Dún na nGall
/ˌd̪ˠuːn̪ˠəˈŋal̪ˠ/masculine
Donegal is translated into Irish as Dún na nGall. Wiktionary also lists Contae Dhún na nGall and Tír Chonaill.
Meaning: county in Ireland (name)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dún na nGall | /ˌd̪ˠuːn̪ˠəˈŋal̪ˠ/ (Ulster) | masculine |
| Contae Dhún na nGall | masculine | |
| Tír Chonaill | feminine |
The name itself translates to 'Fort of the Foreigners'.
What does it mean word for word?
The name Dún na nGall literally means 'fort of the strangers'.
Which one should you use?
While Dún na nGall refers to the specific place name (the fort), Tír Chonaill is a traditional poetic or historical name for the wider region/territory.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌd̪ˠuːn̪ˠəˈŋal̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- The Irish word for land tír shares a common ancient root with the English word 'thirst'. Both originate from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'dry'.
Examples in context
- Tá mé in Éirinn, i Dún na nGall.I am in Ireland, in Donegal.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone about travel plans.
- SiobhánAn bhfuil tú i Dún na nGall?Are you in Donegal?
- ConorTá, tá mé sa chontae sin anois.Yes, I am in that county now.
- SiobhánTá sé go hiontach ansin.It is wonderful there.
- ConorTá, tá sé go hiontach.Yes, it is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donegal” translations and entries Dún na nGall, Tír Chonaill, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dún, Dún na nGall, contae, dún, tír, CC BY-SA 4.0.
