The most common greeting is the handshake. The Irish usually shake hands when being introduced or when greeting a friend or work colleague. In formal situations or with people of higher status, titles and last names are used. Among close friends and family, the Irish may hug and kiss each other on the cheek.
“Maidin mhaaaaith!” Maidin mhaith, which is the simplest way to say “good morning” in Irish, is a direct translation of the English phrase.
To one person: Dia dhuit JEE-uh Gwitch. To multiple people: Dia dhaoibh JEE-uh YEE-iv.
Usually pronounced in a drawn-out we-he-ll, it's a common Irish greeting around the Midlands. In Waterford “well” comes into it's own and covers absolutely everything, from “How are ya?” and “How's the dog?” to “Oh your mother was sick?” Feel free to reply with a shrug of your shoulders and a “Ah sure.”
What is the most famous Irish blessing? “May the road rise up to meet you” is one of the most famous Irish blessings.
Mucker. Mate, pal, friend. Example: I'm so excited to see my mucker.
In a social setting, it is polite to shake hands with people when you first see them and again when you are leaving. When driving in rural areas, it is proper etiquette to acknowledge other drivers. This is by either raising a hand or a finger from the steering wheel.
If you attend an Irish wake, it is respectful to bring the immediate family a gift. Alcohol, food, and/or flowers are typical gifts that may be given at Irish wakes. Offering gifts to the immediate family is a thoughtful and respectful gesture that shows them your support during this time.
Fáilte (Irish pronunciation: [ˈfˠaːlʲtʲə]), Fàilte (Scottish Gaelic: [ˈfaːltʲə]) or Failt (Manx: [ˈfaːlʲtʃ]) is a Gaelic word meaning "welcome".
To introduce yourself, you say "Is mise [your name]" - Iss mish-ah [your name] - "I am ..." To ask who somebody is, you say "Cé tusa?" - Kay tuss-ah - "Who are you?"
“Cailín” is the Irish slang for “girl.” A lot of Irish people still use this word even when speaking in English. The plural, “Cailíní,” is also commonly used, for example, “I'm meeting up with the cailíní later on.” One of our absolute favorite Irish phrases!
Cead Mile Failte: A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Cead mile failte is Gaelic for "a hundred thousand welcomes." These words capture the welcoming heart and hospitality of the Irish people, and so the phrase has been celebrated for centuries.
Irish people have the reputation of being very friendly and easy-going. Small talk is an important part of everyday life even among strangers. Being polite is also very important: people use 'please' and 'thank you' often and they use indirect ways to ask for something.
“A chara” (uh KHAR-uh):
It is used to address both men and women.
What is this? Rather than merely replying with an Irish Gaelic “hello,” dia is Muire duit is a more appropriate and usual response in Irish Gaelic.