Learning Irish is not just about vocabulary; it’s about building confidence to hold real conversations. For beginners, starting with mini-conversations—short, practical exchanges—makes the language accessible and immediately useful. I will never forget my woeful attempts at ordering food in Paris using my Norn Irish French, but it’s only through such experiences that we grow –…
Language is not just about facts and communication—it’s about expressing who we are. In Irish, emotions are often described in ways that reflect a deeper connection to the self and the world around us. Whether you’re happy, sad, or just a little tired, Irish offers a wealth of expressions to describe your feelings. This post…
Ireland’s café culture is a mix of warmth, hospitality, and simplicity. Whether you’re enjoying a cupán tae (cup of tea) in a bustling Dublin café or ordering a slice of soda bread in a quiet rural tearoom, knowing a few key phrases in Irish can enrich the experience. This guide explores essential café-related vocabulary and…
In Ireland, weather is more than just a topic of conversation—it’s a way of life. The country’s ever-changing conditions often result in experiencing “four seasons in one day,” making weather discussions a vital part of Irish culture. For beginners learning Irish, mastering weather-related vocabulary not only enhances your conversational skills but also deepens your connection…
There are few institutions more enduring than family. Moral judgment aside, family as a structure of society is something we can all relate to for better or worse. This is perhaps only more true of the Irish than other cultures and certainly an important place to turn to next. Learning to describe your family in…
Written language is something we all take for granted. Even as I write, I can’t help but see the irony in my reliance on such a medium to communicate with you the reader. By putting into words what I am thinking, I am connecting with all who read this both now and in the future.…
There are few more exhilarating sites that standing on Ireland’s west coast and staring out across the seemingly endless ocean before you. The chill breeze, pungent smell of kelp, cawing of gulls, and sound of crashing waves. It’s a scene that has stood still for millennia; a frozen tableau that Ireland’s ancient forbears would have…
Each year, as we approach Christmas, many of us will don the charade of Santa Claus for our children, portraying a wonderful joy-wrapped lie. We put out our shortbread and milk, hang up the stockings, possibly even ring a few bells to pretend the reindeers are nearby. The wonder and excitement of our children fuels…
Earlier this summer I watched the road outside my home slowly broken up and resurfaced. The many weeks of hard labour (granted they took far longer than needed), disruption and chaos created, and the army of trucks carrying materials, all got me thinking about how such roads were built and used in our ancient past.…
If I were to list out the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Norse cultures, I can almost guarantee that their respective pantheons will come to mind. But if I now add the Irish to this list, I wonder how many would be able to list even one of their gods. Even as someone who grew up…