a specific sentence structure. Syntax word order in Irish is different from other languages. There are a lot of examples provided in this blog for you to get a better understanding of the word order in Irish. It is important to ace the word order to start delving deep into the Irish.

The basic Irish Sentence structure consists of the VSO order. This order is found in many languages, including the Spanish language. V refers to the Verb, S refers to the Subject, and O refers to the Object (Verb Subject Object). This is different from many other languages, including English, which follows an SVO order.

For instance, “Chuaigh mé go dtí an tospidéal” is the Irish translation of an English sentence i.e “I went to the Hospital”. In this example, “Chuaigh” (go) is the verb (past tense), “mé” (I) is the subject, and “an tospidéal” (the hospital) is the object. Also, “go dtí” is an Irish preposition that translates to “to” in the English language.

Another example is “D’ith mé úll” which is the Irish translation of an English sentence i.e “I ate the apple”. In this example, “D’ith” (eat) is the verb (past tense), “mé” (I) is the subject, and “úll” (apple) is the object.

VSO order is a basic order which does not include the other parts of speech like nouns etc. The complete normal word order in Irish is “preverbal particle, verb, subject, direct object or predicate adjective, indirect object, location descriptor, manner descriptor, time descriptor.” This word order needs to be followed while making sentences which are usually long and complex.

For newbies, basic sentences are the best sentences to make since they are formed easily and with fewer chances of making mistakes. Not making mistakes while saying/ writing something in a language is better than using extraordinary vocabulary and messing up the basic word order.

There are three types of simple tenses: present tense, past tense, and future tense. The forms of verbs used in each tense are different. Verbs are changed in different forms based on the alphabet used in those words, and therefore, it is extremely important to have the required attention to detail to change the form of the verb.

To make these sentences, you can learn the ways mentioned below using Irish Verbs and Vocabulary using numbers, colors, vegetables, animal names, etc.

Present Tense In The Irish Sentence Structure

Present tense uses the same basic sentence order i.e., VSO. The verb is often conjugated with the subject to provide a complete meaning. Using the same verb-subject-object order, we can make a sentence of the simple present tense, “Tá mé i mo chónaí i mo theach” which translates to “I live in my house.”

Some examples of the present tense sentence structures are provided in the table below;

Past Tense In The Irish Sentence Structure

The Irish sentence structure in the past tense is the same however, it uses the past tense form of the verb. There are several rules to transform a verb into the past tense. These rules have certain exceptional cases but, overall, are essential for every learner to learn and know.

Three main rules to change a verb into its past tense are;

Rule #01

For all the verbs starting with the consonants (besides f, l, n, r, sc, sm, sp, and st), the letter “h” is added after the consonants. This process is called to aspirate/ séimhiú the verb. For instance, the verb for to walk “siúl” becomes “sHiúl” in the past tense. Another example is to sit “suigh” which becomes “sHuigh”.

The verbs which start with the consonants that are exceptions stay the same even in the past tense. They are not changed. For instance, “las” (light) stays the same even in the past tense.

Rule #02

If the verb starts with a vowel, then a “d’” is added before the vowel in the verb. For instance, the verb to recognize “aithnich” becomes “d’aithnich”. Another word is “Ól” which becomes “d’ól”

Rule #03

The word starting with the letter “f” is followed by a “d’h”. For instance, the verb to hide “falaichhas” is the past tense “dh’fhalaich”. Adding h to the alphabet changes their sounds as well.

Some examples of past-tense sentence structures are provided in the table below;

The Future Tense In The Irish Sentence Structure

The Irish sentence structure in the future tense is the same however, it uses the future tense form of the verb. There are several rules based on the type of vowel used to transform a verb into the future tense. Again these rules are not applicable in all cases and have certain exceptions. However, in most cases, only these rules are used to change the form of the verb into future tense.

Two main rules to change a verb into its past tense are;

Rule #01

If the verb has slender vowels (e, i) in it, then, the root word is followed by “idh.” For instance, the word “bris” has a slender vowel “i” in it. Therefore, it is followed by “idh” and becomes “brisidh.”

Rule #02

If the verb has broad vowels (a, o, u) in it then, the root word is followed by “aidh”. For instance, the word “òl” has a broad vowel “ò” in it, therefore, it is followed by “aidh” and becomes “òlaidh.”

Some examples of the future tense sentence structures are provided in the table below:

Copula

Copula refers to the words and phrases which provide a connection between a subject and a subject complement. This usually means that one word is the main subject while the other word is the complement. One of the most common words for indicating the copula in English is the verb “to be.”

For instance, in the sentence “She is my mother”, the word “she” is the main subject, while the phrase “my mother” is its subject complement. And since the verb “to be” (is) connects the two, it acts as a copula.

In Irish Sentence Structure, the sentence structure for the sentences which connect the subject with its subject complement is different from the normal Irish sentence structure VCS, where V refers to the Verb, C refers to the Complement, and S refers to the Subject

For instance, in the sentence “Is dalta mé” (I am a student), “is” (am) is the Verb/Copula. The word “dalta” (student) is the Subject complement, and “mé” (I) is the subject.

The copula is not as simple as that, and we will be uploading another blog on all the rules related to copula, but one tip is that a definite noun should never be placed before a copula directly. Instead, “é , í or iad” should be added.

Speak Irish Today!

A tip for getting fluent in any language is to start thinking in that specific language. The same is the case with the Irish language. When you are trying to speak Irish, try to have the proper sentence structure in Irish. If you would try to get the vocabulary organized in the English sentence structure order and later in the Irish sentence structure, then there would be a filter in your thought process.

To enhance your thought process, it is suggested that you start to think in the Irish language and practice making sentences using the Irish sentence structure. With enough practice, you will automatically and unintentionally start thinking in the Irish language. That way, your Irish spoken language will significantly improve as well.

Learning Tip For Beginners In Irish

For all my champs learning the Irish language, the cookie of the day for you is to keep an Irish pocket-size dictionary with you. Such a habit will not only make you explore more words in the Irish language but also develop your habit of reading.

An alternative for this is to download a dictionary on your phone and look up any nouns, adjectives, or other words immediately. Such dictionaries can not only enhance your vocabulary but also provide you with countless examples to help you improve your grammar. However, a printed dictionary would still be preferred.

If Irish is not your first language and you are interested in learning more about Irish, then make sure to visit the Ling app. This platform brings you blogs and outstanding free language courses developed by real native speakers and professionals. Try it out by downloading the Ling app on the Play Store or App Store today!

Whenever one thinks of visiting Ireland, most of us usually envision the grand old castles, great water activities on Achill Island, or perhaps the Eyre Square at Galway. However, there’s so much more to these tourist destinations! In fact, if you are after some wild adventure with your family and friends, then visiting some of the local zúnna (or zoo in English) is what you should consider. Presently, the country has around 11 zoos and aquariums scattered in touristy places like Dublin, Carrigtwohill, Dingle, Mallow, and Letterkenny.

The country’s most popular zoo is the Dublin Zoo at Phoenix Park, which was first opened in 1831 by the Zoological Society of Ireland to create outstanding animal habitats. Today, it is home to more than 500 animals, including rare species with a very low survival rate in the wild. It is also currently partnered with a number of institutions from across the globe since it has become one of the centers for breeding programs for quickly going-extinct species. Some of these animals include:

• Irish hare
• Irish setter
• Connemara pony
• Red fox
• Hedgehog
• Red deer

Let’s get to know more about the noble animals in Ireland below.

What Is A Common Animal In Ireland?

One common animal in Ireland is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The red fox is a small-to-medium-sized mammal with reddish-brown fur and a bushy tail. It is found throughout Ireland and is well-adapted to various habitats, including forests, farmlands, and urban areas. The red fox is primarily nocturnal and is known for its cunning and intelligence. It feeds on a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. The red fox is an iconic species in Irish folklore and mythology and holds cultural significance in the country.

Given the country’s unique location, there is no surprise that there are tons of beautiful and strong wolves that might make you feel like you are on the set of Game of Thrones! To make matters much more interesting, the Irish locals actually call them the name Mactíre (pronounced as mock cheer uh), which directly translates to “Son of the Land!” Interesting, right?

What Are Common Pets In Ireland?

As for current pet ownership statistics, about 45% of adults in Ireland are open to living with domesticated animals like dogs or cats. According to one report, most of the locals prefer taking care of dogs, while some from the older age group are also willing to take care of cats, small mammals, birds, and fish. Horses are also popular with some of the folks from the rural part of the country.

With most of the people being left stuck at home due to the pandemic, the locals were also able to keep themselves entertained by adopting pets. Based on one news report, there was a sudden spike in the number of interested individuals who are willing to give some of the furry animals a perfect home, and it seems to be on a continuous rise! After all, isn’t this the perfect time to get a pet and give it the love and attention it so deserves?

Animal Names In Irish Language

While it is true that countries do have a specific animal to represent them, Ireland actually has different ones, which makes it truly interesting to know. In 1990, it was declared that the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) is the national bird of Ireland. Still, it was found to be only an unofficial declaration by the Irish Wildlife Conservancy. Today, the country still does not have one specific bird to represent them, but most locals believe it is the raven since it is used in many official “coat of arms.”

As for the national fish, Ireland is known for the Northern Pike (Esox lucius), usually found in the north of Lough Neagh. According to anglers, you can find the pike almost anywhere in the river and canal, and it is estimated to grow up to 20kg!

The country also is quite unclear about the national land animal that will represent them. Some say that it is the Irish hare, while others believe it should be the Red Deer.

Try To Memorize Animal Names In Irish!

As we reach this part of the post, we hope that you were able to learn the names and the specific meaning or translations behind some of the most famous creatures in Ireland. Hopefully, this post has encouraged you to come and visit the country (not just because of the week-long festivities) to try to have a little tour with some of the animals that can only be found in this place!

If you enjoyed this post, we recommend that you read out other blog posts related to the Irish language, like the most common verbs, slang words, and how to structure a question like a total pro. Also, if you’d like to master the Irish language truly, it would be great to continue reading below to find out our most recommended learning tool.

Would You Like To Learn Irish Gaelic?

We hope you enjoyed this article about animal names in Irish! Learning foreign languages does not have to be hard, overwhelming, and expensive. With the help of the Ling app, you can unlock amazing language content guaranteed to turn you into a confident speaker in not just one but 60+ languages! Apart from regular practice, it also includes gamified content that will immerse you in your chosen languages so that you won’t ever feel bored while studying. So, what are you waiting for?

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Ireland has always been part of the top tourist destinations due to its wide breadth of castles and medieval sites, lush greenery, and stunning natural landscapes. It’s a dreamy place that certainly looks like it came right out of a fairytale book which is why a number of films were shot from this place. Some of the popular shows and movies that used the Republic of Ireland as a backdrop are historical franchises, including Game of Thrones, Vikings, Harry Potter, and the Tudors!

Aside from the glorious look, Ireland is also popular since this is the only place where you can find some of the endangered plant species from across the world. Since the country has only a few native plants, Ireland is going the extra mile to protect it all by having the seeds stored in freezers so that they can be planted again in the next century. Want to see the plants in action when you visit? Just go to the National Botanic Gardens for free and roam around its exquisite show of nature’s true beauty.

However, before you book your ticket and pack up your luggage for the adventure of a lifetime, we highly recommend that you pay close attention to the cultural etiquette and languages used in the country. You see, every country has a different culture, belief, and interpretation for certain instances. You do not want to be branded as “that traveler” who has not prepared well or researched the common etiquette of the locals.

Ireland: Cultural Etiquette

Traveling is not just about visiting a place or trying out for the first time a native dish. It allows you to widen your social circle and become connected on a personal level with the locals. However, you might not be able to fully form an authentic and positive connection if you do not know a thing about their etiquette. To give you an overview, read our tips below on how you can establish a relationship without breaking any of the common meeting etiquette and customs in Ireland.

• It is important in Irish culture to show respect by shaking hands with another person, even if you are speaking with an older kid.
• For business contexts, it is customary to address someone of higher status with their titles and last names when greeting.
• If you are greeting close friends or family members, you can kiss them on the cheeks and hug them. Do note that females usually kiss both female and male friends, while males only kiss females.
• It is okay to address a friend or a family member using their first name.
• In the countryside in Ireland, Irish people usually greet each other even if they are total strangers.
• Irish people do not really greet total strangers in the city, but they might do so if they think you are a tourist.
• Meeting someone for the first time? It is important that you follow the customs, which means that you need to shake hands no matter the other person’s age.
• Eye contact is often regarded as an essential part of greeting someone, as it denotes trust and respect.
• For business meetings, remember to shake hands with everyone before and after.
• Do not be offended if someone introduces himself to you but will not offer you a business card.

Now that we have said everything there is to know about Irish customs, it’s not time that we go through the most common expressions in the Irish language and English.

What Is A Typical Irish Greeting?

Below are the best ways by which you can greet someone in the most native-sounding phrases. However, please note that the Irish people mainly use English when speaking, so please don’t get disheartened if your newfound Irish friend will just speak to you in English.

How To Say Hello In Ireland Using English

Looking for better ways to say hello and greet like a total local? Level up your greeting game by reviewing our online list below. You see, you can get to impress your Irish friends by using their common slang. This is because about 99% of Irish people utilize English, and only a tiny minority actually speak Gaelic.

Prepare to belt out the phrases below, and you can surely see how much it will make them happy to know that you are trying to learn their real expressions.

So, which of these are you probably going to use with your Irish friends or colleagues? All the different expressions above are often used in both urban and rural areas, so if you plan to use them during your travel, you will not encounter misinterpretations from the locals.

Did you enjoy the short read? If you did, then we highly recommend that you also check out our previous articles, where you may answer some of your top questions, like how to express phrases related to transportation, colors, and how to say I love you! Also, you may share this post with other interested people so that they can learn more about the Irish language.

Got something to ask or clarify? Sure, we can help you out! Feel free to comment down below on this site, and we’d definitely get back to you in an instant. For the latest news on our language offerings, remember to connect with us on our Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, or Facebook page.

Ready To Master The Language Of Ireland?

Ready to say Irish words as if you are a total pro? Form correct sentences and read the language without any worries by using our most recommended application, the Ling app. It is a fantastic learning tool complete with flashcards related to vocabulary words and expressions, images, signs, audio files, and even AI-based features to help you easily learn over 60+ world languages.

The Ling app has been downloaded a million times on Play Store and App Store, and it has earned numerous positive reviews due to its unconventional way of teaching learners. Instead of plain old flashcards, this one provides a fully immersive experience with its gamified content. The best part? You do not have to commit so much time as one session can simply last for as short as 10 minutes.

So, search no more. Download the Ling app now and discover a new way to learn the Irish language today!

More importantly, if you plan to master this language, you help yourself and take part in keeping the language alive. You see, the Irish language (also known as Irish Gaeilge or Gaelic) is actually having its battle for existence right now since the whole country mainly uses English 99% of the time.

This can be reflected even in regular situations like most significant signs (especially in Dublin), and media in Ireland are mainly in English. As a response to the fall of native speakers of the said language, the government of Ireland is continuously looking for ways to revive the beautiful and distinct Irish language may it be in music, media, and even education. While the Irish language is not really spoken much in many parts of the world, learning it can guarantee that:

• You can have an authentic connection when speaking with the Irish people
• You can appreciate better the beautiful Irish words like aisling (a dream or vision), mo chroidhe (my heart), spraoi (fun), and saoirse (freedom).
• You’ll get to draw the line between the Irish Language and the common Hiberno-English (the type of English used in Ireland).
• You’ll get to appreciate a language that has so much history to offer!

So are you ready to fall into the depths and seize the moment to learn this today? Read on below, and this post will walk you through the basic Irish words, phrases/ expressions, and related slang words. If you are up for that, then off we go!

Basic Irish Words And Phrases

While you can definitely get by simply using an English expression during your journey to Island or when speaking with an Irish person, knowing the basics and being able to say it can literally impress them and put a smile on their faces. Below are some of the most basic Irish words as well as the best phrases that you might use or might hear another person use to you:

Got your head around the meaning of the words and phrases in Irish above? Well done! As a word of advice, always practice since the pronunciation of the words can be a bit hard for some. Remember to roll your tongue, okay? However, your story in language learning will not end there. We will walk you through some of the slang words or (call names) that the locals use in day-to-day conversations in the next part of this post.

Irish Slang

Ever heard the word banjaxed (broken) or comments like “top of the morning to you?” Those are just some of the usually said words that are truly Irish. Want to impress like a total pro? Try to use the words below and learn about their unique meanings:

That’s one information-packed article, don’t you think? If you enjoyed this post and effectively learned some essential words and phrases in Irish, feel free to read our previous blog posts, like the common Irish phrases for transportation, how to say I love you to an Irish person, and how to wish someone a happy birthday in garlic. Don’t also forget to share the post on social media so that we can reach more interested Gaelic language enthusiasts from across the world.

As you reach this part of the post, we hope that you will be able to use these today or hear them in real-life conversations. And if you want to practice and totally level your knowledge in this one, we have the most recommended fun tool called Ling app. Find out more about this below.

Ready To Learn More Words And Phrases In Irish?

Ready for us to spill the tea on the best language application that can teach you basic meaning and critical points in your chosen language? Don’t worry! We got your back! The Ling app is a totally free language solution (no need to subscribe to anything) guaranteed to help speakers turn from beginners into truly fluent and confident ones. Suppose you really want to learn vocabulary words in Irish, grammatical points, and pronunciation guides.

In that case, the courses from the inside of this mobile application can thoughtfully guide you every step of the way. Real native speakers are consistently checking the contents. Each lesson also has sounds recorded by real people so that you refer to these from time to time.

If you are finding yourself ready to start a new page in your journey, you can also take the fun language quizzes and even talk to our AI-based chatbot. So, what are you waiting for? Get your daily dose of Gaelic language and learn the right words and phrases perfect for everyday interaction!

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How Do You Say Thank You In Irish?

Irish culture is full of etiquette like saying thank you and please. If you ever get a chance to go to Ireland, even you could be shocked at how often the people thank each other. Thanking for something big makes sense, but the Irish people thank each other even for very simple things. One example of that could be by thanking the driver of a bus.

Thanking The Bus Driver

We often see people asking why Irish people are thanking the driver of a bus. As an English speaker, you might leave the bus when you reach your destination without saying thank you to the bus driver. However, if you ever go to Ireland, you would learn to thank the driver as well.

You can use any Irish phrases you would learn in this blog to thank the driver when you leave the bus. Thanking the driver is important because despite being paid, the driver also helped you reach your destination safely, and now that you are leaving you should at least show some gratitude and say thank you in Irish.

You do not have to go for any complex Irish blessings or old Irish sayings for this purpose. Instead, you can simply say Go raibh maith agat, and it will suffice. Wise old Irish words can be used in other ways, like sending a thank you note.

Sending A Thank-You Note

While in Ireland, expressing gratitude is important. Just a lovely way of thanking in Ireland is by giving the Irish blessing on a note. Many people in Ireland write a note with different Irish blessings on it and some cute doodles. Those cute doodles can have anything on them, like a cupcake or other doodles.

If you have recently come across a situation in which you got something nice from your colleague, then a good gesture on your part could be by sending them a thank you note. A card with best wishes for good health will be a great option if you want to show your deep gratitude in the Irish way.

Ways To Say Thank You In Irish

There are different ways of thanking someone in Irish, and here are the most common ones.

Buíochas

The first way of saying thank you in Irish Gaelic is by saying Buíochas. Buíochas is a phrase that means “thank you” in Irish. There are different times when the Irish people use this phrase; however, it is not considered a popular expression or common courtesy in the Irish language.

You can use this phrase in certain formal situations, like when you are talking to your teacher or trying to thank your leader, but most Irish tend not to use Buíochas in Ireland.

An example of this phrase will be “Tá buíochas agam ort.” having the literal translation of “I thank you.”

Míle Buíochas

How fun it is to learn phrases that stem from similar words so that they are easier to learn. Here we will tell you about its variation “míle buíochas” which means “a thousand thanks.” This is used a lot in Ireland. Almost all people are seen using this phrase whenever they want to show gratitude.

There are chances that an Irish person would use míle buíochas that you would get used to it. You might not even want to use any other word to say thank you in Irish besides Míle buíochas.

Go Raibh Maith Agaibh

Did you know that in Irish Gaelic, there are different ways of talking to a group of people as compared to the English language? One way of doing so is by saying, “Go raibh maith agaibh” which means “That was good in you.” This is a great way of letting someone know that they are good people, and you want to thank them for their kindness.

You can say “Go raibh maith agaibh” to all your friends when they throw a birthday surprise party for you, and now you somehow need to reciprocate that. Being with multiple people gives you a chance to use this phrase easily.

Go Méadaí Dia Thú

Let’s dig deeper into the cultural sayings which Irish people use based on their religion. A phrase most people use to thank religiously is “Go méadaí Dia thú.” The literal translation of this religious expression is “May God increase you,” and the people in Ireland use it a lot.

The increase used in this context could be based on the level of happiness or blessings in general. It also has an English equivalent which is “God bless you.” If you are talking to the older generation, then this should be your go-to phrase for thanking someone. However, if you are talking to a young person, then you might as well skip this phrase altogether.

Why Do Irish Say “Thanks A Thousand”? Go Raibh Míle Maith Agat

The Irish Gaelic way of thanking someone is way different from the English way. Even the Irish people who speak Irish tend to over-exaggerate their feelings of gratitude towards the person whom they want to thank. This makes the other person feel good and happy but amazed at the same time since the English speakers do not exaggerate or extend it as much as the Irish people do.

This takes us to a very common way to say thank you in Irish Gaelic: “Go raibh míle maith agat.” The literal translation of this phrase is “Have a thousand good things” or “thank you very much.” Just like many English speakers say, “thanks a million,” the people in Ireland make it a thousand goodnesses instead of thanks.

Go Raibh Maith Agat

Since the previous phrase we learned had an extra word, let’s shorten that phrase and make it easy to use. Go raibh maith agat is yet another way that the people in Ireland used to thank each other. It simply means “thank you very much in Irish.” It literally means “may you get many goodnesses.”

Other Useful Irish Expressions

Here is a go-to list for you to check out in case you are trying to learn how to say thank you in Irish.

Responding To Thanks

It is not obligatory for you to say thank you only. In some cases, even the person you are talking to might say thank you. In that situation, you would need ways to respond to that. If you are having trouble thinking of ways to respond to that, we got you covered for that.

Fáilte

The first way of taking someone’s thanks is by saying fáilte. This is the easiest way, and it translates to welcome. This is a shortened version and can be used in most casual conversations.

Tá fáilte romhat

If you are talking to someone older than you or at a higher status than you, then try saying Tá fáilte romhat. This is a formal and professional way of telling someone that you acknowledge their gratitude. This also shows that you are willing to help them again when they need some help.

Learn More Irish Phrases And Words With Ling!

We hope this blog helped you learn the famous Irish words you can use while in Ireland to show you. Each Irish phrase has its specification, which makes it unique. If you liked this blog, we would like you to get a glimpse of some other blogs like Irish Pronouns and Colors in Irish.

The Ling app allows you to gain insight into many languages. It is essential for every individual to know different languages in today’s world. Why not start with a place which provides all the study essentials in one fantastic platform? Download our app on the Play Store or App Store and keep checking our blogs to stay posted.

Happy Learning!

There isn’t a feeling quite like exploring Southern Ireland (or Northern Ireland, for that matter) and taking in nature’s bounty. It does wonders for the soul, and a little extra for the mind, particularly if you feel like you’re exploring the Irish language by identifying the local flowers and giving them their correct names. Of course, the most famous is the clover or Seamair, as much a symbol for St Patrick’s day as Guinness.

In many ways, learning a language is like tending your garden. You start with a seed, perhaps a deep-seated sense that you want to learn something new, and then every day, you water your curiosity. Before you know it, a year down the line, you have an entire tree of knowledge, an interconnected web that gives you a sense of well-being, which makes me think of the famous quote, “to have another language is to possess a second soul.”

Ling is here to aid you every step of the way. Our lessons are the water that sets the whole process going. Sign up for a daily 10-minute lesson and see your Irish language ability start to flourish. If you didn’t already know, Irish is just of many languages the platform caters to; there are 60 in total. That means your one subscription equates to 60 subscriptions wrapped up in 1 bundle without the hassle of 60 separate subscriptions.

Plants In Irish

Note: Some of these plants and flowers have the same names as they do in English.

Soil Composition In Ireland

Irish soil is some of the best in the world for growing plants and Irish flowers. The first thing to say is that the soil in Ireland is very acidic due to a geological process called washing out. The only way to counter this acidity is by adding lime. Parts of Ireland, such as Clare and Kilkenny, are rich in clay, leading to waterlogged soil perfect for plants like rushes.

However, the most common soil type is known as ‘brown earth,’ which is perfect for agriculture. A stunning 4.4 million hectares of Ireland’s 6.9 million total land mass is used for agriculture. In hilly areas, we find more peaty soils. Highly acidic, it is difficult for many plants to grow here except bog cotton and heather. You can’t grow crops here.

Look out for the early dog violet in wooded areas, a particularly stunning flower with heart-shaped leaves and five violet petals.

Phrases Related To Plants In Irish

Perfect for when you’re at the market or conversing with people about plants and flowers

What Do Different Plants And Flowers Symbolize?

Going back through ancient literature, from Shakespeare to the Romans, you’ll find that a significant weight has been put upon the symbolic nature of plants, especially flowering plants. Perhaps the most poignant is the poppy which symbolizes the blood spilled during world war 1 and 2.

Although an ancient tradition, the language of flowers was particularly deep-rooted in the victorian era. As you might know, the Victorians were very chaste and coy, emotions were buried, and flowers were seen as a way to overcome this. Any well-respecting Victorian had a copy of the Bible and guidebooks for interpreting the language of flowers.

Some examples include gifting aloe, which meant you were feeling bitter, or apple blossom, which showed preference. If you received roses from someone you didn’t like, you’d reply with a yellow carnation that expressed hatred. Bluebells were seen as representing kindness, whereas tulips meant passion.

It also mattered how you tied the flowers. If the ribbon was connected to the left, it meant you were trying to communicate something about yourself, and if it was linked to the right, it was about the recipient. All very complicated, and I am glad things are much more direct now with social media.

Learn Irish With Ling

So what is it for you? Do you prefer yellow flowers or red? Do you know the county flower of your place of birth? The rabbit hole is endless when it comes to exploring flowers and plants. Ling is the perfect place to learn Irish plants and language more generally. You’ll find everything you’d expect in a language learning app, plus a few extras that set the app apart.

If you liked this blog, think about checking out a few other related such as Irish food and Irish tongue twisters.