How to Say “Quest” in Irish

By Penelope Ivy • Updated October 7, 2026

tóir

The Irish word for quest is tóir.

tóir refers to a journey or an effort in pursuit of a goal. It can also be used to describe a pursuit or a chase.

Meaning: journey or effort in pursuit of a goal (noun)

Did you know?

The word tóir shares its ancient Proto-Indo-European ancestor with the English word 'run', both stemming from a root meaning 'to roll' or 'to run'.
While an English 'quest' sounds like a noble adventure, using tóir can shift the tone to describe an aggressive or predatory chase.
In modern Irish, tóir is frequently used in compound words related to hunting and tracking animals.

Example conversation

Niamh and Cathal are discussing an old legend.

Niamh

An bhfuil tú ar thóir an chaisleáin?
Are you on a quest for the castle?
Cathal

Tá, ach tá sé an-choisir.
Yes, but it is very difficult.
Niamh

Cabhróidh mé leat ar an tóir sin.
I will help you on that quest.
Cathal

Go raibh maith agat, a Niamh.
Thank you, Niamh.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries tóir, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Penelope Ivy

Hi, I'm Penelope (or Penelope in English). Sláinte! That's "health" in Irish! As a passionate language enthusiast, I spend my time exploring the beauty of the Irish language and culture. From 'antler' to 'zero', and from colloquial expressions to formal variations, I've written about it all. Apart from my love for linguistics, I enjoy gardening and a good stroll in the countryside. Oh, and did I mention horse riding? Yes, I cherish those moments of connection with nature. If I'm not immersed in my Irish studies, you'll find me buried in a gripping book or experimenting in the kitchen.

Penelope IvyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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