Previously, I shared some Irish greetings and birthday wishes in Irish. But there are so many more traditional, humorous, and unique Irish greetings that you might not know about.
These are great if you are looking to bring a smile to someone’s face or offer a warm welcome:
- “Dia dhuit!” (Pronounced: Dee-ah gwit) – This is the standard way to say “Hello” in Irish, literally meaning “God be with you!” It’s often responded to with “Dia is Muire dhuit” (God and Mary be with you).
- “What’s the craic?” (Pronounced: What’s the crack?) – A versatile greeting, common in Ireland, asking essentially, “How are you?” or “What’s new?” ‘Craic’ is a term for news, gossip, fun, or entertainment. And yes, people commonly confuse it as the other substance that I won’t mention. But they have very different meanings! Haha.
- “Top of the morning to you!” –
Don’t say this in Ireland
Though more commonly heard in movies or shows than in modern daily Irish life, it’s a stereotypically Irish way to wish someone a good morning. The traditional response is, “And the rest of the day to yourself!” However, if you are visiting Ireland, please do not use this saying as it is not something we say!
- “How’s the form?” – A casual and common way of asking someone how they are doing or how life is going at the moment.
- “Well, boyo?” – A playful and informal greeting, “boyo” is often used in reference to a younger person or among men but can be affectionate and good-humoured.
- “You’re looking well!” – In Ireland, commenting positively on someone’s appearance upon greeting them is common and seen as friendly and engaging.
- “How’s she cuttin’?” – A funny, traditional, and somewhat rural way of saying, “How are you doing?” It’s broad and can be used in many contexts, usually among friends.
- “Are ya having a laugh?” – This can be a greeting with a cheeky undertone, particularly if you arrive in a good mood or are chuckling upon meeting someone. It’s equivalent to asking if someone is joking or pulling your leg.
- “Alright, me auld flower!” – This is a very endearing term, often used to greet someone affectionately. “Auld” means old, and “flower” is a term of endearment.
- “May the road rise to meet you.” is not typically an Irish greeting but rather a warm way of wishing someone well when they are leaving or embarking on a journey. It’s from a traditional Irish blessing and implies a wish for success and good fortune.
I hope you enjoyed learning these Irish greetings. Are there any you didn’t know, or did you know them all? Comment below and let me know.
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