One of the most unexpectedly beautiful parts of studying abroad in Ireland has been hearing how people speak. And not just what they say, but how they say it. Irish phrases, whether rooted in Gaelic (the Irish language) or just slang, carry a kind of warmth and depth that English often dances around but never quite lands on. Here are five of my favorites I’ve heard during my time here in Ireland that say more than they should be able to in just a few words:

1. Céad Míle Fáilte – A hundred thousand welcomes

You’ll see this phrase everywhere from airport signage to pub walls but it’s more than just a quaint greeting. It reflects something deeper about Irish hospitality. It’s not just “welcome,” it seems to be an anthem for Ireland, highlighting its spirit of generously and joyfully embracing everyone. It reminds me that the warmth here isn’t performative. It’s woven into the culture, the language, and even the way strangers talk to you at the bus stop

2. Sláinte – Health / Cheers!

You’ll hear people raise a glass and say “Sláinte” just like you would say “Cheers” anywhere else, but once you know it literally means health, the word hits differently. It’s a toast, but also a wish. 

And after hearing about different aspects of Irish history, Slainte feels like an echo of older Irish values: community, resilience, wishing well even in hard times. 

3. Grand: Fine, okay, good enough

No list of Irish phrases would be complete without “grand.” It’s seemingly the Swiss Army knife of Irish vocabulary. You could fall in the Liffey, lose your phone, miss your bus, and still be met with: “Ah, you’ll be grand.”

But I appreciate grand and its optimism in disguise. Almost like a gentle way of saying “You’ll figure it out.” In a world where everything often feels like a big deal, the irony of “grand” is refreshingly chill.

4. “Away with the fairies” – Someone who’s daydreaming, distracted, or a bit quirky

This whimsical phrase is one of my favorites because it blends Irish folklore with everyday conversation. It speaks to how storytelling and myth still color the language here. In a place where magic and myth are woven into the landscape, it only makes sense that even casual language is whimsical here. 

5. Craic – fun, good times, banter, atmosphere

“Where’s the craic?”
One of the most commonly misunderstood phrases when first entering Ireland is Craic (as it’s pronounced crack). Craic isn’t just about fun. It’s a vibe, a connection, a moment when laughter fills the air and everyone feels alive in it. And in Ireland, you can’t force craic. You can only stumble into it, and recognize it once it’s there. It’s hard to translate, because we don’t really have an English equivalent that wraps fun, storytelling, laughter, and shared joy into one tidy syllable. But Ireland has one and they use it generously. And also as a way to have a bit of fun with tourists 🙂

Language has a way of revealing what a culture values, and Irish phrases, whether ancient or everyday, seem to treasure connection, health, presence, and ease.They’re meaningful in ways that linger longer than the words themselves.