gleann
/ɟlʲɑun̪ˠ/masculine
The Irish word for 'glen' is gleann.
gleann refers to a valley that is narrow and secluded.
Meaning: secluded and narrow valley (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In the genitive singular case, meaning 'of the glen', the word changes to ghleann.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɟlʲɑun̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- In Irish mythology, certain gleanna are described as entrances to the Otherworld, where the physical geography of a narrow valley serves as a threshold to a magical realm.
- The word gleann is part of a larger family of Celtic words used to describe terrain, which is why you see the same root in the Scottish Gaelic word gleann and the Welsh word glyn.
- Because gleann implies a narrow and secluded space, it is often used in Irish poetry to symbolize intimacy or a hidden sanctuary away from the public eye.
Examples in context
- Chonaic mé an gleann ón ardán.I saw the glen from the platform.
- Is gleann deas é seo.This is a lovely glen.
Example conversation
Conor and Niamh are looking at a map of the countryside.
- ConorChonaic mé gleann beag ansin.I saw a small glen there.
- NiamhAn bhfuil an gleann sin gar?Is that glen near?
- ConorTá, tá sé thiar an bóthar.Yes, it is back the road.
- NiamhGo mbeidh muid ansin go luath.We will be there soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “glen” translations and entries gleann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
