fàilte gu Èirinn
/ˈfaːltʲə ɡ̊ə ˈeːɾʲɪɲ/word by word
The phrase "welcome to ireland" in Gaelic is fàilte gu Èirinn.
This phrase is a greeting used to welcome someone who has arrived in Ireland.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fàilte (welcome) and gu Èirinn (to Ireland).
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition gu is used here to indicate direction or movement towards a destination.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfaːltʲə ɡ̊ə ˈeːɾʲɪɲ/
Did you know?
- While fàilte means 'welcome', the phrase is often accompanied by the gesture of a 'Céad Míle Fáilte', meaning 'a hundred thousand welcomes'. This is a cultural idiom expressing extreme hospitality rather than a literal count.
- The name for Ireland, Èirinn, is derived from the name of a goddess, Ériu, who was a central figure in Irish mythology.
- In traditional Gaelic culture, the act of welcoming a stranger was once a sacred duty. Failing to offer a fàilte to a traveler could be seen as a serious social or moral transgression.
Example conversation
Catriona greets Hamish at the airport.
- CatrionaHalo, Hamish! Fàilte gu Èirinn.Hello, Hamish! Welcome to Ireland.
- HamishTapadh leat, Catriona.Thank you, Catriona.
- CatrionaA bheil thu sgìth?Are you tired?
- HamishTha, ach tha mi toilichte a bhith an seo.Yes, but I am happy to be here.
