Dia daoibh a chairde!

We recently had our second monthly Pop-up Gaeltacht in Norton’s bar in Digbeth. It was a great success, and everyone seemed to enjoy the event. We are holding these events at Norton’s on the second Sunday of each month, starting at 1pm. The aim is to give Irish speakers an opportunity to speak to other Irish speakers and for those with just a few words to try it out in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

This month, therefore, I would like to leave you with some useful phrases and conversation starters.

Dia duit – Hello (and the answer of course is Dia is Muire duit!)

Introduce yourself by saying: Is mise Seán/Máire (I’m Seán/Máire)

Cad is ainm duit? (What’s your name?)

Deas bualadh leat – nice to meet you.

Conas atá tú? - how are you?

You can answer with – Tá mé go maith go raibh maith agat (I’m fine thanks)

Agus tú féin? - and yourself?

Cá bhfuil tú i do chónaí? (Where do you live?)

Answer with: Tá mé i mo chónaí in Warmley/Coventry, etc)

To offer someone a drink, say: Ar mhaith leat deoch? (would you like a drink?)

The answer is: Ba mhaith (yes) or Níor mhaith (no)

Try not to confuse the above with another useful question: An maith leat ceol?

(Do you like music?)

The answer in this case is: Is maith (yes) ní maith (no)

ceol – music

ceol traidisiúnta – traditional music

peil – football (Gaelic)

sacar – sacar

iománaíocht – hurling

rugbaí

An bhfuil páistí agat? (Do you have children?)

Answer is Tá (yes) Níl (no)

Questions beginning with AN BHFUIL are always answered with TÁ or Níl.

An dtéann tú go dtí an phictiúrlann? Do you go to the cinema?

An éisteann tú le ceol? Do you listen to music?

Is maith liom rugbaí a imirt – I like to play rugby

Is breá liom peil – I love Gaelic football

Is maith liom dul chuig seisiúin cheoil – I like to go to music sessions

Níl suim ar bith agam i leadóg – I have no interest in tennis

Join us next month and try out some of your Irish words or come and listen!