Lá Fhéile Pádraig
/ˌl̪ˠɑː ˌeːlʲə ˈpˠɑːɾˠɪc/masculine
St. Patrick's Day in Irish is Lá Fhéile Pádraig.
This phrase is used to name the Irish holiday dedicated to Saint Patrick.
Meaning: Irish holiday (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Day of the Feast of Patrick'. Lá means 'day', Fhéile means 'feast' and Pádraig is 'Patrick'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Lá (day) is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌl̪ˠɑː ˌeːlʲə ˈpˠɑːɾˠɪc/
Did you know?
- The name Pádraig is a linguistic traveler that likely entered the Irish language via Old Welsh rather than coming directly from the Latin 'Patricius'.
- While English speakers often use the title 'Saint', the Irish phrase Lá Fhéile Pádraig omits it entirely. The religious nature of the day is already understood through the word féile, which signifies a feast day.
- Even though the letters 'd' and 'g' are clearly written in Pádraig, they are often softened or completely silent in many spoken Irish dialects.
Examples in context
- An bhfuil tú ag obair ar Lá Fhéile Pádraig?Are you working on St. Patrick's Day?
Example conversation
Siobhán and Cathal are planning their weekend.
- SiobhánCad a dhéanfar ag Lá Fhéile Pádraig, a Chathail?What will be done for St. Patrick's Day, Cathal?
- CathalBólaigh muid an paráid, a Siobhán.We will watch the parade, Siobhán.
- SiobhánAn bhfuil tú ag caidreamh le do mhuintir ar Lá Fhéile Pádraig?Are you visiting your family on St. Patrick's Day?
- CathalTá, beidh muid go léir ansin.Yes, we will all be there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “st. patrick's day” translations and entries Lá Fhéile Pádraig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pádraig, lá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
