Doire
/ˈd̪ˠɪɾʲə/masculine
The Irish word for the city of Derry is Doire.
Doire is the name used for the city in Northern Ireland. The name itself is derived from a term meaning oak grove.
Meaning: city in Northern Ireland (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
Doire is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈd̪ˠɪɾʲə/
Did you know?
- The root of Doire connects it to the Greek word 'drys', which is also used in English scientific names for oak trees, such as 'dryad'.
- While the city is called Doire in Irish, the English name is legally and politically contested between 'Derry' and 'Londonderry'. The Irish name Doire avoids this specific colonial political conflict.
- In Irish, doire is a general noun meaning 'grove'. This means that many different places across Ireland share the same name, as they were all originally founded near oak forests.
Examples in context
- Chuaigh mé go dtí Doire.I went to Derry.
- Is cathar iontach é Doire.Derry is a wonderful city.
- Tá mé sa Doire anois.I am in Derry now.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans.
- SaoirseCá bhfuil tú ag dul an tseacht seo?Where are you going this week?
- CianTáim ag tabhairt cuairt go Doire.I am visiting Derry.
- SaoirseAn bhfuil tú ag fanacht i Doire?Are you staying in Derry?
- CianTá, beidh mé ansin ar an Sathair.Yes, I will be there on Saturday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “derry” translations and entries Doire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Doire, doire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
