go n-éirí an bóthar leat
The Irish phrase for "safe journey" is go n-éirí an bóthar leat.
This phrase is used to wish someone a safe and successful trip.
Which one should you use?
If you are wishing a safe journey to a group of people rather than an individual, you change the ending from leat (with you) to leo (with them/you plural) to say go n-éirí an bóthar leo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses a subjunctive structure starting with go to express a wish or desire. It literally translates to "may the road rise with you".
Did you know?
- The word for 'road', bóthar, is rooted in the ancient concept of a 'cow path', coming from the Proto-Celtic word for a path used by cattle.
- The phrase is a central part of a famous Irish blessing that often continues with wishes for the wind to be always at your back and the sun to shine upon your face.
- While the phrase is often translated as 'may the road rise with you', it is more accurately understood as wishing that the road 'succeeds' or 'goes well' for the traveler.
Examples in context
- Go n-éirí an bóthar leat.Safe journey.
- Go n-éirí an bóthar leat ar do thuras.Safe journey on your trip.
Example conversation
Conor is saying goodbye to Saoirse at the airport.
- ConorTá an planeádán réidh anois, a Saoirse.The plane is ready now, Saoirse.
- SaoirseTá, caithfidh mé imeacht.Yes, I have to go.
- ConorGo n-éirí an bóthar leat!Safe journey!
- SaoirseGo raibh milleadhais agat, a Chonaire.Thank you, Conor.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry go n-éirí an bóthar leat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries an, bóthar, go, CC BY-SA 4.0.
