Daniel Kirkpatrick

Irish Language

For me learning the Irish language has often felt as futile as chasing the wind. I’ll make a start, run and run, only to admit defeat weeks later. There are many courses and resources which help start you off, but one of the key gaps has always been the ‘so what’, the reasoning and context, or – in technical terms – the etymology behind what I’m learning.

It makes sense for any serious historian or researcher to try and understand the function and form of this invaluable pillar of ancient Ireland. This page includes a series of posts about key introductory topics on Irish language. Each cover a simple set of phrases, their usage, alongside the historical context they derive from in ancient Ireland. I make no claim to being an Irish speaker and strongly recommend other sources for learning Irish below. These posts are more about the significance of the language today and its roots in ancient Ireland.

“Language is at the very heart of what we know about history; it’s the looking glass through which we see the refracted reality. It is both history itself and the way we perceive it.”

Recent Irish Language Posts

  • Roots of Language: Irish Tree Mythology, Ogham & Sacred Law
    Oak, hazel, yew—these Irish words unlock more than vocabulary. They point to sacred inauguration trees (bíle), early law codes and the Ogham script. Explore how language, myth and history intertwine—and pick up practical phrases along the way.
  • Ancient Irish Proverbs and their Origins: Wisdom in a few Words
    Explore the origins of ancient Irish proverbs, tracing their roots in bardic and Brehon tradition, mythology, and the wisdom of early Ireland.
  • Etymology of Irish Animal Names: Myth & Language Revealed
    Explore the etymology of Irish animal names—cú, bradán, each—and uncover their mythological, legal, and cultural roots in Celtic Ireland.
  • Etymology of Irish Festivals
    Discover the ancient roots of Ireland’s calendar through the language of its festivals. From Imbolc to Samhain, each name reveals layers of mythology, history, and seasonal meaning that shaped Irish culture—and still echo today.
  • Irish Placenames: Ancient History & Mythology
    From gods and warriors to forgotten settlements, Ireland’s placenames are living links to its ancient past. This post explores how Irish toponyms reveal hidden histories, mythological lore, and archaeological insight—uncovering the deeper meaning behind names like Dún Aonghasa, Rathcroghan, and Emain Macha.
  • Ancient Irish Society: Language, Law & the Structures of Kinship
    How was ancient Irish society structured before the Norman invasion? This post explores the túath (tribe), fine (kin-group), kingship, and the role of Brehon law in shaping daily life. Drawing on linguistic roots and the latest research in archaeology and history, it offers a clear and accessible overview of Ireland’s Iron Age social fabric.
Illustration of a tree of knowledge as emblematic of Irish language

All Irish Language Posts

Recommended Sources for Learning Irish Language

For those interested in exploring the Irish language further and embracing the journey of learning it, here are a selection of recommended sources. Whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing your skills, these top 10 websites provide interactive courses, comprehensive dictionaries, multimedia lessons, and cultural insights. Each source offers a unique approach to mastering Irish, empowering learners to connect with Ireland’s heritage and rich linguistic tradition.​

Top 5 Websites and Sources

1. Duolingo
A free, user-friendly platform offering bite-sized lessons and gamified exercises, making learning Irish both engaging and accessible for beginners.

2. Conradh na Gaeilge
The Irish Language League provides resources, news, and cultural events that encourage deeper engagement with the language and community.

3. Teanglann
A comprehensive online dictionary and grammar resource offering detailed definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences.

4. FutureLearn Irish Courses
Online courses produced in partnership with cultural institutions, delivering structured lessons and interactive content from expert instructors.

5. Bitesize Irish
A resource offering concise lessons, vocabulary lists, and cultural insights aimed at beginners and intermediate learners alike.