Irish Gaelic (often simply referred to as “Irish”) is only one form of the Gaelic languages that exist in the world today. The Scotts have Scottish Gaelic, Wales has Welsh, Cornwall has Cornish, and Brittany regions of France speak Breton. With the onslaught of the English language (and its dominance in the twentieth century in Ireland), the Irish who currently speak fluent Gaelic (about 5 percent) are dramatically fewer than even a century ago.

At the turn of the twenty-first century, the Irish government passed new regulations to bring about a kind of rebirth of the nation's mother tongue. All signs would have to be in Irish or both English and Irish. As a tourist, you will surely experience slight frustration at the government-pushed movement to have directional, place name, and warning signs posted only in Irish in the Gaeltacht regions, which happen to be the most rural locations. It's a good idea to purchase a map that shows both languages.

With three main forms, the Irish language still thrives in parts of the country. In Counties Cork, Kerry, and Waterford, you'll hear Munster Irish; in Galway and parts of Mayo, you'll perhaps catch locals speaking Connaught Irish; finally in Donegal, you'll hear the chiming of Ulster Irish in nearly every part.

'Tis Time to Talk

Parts of Ireland still speak Irish as their common, everyday tongue, namely in the Gaeltacht regions of Cork, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, and Donegal. You will also find the locals conversing in Gaelic in islands off of the west coast, namely the Aran Islands. Following you will find some handy charts to help you when attempting to speak a few words of Irish Gaelic with a local. Don't be shy; the Irish are an accepting bunch that will love to hear your attempts, especially over a pint, and if they teach you more of the local lingo, buy them one!

EXPRESSIVE EXPLORATION