Much of the Dingle Peninsula is a Gaeltacht meaning it is a place where the Irish language, Gaeilge, is still spoken daily. Gaeilge, considered a Celtic language, is one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe with the oldest vernacular literature too. We don’t know how old it is but it’s old. It was spoken here for thousands of years before Christianity arrived on these shores. It is the language of the legends and the myths. The strength of the Irish language throughout the Dingle Peninsula is reflected in a rich store of music and stories, all of which are intimately linked to a wild rugged, ancient landscape.
Do you want to give it a go? Here are some phrases which you can practice and throw into casual conversation while ordering a pint in Dingle or chatting to some locals you meet along the Dingle Way or Slí Chorca Dhuibhne. Have fun!
- Is maith liom bheith ag siúl in Éireann – I like to be walking in Ireland
- Táimid faoi draoicht ag ceol na farraige – We are under the magic of the music of the ocean.
- Táimid ag siúl Slí Chorca Dhuibhne – We are walking the Dingle Way
- An bhfaca tú an caisleán ar an gcnoc? – Did you see the castle on the hill?
- Chonaic mé Chewbacca i mBaile an Fheirtéaraigh. – I saw Chewbacca in Ballyferriter
- Cá bhfuil an Daingean? – Where is Dingle?
- Cén aois atá Fungie? – How old is Fungie?
- An bhfuil ceol anseo anocht? – Is there music here tonight?
- Chuala go mbionn beoir á dheanamh anseo timpeall..? – I heard they brew beer around here?
- Go raibh maith agat. – Thank you
Top tip: Tg4, the Irish Language tv channel is available on the player. Link below. There is excellent programming on TG4 for anyone interested in the landscape, language, legends, folklore, music and traditions of Ireland. Most of the programmes are available for a month so well worth keeping an eye on. All programmes are subtitled.
Is maith liom bheith ag siúl in Éireann – I like to be walking in Ireland.
Táimid faoi draoicht ag ceol na farraige – We are under the magic of the music of the ocean.
Táimid ag siúl Slí Chorca Dhuibhne – We are walking the Dingle Way.
An bhfaca tú an caisleán ar an gcnoc? – Did you see the castle on the hill?
