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Be thankful. We have to learn this!
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Some of you who have ever been to Ireland will know that a lot of Gaelic is to be found. And it can confuse and frighten even the most seasoned traveller. Even if they do possess a guidebook and an Irish-_______ dictionary.
So that’s where Dazls Guide To Really Really Really Really Obscure Irish comes in.
Céili- If you see a sign advertising a céili, and you are in a mood to boogie, take note. A céili is a dance- but not just any old type of dance. It’s traditional Irish dancing, where amateurs and professionals can dance and hear traditional music at the same time. Popular dances include ‘The Haymakers Jig’, ‘The Siege of Ennis’ and ‘Shoe the Donkey’. Be prepared though- wear comfortable clothing and shoes, because this is very energetic and you’ll be sweating buckets by the end of the first dance. Most céilis are quite open to beginners, so go along for a laugh.
Craic- There are several uses of this word, so remember to look at it in the proper context.
1) Good time - “We had great craic at the disco last night”
2) News- “What’s the craic?”(Have you any news?)
3) Silliness- “What is with that craic?”( What is with that foolishness?)
Gall- Literally translates as ‘foreign’. Anything not known as a Ghaeltacht is known as a Galltacht (essentially English-speaking).
Gall (pronounced gowl) is also a derogatory term.
Langer- This is a really obscure phrase that is in main use in Cork, and some other parts of Munster. A langer is an eejit, a fool, a drunkard. To be langers is to be drunk. “I was langers last night.”
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This sign could be important on future trips to Ireland
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Scéal- In Irish, it translates as ‘story’. In modern Gaelic slang, it is used as another word for news. “Aon sceal?”(Any news?)
Féis- a féis is a traditional Irish festival, with Irish dancing, Irish music, and Irish poetry readings. Basically is a celebration of all things Irish.
Camogie- a sport for girls. It is the female equivalent to hurling, one of the oldest and fastest field games in the world, and is similar to Scottish shinty. Seriously, hockey is tame next to this.
Trá- Gaelic for beach. So if you see this sign, a beach is close by. Wear a wetsuit- the water is icy!
Slainte- Translates as 'health'. Used as a toast to your health.So, before you drink, toast 'Slainte!'. It could get you another drink...
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Focal- means word in Gaelic
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Céad Mìle Fáilte- Literally translates as 'Hundred Thousand Welcomes'. Is found everywhere where there are tourists. And people say the Irish aren't friendly...
Uisce beatha- Gaelic for whiskey. Literally translates as ‘water of life’. Famous Irish whiskies include Jameson and Paddy Power.
Scoil- If you see this, you know you are gazing on an school. Most schools have names posted in Irish and English. Avoid at break times. Or any time.
So there is my current list of phrases. More will be added as I think of them. And remember, all Irish place names are posted in both Gaelic and English on signs. And yes, the English translations are strange. But funny.
Hope that helps.
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Irish!
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