Irish Booklet

Irish / Sunday Independent Liam O Maoinlai ‘Learn Irish’ CD CD One

Dia Dhuit. My name is Liam O’Maonlai and I want to welcome you to the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent’s Irish language CD course. There are no books required for this course. Simply sit back and prepare to learn, or relearn, a range of Irish-language expressions that you can then use in your everyday life.

The featured words and phrases are easy to learn, and the full course is spread over 2 CDs, each featuring 6 lessons lasting approximately ten minute each. I will speak the phrase in English and then I’ll say the same thing in Irish. After that, there’ll be a pause for you to practice saying the words in Irish yourself. I will then go on to the next phrase. So let’s begin… Lesson One: Introducing yourself

There are a number of ways of greeting someone in Irish.

When someone says “Dia dhuit”, you reply, “Dia is muire dhuit.” Now, you try it. You can also say any of the following. Listen and repeat. Hello Dia dhuit

Please let me introduce myself Lig dom mé féin a chur in aithne My name is Peadar Peadar is ainm dom

Hi, my name is Seán Hi, Seán is ainm dom

It’s a pleasure to meet you. Tá sé deas bualadh leat

How are you? Conas tá tú?

I’m fine – and you? Tá mé go breá – agus tú féin? Good, thank you. Go maith, go raibh maith agat

I’m from Dublin. Is as Baile Átha Cliath domsa

I’m from Donegal. Is as Dún na nGall dom.

You’re from Kerry? Whereabouts? Is as Ciarraí duit? Cén áit? Kerry is a beautiful place. Tá Ciarraí go hálainn.

Now, listen to these phrases again.

Hello, please let me introduce myself; my name is Seán. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m from Dublin. Are you from Kerry. Kerry is a beautiful place. Dia dhuit, lig dom mé féin a chur in aithne, Seán is ainm dom. Tá sé deas bualadh leat. Is as Baile átha Cliath dom. An as Ciarrai duit? Tá Ciarraí go hálainn. Now listen and then repeat these phrases around leave taking. Well, nice to meet you. Bhuel, deas bualadh leat Goodbye. Slán

See you. Feicfidh mé thú Bye for now. Slán go fóill

Now try putting two of the phrases together to close off an encounter: Well, nice to meet you. Goodbye. Bhuel, deas bualadh leat, slán

Now trying to put a couple of sentences together yourself. Try saying: “Hello, I’m Peadar from Donegal. I’m pleased to meet you.” OK, Hopefully you said something like:



“Is mise Peadar ó Dhún na nGall. Tá sé deas bualadh leat.” And that brings us to the end of our first lesson. You might want to review it until you become familiar with the contents. Lesson Two: Asking for Help

In this lesson we will look at getting information from others. There are a number of ways to approach people. Listen and repeat. Excuse me Gabh mo leithscéal

Hi. Can you help me? Hi. An féidir leat cabhrú liom? Where is? Cá bhfuil…? Please. Le do thoil

Thank you. Go raibh maith agat

I’m looking for the Post Office Táim ag lorg Oifig an Phoist

Now, we will put those phrases into complete sentences. Listen and repeat. Excuse me. Hi! Can you help me please? Where is the post office? Thank you.

Gabh mo leithscéal. Hi. An féidir leat cabhrú liom le do thoil? Cá bhfuil Oifig an Phoist? Go raibh maith agat Good. Some more phrases. Listen and repeat What is the way to…? Cén slí chuig… / Cén treo ina bhfuil…

Can you give me directions to…? An féidir leat treoracha a thabhairt dom chuig I am looking for… Táim ag lorg…

The Main Street An Phríomhshráid

The shops Na siopaí

The beach An trá

Now we’ll join these up into longer sentences. Listen and repeat. What is the way to the beach? Cén treo chuig an trá?

Can you give me directions to the Main Street. An féidir leat treoracha a thabhairt dom go dti an phríomh shráid I am looking for the shops. Táim ag lorg na siopaí

Now try some more sentences. Again, listen and repeat.

The shops are on the Main Street Tá na siopaí ar an bpríomhshráid

The post office is opposite the shops Tá oifig an phoist os comhair na siopaí

The beach is the first left after the shops Tá an trá ar chlé díreach taréis na siopaí

Take the next right for the Main Street Tóg an chéad chasadh eile ar dheis le dul go dtí an Phríomhshráid

Now listen to the next sentence in English and then attempt to say it in Irish yourself.

Hi. Can you help me? I am looking for the beach. Is it the next left after the Post Office? Oh. The first right on the Main Street. Thank you. Ok. It goes like this:

Hi. An féidir leat cabhrú liom? Táim ag lorg na trá. An bhfuil sí ar chlé tar éis Oifig an Phoist? Oh, an chéad chasadh ar dheis ar an bPríomhshráid. Go raibh maith agat.

Now try it again yourself. Now we’ll look at more examples of seeking help. Listen and repeat. Excuse me. I need some help. Gabh mo leithscéal, tá cúnamh uaim How can I help you? Conas gur féidir liom cabhrú leat/

I’m looking for the Seaview B and B Táim ag lorg B&B an Seaview. Do you know the address? An bhfuil an seoladh agat?

Yes. It’s in the townland of Conlin. Tá. Tá sé i mbaile fearainn Conlin

OK, I know it now. You need to go back the way you came. Ok, Tá sé agam anois. Caithfidh tú dul arais an tslí a tháinig tú Right. Ceart go leor

Then take the second left after de Rossa’s pub. Tóg an dara casadh ar chlé tar éis teach tabhairne de Rossa Yes. Sea

And you’ll see it on your right, 200 metres later. Agus feicfidh tú é ar dheis, dhá chéad méadar ar aghaidh That’s great. Thank you very much. Sin iontach. Go raibh mile maith agat

And if we join some of the phrases up. Listen and repeat.

The Seaview B and B is in the townland of Conlin. To get there, you take the second left after de Rossa’s pub and, after 200 metres, you’ll see it on your right. Tá B&B an Seaview i mbaile fearainn Conlin. Le dul ann, tóg an dara casadh ar chlé tar éis teach tabhairne de rossa agus dhá chéad méadar ina dhiaidh sin, feicfidh tu ar dheis é.

Now we will look at correcting misunderstandings! Listen and repeat.

Do you understand? An dtuigeann tú

Where is? Cá bhfuil?

I have some Irish. Tá roinnt Gaeilge agam

I need some help Tá cúnamh uaim

Do you speak Irish? An bhfuil Gaeilge agat?

Please speak slowly. Labhair go mall le do thoil

Can you repeat that please. Abair sin arís le do thoil? I don’t understand. Ní thuigim

Try some of these phrases again.

I have some Irish. Please speak slowly. Tá roinnt Gaeilge agam. Labhair go mall le do thoil I don’t understand. Can you repeat that please. Ní thuigim. Abair sin aris le do thoil? Asking the time. Listen and repeat. Excuse me. What time is it? Gabh mo leithscéal, cén t-am é? It is two-thirty Tá sé leathuair tar éis a dó

What time do the shops open? Cén t-am a osclaíonn na siopaí

The shops open at nine o’clock. Osclaíonn na siopaí ag a naoi a chlog When does the bar close? Cathain a dhúnann an béar?

The bar closes at midnight. Dúnann an béar ag meán oíche

Now we will conclude this section by recapping on the vocabulary learned over the last 2 lessons. Listen and repeat.

Hello Dia dhuit

Hi Hi

My name is… ….. is ainm dom

Nice to meet you Deas bualadh leat

Excuse me Gabh mo leithscéal

Can you help me? An féidir leat cabhrú liom

Please Le do thoil

Thank you Go raibh maith agat Goodbye Slán See you Feicfidh mé thu Post office Oifig an Phoist

What is the way to…? Cén tslí chuig…

Can you give me directions to…? An féidir leat treoracha a thabhairt dom go dtí I am looking for… Táim ag lorg

The Main Street An phríomhshráid The shops na siopaí

The beach an trá

Opposite os comhair The first an chéad

Left (on the left) clé ( ar chlé)

Right ( on the right) deas ( ar dheis) After tar éis

(the)Next (one) an chéad cheann eile The address an seoladh

Pub teach tabhairne That’s great sin iontach

Thank you very much go raibh míle maith agat Do you understand? An dtuigeann tú

I don’t understand Ni thuigim

Do you speak Irish? An bhfuil Gaeilge agat

Speak slowly Labhair go mall What time is it? Cén t-am é

It is two-thirty Tá sé leathuair taréis a dó Nine o’clock. Naoi a chlog Midnight meán oíche Open oscail Close dún

Lesson Three: Weather

This is one of our favourite topics in Ireland, so as before, listen and repeat. It is hot. Tá sé te

It is sunny. Tá sé grianmhar

The sky is blue. Tá an spéir gorm

It is 25 degrees today Tá an teocht ag fiche cúig céim inniu

There is a strong breeze. Tá gaoth láidir ann The weather is terrible. Tá an aimsir uafásach

It’s cold and grey today with a strong breeze. Tá sé fuar inniu, agus tá an ghaoth láidir Now, listen to these phrases and repeat.

The sky is blue and it’s 25 degrees today. Tá an spéir gorm agus tá an teocht ag fiche cúig céim inniu It’s cloudy with a strong breeze today. Tá sé scamallach agus tá gaoth láidir ann inniu Now try saying, “Today is cold and cloudy.”

Tá sé fuar agus scamallach inniu

Good. Now what about, “it’s hot and the sky is blue.” Tá sé te agus tá an spéir gorm

Oh, Oh. Here comes the rain! OK, as always, listen and repeat. It is drizzling. Tá salachar báistí ann

It’s pouring rain. Tá sé ag stealladh báistí There are hailstones. Tá clocha sneachta ann It will snow tonight. Tá sneachta air anocht

What is the forecast? Cad é tuar na haimsire?

It’s a fine day. Lá breá

There are hailstones and it will snow later. Tá clocha sneachta ann agus beidh sé ag cur sneachta níos déanaí

Now on to not so good weather. Listen and repeat.

Now try saying, “it’s drizzling rain tonight.”

It’s hot and sunny and the sky is blue today. Tá sé te agus grianmhar agus tá an spéir gorm inniu It is cold. Tá sé fuar

It is cloudy. Tá se scamallach

The sky is grey. Tá an spéir liath

Is rain forecast for tonight? Bhfuil básiteach geallta anocht?

Tá salachar báisti ann anocht Now the weather in the different seasons

In spring, you get sun and showers. San earrach bíonn idir ghrian agus cheathanna againn

In summer, you get long sunny days. Sa Samhradh, bíonn laethannta fada grianmhara againn

In autumn, strong winds blow the leaves off the trees. San Fhómhar, séideann gaoth láidir na duilleoga de na crainnte In winter it rains a lot. Sa Gheimhreadh, bíonn sé ag cur báistí go minic Sometimes we get snow and ice. Uaireannta bionn sioc agus sneachta again

Now try saying “There are no boats permitted on the Blue Flag Beach”

Níl cead aon bhád a bheith ar an trá leis an mbrat gorm

Now try saying, “This sandy beach is safe for the kids to go swimming.”

Can you say, “In autumn, you get strong winds.” in Irish?

Tá an trá ghaineamhach sábhailte do na páisti le dul ag snámh

San Fhomhar, bíonn gaoth láidir againn

Now, we will consider other types of outdoor activities. Listen and repeat.

Lesson Four: Holidays

If you holiday on the West coast, you may well find that you are in an Irish-speaking area. Don’t be afraid to try your Irish out on them! First let’s look at activities centred around the beach. Listen and repeat. Sean wants to go fishing. Teastaíonn ó Sheán dul ag iascaireacht We wish to hire a boat. Ba mhaith linn bád a fháil ar cíos

Is this beach safe for swimming? An bhfuil sé sábháilte dul ag snámh ar an trá seo Are jet skis permitted on this beach? An bhfuil jet skis ceadaithe ar an trá seo? This is a blue flag beach. Tá brat gorm ag an trá seo

There are two lifeguards on duty. Tá beirt gharda slándála ar dualgas The tide is coming in. Tá an taoide ag Líonadh

The tide is out. Tá an taoide tráite

The kids love the sandy beach. Is breá leis na páisti trá deas gaineamhach

Putting some of these together, we get:

[The kids love the blue flag sandy beach.] Is breá leis na páistí an trá ghaineamhach leis an mbrat gorm

There are no jetskis permitted so instead we hired a boat. Níl jetskis ceadaithe ar an trá, agus thóg muid bád ar cíos in ionad

This beach is safe for swimming – there is a lifeguard on duty. Tá sé sábháilte snámh ag an trá seo – tá beirt ghard slándála ar dualgas

We love hiking up the mountains siúl sna sléibhte

is breá linn dul ag

Is there a golf course near-by? An bhfuil galfchursa in aice láimhe Let’s go horse-riding.

Téanaim ag marcaiocht

Is it safe to cycle on these roads? dul ag rothaíocht ar na bóithre seo

An bhfuil sé sábháilte

We want to play tennis this morning. leadóg a imirt ar maidin

Teastaíonn uainn

Is there a market day in the town? mhargaidh ar an mbaile?

An bhfuil aon lá

Is there a charge into the Gardens? ag dul isteach sna gáirdíní?

An bhfuil táille le híoc

We will watch the match tomorrow afternoon. ar an gcluiche trathnóna amárach

What are the sights worth visiting? ar chóir duinn cuairt a thabhairt orthu?

Féachfaimid

Cad iad na háiteanna

Now try these longer phrases We want to play tennis this morning and cycle into town this afternoon.

Teastaíonn uainn leadóg a imirt ar maidin agus dul isteach sa bhaile ar na rothair tráthnóna Is it safe to go horse riding up the mountains?

An bhfuil sé sábháilte dul ag marcaíocht sna sléibhte?

Now try this yourself: “Is there a golf course near the gardens?” An bhfuil galfchursa in aice leis na gáirdíní

Good and try this: “Is tomorrow market day in the town?” An bhfuil margadh ar siul ar an mbaile amárach Now, some indoor activities. Listen and repeat Is there a swimming pool in the town? An bhfuil linn snámha sa bhaile?

What are the opening hours of the leisure centre? Céard iad uaireannta oscailte an ionaid scith? Do you have to be a member of the gym? An gcaithfidh tu bheith i do bhall den gym?

Where can we hear some live music on Saturday? Cén áit gur féidir linn roinnt ceoil a chloisteáil an satharn seo? Is there a cover charge? An bhfuil táille le híoc?

We are going to the cinema tomorrow Táimid ag dul go dti an phictiúrlann amárach

Is the night club open on Wednesdays? An bhfuil an club oíche ar oscailt dé Céadaoin Is there a late night taxi service? An bhfuil seirbhis taxi deireannach san oíche

Now try these combined phrases. Is there a cover charge for the night club? An bhfuil táille don chlub oiche

The leisure centre has a swimming pool and a gym. Tá linn snámha agus gym ag an ionad scíth

Good and try this: “Is there a late night taxi service on Wednesdays?” an bhfuil seirbhís taxi déanach ar an gCéadaoin

And finally, try this: “There is live music at the night club on Saturday.” Tá ceol beo sa chlub oíche ar an Satharn

Now we will conclude this session by recapping on the vocabulary learned over the last 2 lessons. Listen and repeat. Hot. te

Sunny grianmhar

The sky an spéir

Blue. gorm

Degrees céim Today inniu Cold fuar

Cloudy scamallach Grey liath

Strong breeze gaoth láidir

It is drizzling tá salachar báisti ann

It’s pouring rain tá sé ag stealladh báisti Hailstones clocha sneachta Snow sneachta Ice sioc

Forecast tuar Spring earrach

Summer samhradh Autumn fómhar

Winter geimhreadh

Fishing ag iascaireacht

Hire a boat bád a thogáil ar cíos Beach trá

Safe sábháilte

Swimming ag snámh

Blue flag brat gorm

Lifeguards garda slándála

The gym an gym

Live music ceol beo

On duty ar dualgas

Saturday Dé Sathairn

Sandy gaineamhach

Cinema pictiurlann

The tide an taoide

Hiking ag siúl

Cover charge táille

Night club club oiche

Mountains sléibhte

Wednesday Dé Céadaoin

Horse-riding. Ag marcaíocht

Lesson Five: Food

Golf course galfchursa

Cycle (cycling) ag rothaíocht Roads bóithre

Play tennis (playing tennis) ag imirt leadoige This morning ar maidin The match an cluiche Tomorrow amárach The town an baile

Visiting ag tabhairt cuairt ar..

the Gardens na garraíocha

Swimming pool linn snámha

Opening hours uaireannta oscailte

The leisure centre an tIonad scith A member ball

Late night taxi service seirbhis taxi déanach san oíche Ordering food is a perfect opportunity to practice your Irish, so listen and repeat: I am hungry Tá ocras orm

We are hungry Tá ocras orainn

The children are hungry Tá ocras ar na páistí

Breakfast is at eight. Beidh an bricfeasta ag a hocht Let’s meet for lunch. Buailfimís le chéile don lón

We eat dinner in the evening Ithimid an dinnéar tráthnóna

I am hungry, let’s meet for lunch. Tá ocras orm, buailfimis le chéile don lón Now, listen to these phrases and repeat.

We eat dinner in the evening when the children are hungry. Ithimid an dinnéar tráthnóna nuair atá ocras ar na páistí Let’s meet for breakfast. Buailfimis le chéile don bhricfeasta

Now try saying: “I am hungry, let’s meet for dinner.” < pause for the student to answer followed by the phrase in Irish.> Tá ocras orm, buailfimis le chéile don dinnéar

Now we’ll consider some things to eat and drink. Listen and repeat.

We eat fish on Fridays ithimid iasc ar an Aoine

I prefer coffee to tea. Is fearr liom caifé ná tae

I’m vegetarian. Feoilséantoir mise

He had toast every morning. Bhí tósta aige gach maidin

She eats cereal (cornflakes) for supper itheann sí gránbharr (calóga arbhar ) don suipéar

We have a snack at eleven in the morning. Bíonn smailc bheag le n-ithe againn gach maidin ag a haon déag I like a sandwich for lunch. Is maith liom ceapaire don lón

Would you like a ham sandwich or a toasted cheese sandwich? Ar mhaith leat ceapaire liabháis, nó ceapaire cáise tóstáilte? My favourite lunch is vegetarian panini. Mo rogha lóin ná panini gan feoil

Can I have a bottle of sparking water, please. Ba mhaith liom buidéal uisce coipthe le do thoil

I eat five portions of fruit and vegetable every day. Ithim cúig chuid de thorthaí agus de ghlasrai gach lá Now listen to these phrases and repeat.

I’m a meat and two veg person. Fear feoil agus glasraí mise

My son is allergic to peanuts. Ní féidir le mo mhac pís thalún a ithe

Now, listen to these phrases and repeat. I never eat meat. Ní ithim feol riamh

I would like soup as a starter. Ba mhaith liom anraith mar réamhchúrsa Now try saying, “We love fish.”

Is breá linn iasc

Now some phrases around entertaining. Listen and repeat. Would you like to come to dinner? Ar mhaith leat teacht chuig dinnéir?



We are having a dinner party on Saturday. Beidh cóisir dinnéir againn ar an Satharn

I have coffee and toast for breakfast. Bíonn caife agus tósta agam don bhricfeasta

We need caterers to help. Tá lónadóirí ag teastáil chun cúnamh a thabhairt

I would like a toasted ham sandwich for lunch. Ba mhaith liom ceapaire liabháis tóstálta don lón

Now try saying, “I have coffee at eleven in the morning.” Bíonn caifé agam ag a haon déag ar maidin

Now try saying, “I would like a cheese sandwich for lunch.”

Ba mhaith liom ceapaire cáise don lón

OK. Some more phrases around food.

Would you like soup? Ar mhaith leat anraith/

I never eat a starter. Ní ithim réamhbhia riamh We love junk food. Is brea linn bia canta

I am inviting six guests. Tá cuireadh tugtha agam do sheisear

The guests arrive at eight Tiocfaidh na haíonna ag a hocht

And combining some of these phrases:

We need caterers to help with our dinner party. Tá lonadóiri ag teastáil chun cúnamh a thabhairt leis an gcóisir dinnéir

I am inviting six guests to dinner on Saturday. Tá cuireadh tugtha agam do sheisear teacht chuig dinnéar ar an Satharn Now try saying, “We are having a dinner party.”



Táimid chun cóisir dinnéir a bheith againn Now can you say, “Would you like to come to dinner on Saturday?” Ar mhaith leat teacht chun dinnéir Dé Sathairn?

Lesson Six: Drink

peat.>

Would you like a drink? Ar mhaith leat deoch?

Would you like red or white wine? “Ar mhaith leat fíon dearg nó fíon geal a bheith agat?”

Once again, this is a great opportunity to use your Irish, so repeat after me…

Do you drink tea? An ólann tú tae/

Would you like a cup of coffee? Ar mhaith leat cupán caifé?

Have you got decaffeinated coffee? An bhfuil caife gan caiféin agat?

I like tap water with ice. Is maith liom uisce ón sconna le leac oighir

The kids love lemonade. Is brea leis na páistí liomanáid Fruit juice is best for children. Sú tortha is fearr do na páistí

Milk is good for you. Tá bainne go maith duit

Now try saying, “I would like some white wine please.” Ba mhaith liom fíon geal a bheith agam le do thoil Now some phrases to use in a pub. A pint of lager (beer) please. Pionta beoir le do thoil

What stout do you sell? Cén leann dubh atá ar díol agat? A glass of cider Gloine leanna úill (cider)

Now, listen to these phrases and repeat.

A whiskey with red lemonade Uisce beatha le liomanáid dearg

I would like a glass of lemonade with ice please. Ba mhaith liom gloine liomanáide le leac oighir le do thoil

Are children allowed in the bar? An bhfuil cead ag páisti a bheith sa bheár?



Would you like a cup of tea? Ar mhaith leat cupán tae?

Now try saying, “I would like a coffee please.”

Ba mhaith liom caifé le do thoil

Now listen to these phrases and repeat. I am thirsty Tá tart orm

Spring water is good for you. Tá fíoruisce go maith duit

I would like a pint of milk. Ba mhaith liom pionta bainne a bheith agam

Would you like some wine? Ar mhaith leat braon fíona Red or white? Dearg nó geal/

This wine is very good. Tá an fíon seo thar barr

Now, listen to these phrases and repeat.