An Ghaeltacht

The Irish language, An Ghaeilge, was once the only language spoken in Ireland and some communities continue to preserve the country’s linguistic heritage to this day.

There are four Irish-speaking communities in Cork where An Ghaeilge is the everyday language for young and old, in schools, businesses, shops, hospitals and on the internet – indeed in every aspect of their lives.

Cork’s An Ghaeltacht areas are in Baile Mhúirne (Ballyvourney), Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary), Cúil Aodha (Coolea) and Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear Island). There are summer colleges where young people can spend a number of weeks immersing themselves in Irish traditional music, dance, folklore and – of course – the Irish language.

But even if you don’t want to learn An Ghaeilge – you’ll receive a very warm and traditional welcome any time in any of the An Ghaeltacht communities.

Useful Phrases:

phrase: Conas atá tú? pron: cunn-us ah-taw two meaning: How are you?

phrase: Tá mé go maith pron: taw may go mawt meaning: I am well

phrase: Go raibh maith agat pron: guh ruh mawt ag/gut meaning: Thank you

phrase: Gabh mo leithscéal pron: govh muh leh-skayle meaning: Excuse me

phrase: An Bhfuil Bearla/Gaeilge agat pron: on will bear-lah/gale-geh ah-gut meaning: Do you speak English/Irish