Baile Átha Cliath
/ˌbʲlʲɑː ˈclʲiə/masculine
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland, and in Irish it is referred to as Baile Átha Cliath. Wiktionary also lists Dubhlinn.
Meaning: the capital of the Republic of Ireland (name)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Baile Átha Cliath | /ˌbʲlʲɑː ˈclʲiə/ (Munster) /bʲlʲɑˈkliː/ (Connacht) |
masculine |
| Dubhlinn | feminine |
The name refers to the capital of Ireland. While both provided forms refer to the same city, they are used in different contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The name Baile Átha Cliath literally means 'Town of the Ford of the Clíath', where the Clíath refers to a type of whelm or water-plant.
Which one should you use?
Baile Átha Cliath is the standard Irish name used in official documents, news and formal contexts. Dubhlinn is an anglicized-style Irish form.
How does it change in a sentence?
Baile Átha Cliath is a masculine noun. Dubhlinn is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbʲlʲɑː ˈclʲiə/
Did you know?
- The Irish name Baile Átha Cliath refers to a 'hurdled ford', where wickerwork fences were used to keep cattle from straying while crossing the river.
- The name Dubhlinn comes from the words dubh meaning 'black' and linn meaning 'pool'.
- The term Átha meaning 'ford' appears in many Irish place names, reflecting how vital river crossing points were for early settlers.
Examples in context
- Tá Baile Átha Cliath in Éirinn.Dublin is in Ireland.This sentence is useful for stating the location of Baile Átha Cliath.Tatoeba #10317356 by koala, translation #2974636 by CM
- Tá mé ag dul go Baile Átha Cliath.I am going to Dublin.
Example conversation
Cathal and Aoife are talking about their weekend plans.
- CathalCóiséis tú go Baile Átha Cliath an tamsain?Are you visiting Dublin this weekend?
- AoifeTá, tá mé ag dul go dtí an choirp.Yes, I am going to the city.
- CathalCé go raibh tú i Baile Átha Cliath anocht?Were you in Dublin tonight?
- AoifeNí raibh mé, ach táim ag dul anois.I wasn't, but I am going now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dublin” translations and entries Baile Átha Cliath, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Baile Átha Cliath, baile, cliath, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
