caisleán
/kəˈʃlʲɑːn̪ˠ/masculine
The English word "castle" is translated into Irish as caisleán.
caisleán is a masculine noun used to refer to a fortified building.
Meaning: fortified building (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form for "a castle" is caisleán, and the plural form for "castles" is caisleáin.
How do you pronounce it?
/kəˈʃlʲɑːn̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- The word caisleán is formed by adding the diminutive suffix -án to the word caiseal, which refers to an ancient stone fort.
- While caisleán refers to the building, the term dún is often used in Irish mythology and place names to describe a fortified stronghold or chief's residence.
- In Ireland, there is a distinction between a caisleán and a caiseal. A caiseal is typically a prehistoric ringfort made of dry stone, whereas a caisleán is a medieval fortified residence.
Examples in context
- Tá an chaisleán ar thaobh na cnoic.The castle is on the hillside.
- Feicim caisleán ar an gcnoc.I see a castle on the hill.
Example conversation
Cathal and Siobhán are looking at a map of the area.
- CathalAn bhfuil caisleán anseo?Is there a castle here?
- SiobhánTá, tá caisleán mór ansin.Yes, there is a big castle there.
- CathalAn bhfuil an caisleán oscailt?Is the castle open?
- SiobhánTá an caisleán oscailt inniu.The castle is open today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “castle” translations and entries caisleán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caisleán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
