Speaking Irish to your grandchildren

This article outlines a few simple ways to speak Irish with your grandchildren.

When you speak in Irish with a child, you give them a valuable advantage which could help them to:

• Learn how to read and count
• Learn other new languages
• Develop communication skills
• Get a job in the future
• Make new friends
• Become part of the new generation of Irish speakers
• Strengthen their identity

Four simple things you can do to pass on Irish to your grandchildren:

1. Use simple Irish phrases during the day; see below for some examples:
   • Instead of “Goodnight”, use “Oíche Mhaith” 
   • Instead of “Thank you”, say “Go raibh maith agat”
   • Replace “Good boy/girl” with “Maith an bhuachaill” nó “Maith an cailín” 
   • Use “Slán” instead of “Goodbye”
2. Read a book in Irish at bedtime. There are plenty of beautiful books out there, and you will pass on plenty of useful phrases.
3. Listen to Irish language radio such as Raidió na Gaeltachta, Raidió na Life or Raidió Rí Rá and watch TG4. This will really help them to acquire the language and pronunciation.
4. Create simple labels to put up around the house:
   • “Doras”, “Bosca Bruscar”, “Fuinneog”, “Staighre”, “Ríomhaire”, “Tolg”, “Cathaoir”, “Bord”, etc – don’t stop the list! Use www.focloir.ie to translate.

Glór na nGael organise a wide range of family events through their TeangaTí scheme, and (as Comhluadar) provided the information on this page.

Date updated: July 2023