One of the most beautiful parts of the Irish language is its rich collection of blessings (beannachtaí) and proverbs (seanfhocail). These aren’t just old, dusty phrases; they are windows into the Irish soul, packed with wisdom, warmth, and a bit of that famous Irish wit.

A seanfhocal (pronounced ‘shan-ukh-al’) literally means “old word”. These are sayings that have been passed down for generations, offering advice and observations on life.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common and beloved Irish blessings and proverbs. They’re perfect for adding a bit of authentic flair to your Gaeilge, whether you’re writing a card or just want to impress your friends!

Common Irish blessings

Blessings are a big part of everyday communication in Ireland. We use them to wish someone well, to say thank you, and to offer comfort. Here are a few essential ones to get you started.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

This is perhaps the most famous Irish blessing, known around the world.

It’s a beautiful way of wishing someone a safe and easy journey through life. It means you hope their path is clear and without obstacles.

Sláinte is táinte!

You’ll often hear sláinte (cheers/health) in an Irish pub, but this version adds a little extra!

This is a hearty and common toast, wishing the person both good health and prosperity.

Beannacht Dé ort

A simple and heartfelt blessing you can use in many situations.

You might say this to someone who has done you a kindness, or to someone who is going through a tough time. To say it to more than one person, you would say Beannacht Dé oraibh (pronounced ‘or-iv’).

Fad saol agat

This is a lovely blessing to wish someone on their birthday or as a general wish for their well-being.

It’s a simple, warm wish for a long and happy life.

Famous Irish proverbs (Seanfhocail)

Seanfhocail are little gems of wisdom. They often use imagery from nature and rural life to explain universal truths. Learning them is a great way to understand Irish culture and sound more like a native speaker.

Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin

This proverb will feel very familiar to speakers of English.

The tinteán, or hearth, was the centre of the traditional Irish home. This is the Irish equivalent of “There’s no place like home.” The pronunciation of féin can vary by region, from ‘fayn’ in Connacht to ‘heen’ in Ulster.

Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste

This is my favourite proverb and the unofficial motto for all Irish language learners!

It means that it’s better to try to speak Irish, even if you make mistakes, than to speak English perfectly. It’s all about making the effort. So don’t be afraid to practice! Your Gaeilge bhriste is beautiful.

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine

This proverb speaks to the deep sense of community in Irish culture.

It means that we all depend on each other for support and protection. No one is an island; we need our community to thrive.

Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scolb

A very practical piece of advice that can be applied to many situations in life.

This proverb is a warning not to take on a difficult task at the wrong time. It’s about having the wisdom to know when to act and when to wait for better conditions. Its meaning is similar to “There’s a time and a place for everything.”

Giorraíonn beirt bóthar

This is a lovely proverb about friendship and companionship.

The idea is that a journey feels shorter and easier when you have a friend with you. It highlights the importance of sharing your life’s journey with others.

Start using them!

These blessings and proverbs are more than just words; they are a living part of the Irish language. Try slipping them into conversation or writing them in a card.

Remember the proverb: Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste! Your effort is what matters most.

What’s your favourite Irish blessing or proverb?