The Top 50 Irish Words

Cén focal Gaeilge is fearr leat – What is your favourite Irish Word?

Let’s Learn Irish is revealing the public’s ‘Top 50 Irish Words’ throughout July! Speaking about the launch of the project, which runs on social media throughout the month of July, Stiúrthóir/Director of Let’s Learn Irish, Dr. Rónán Ó Conghaile, commented:

“The Top 50 Irish Words survey was conducted amongst our learners across the globe, in order to find out which Irish words they love to hear and say the most. We have collated the data and we are excited to share the results with everyone!”

Let’s Learn Irish enlisted their 30,000 followers across various social media platforms and mailing lists in order to compile these results. The 50 winning words have now been illustrated and recorded, and will be posted every day in July on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok. The winning list begins with Aisling meaning ‘vision’, and runs all the way to Ulcabhán, meaning ‘owl’. Dr. Ó Conghaile added:

“When we asked our followers for their favourite Irish words, we were inundated with responses – it just goes to show how much people appreciate the richness and unique sounds of the Irish language! Most people who have learned Irish can instantly recall a specific word or phrase that resonates with them. The survey has identified the most popular responses, but better still, it has been an enjoyable way to engage learners and to draw their attention to ‘an Ghaeilge’. We’re looking forward to sharing the winning words with the Irish community!”

To find out the top 50 words and their meanings, and to see if your choice made the list, follow #50Focal throughout July!