20 Old Irish Phrases and Their Meanings: Wisdom from the Emerald Isle
Ireland has always had a way with words. From poets and playwrights to farmers and fishermen, the Irish gift for storytelling runs deep in our culture. Long before English reached our shores, our ancestors passed down seanfhocail — old Irish sayings — that carried their wisdom, wit, and a sharp sense of humour. These phrases aren’t just relics of the past; they still ring true today, capturing the Irish spirit of resilience, warmth, and quick wit.
Here are 20 of the best old Irish phrases and their English meanings — each one a little glimpse into how the Irish see the world.
1. Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir.
Time is a good storyteller.
Sometimes the truth only shows itself after a while — patience reveals all.
2. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
There is no strength without unity.
A reminder that we’re stronger when we stand together.
3. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.
Praise the young and they will flourish.
Encouragement helps youth grow — a timeless bit of Irish wisdom.
4. Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.
People live in each other’s shadows.
No one thrives alone; community keeps us alive.
5. Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin.
There’s no hearth like your own hearth.
In other words, there’s no place like home.
6. Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste.
Broken Irish is better than clever English.
Be proud to speak your native tongue — even imperfectly.
7. Tús maith leath na hoibre.
A good start is half the work.
A gentle nudge to begin well and keep going.
8. An té a bhíonn siúlach, bíonn scéalach.
He who travels has stories to tell.
Travel opens the mind and fills it with tales.
9. Bíonn grásta Dé idir an diallait agus an talamh.
God’s grace is between the saddle and the ground.
It’s never too late for redemption or a bit of luck.
10. Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón.
A person’s mouth often broke their nose.
A warning that loose talk can land you in trouble.
11. Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scolb.
The windy day is not the day for thatching.
There’s a right time and place for everything.
12. Is ait an mac an saol.
Life is a strange son.
Life is unpredictable — and that’s half the fun.
13. Mair, a chapaill, agus gheobhaidh tú féar.
Live, horse, and you’ll get grass.
A poetic way of saying: be patient, your time will come.
14. Ní hé lá na báistí lá na bpáistí.
A rainy day is no day for children.
Sometimes it’s best to wait for the right moment.
15. Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte.
Health is better than wealth.
Because what’s money without the strength to enjoy it?
16. De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin.
Little by little, castles are built.
Great things take time — brick by brick.
17. Filleann an feall ar an bhfeallaire.
Treachery returns to the traitor.
What goes around, comes around.
18. Níl sa saol ach gaoth agus toit.
Life is only wind and smoke.
A reminder of how fleeting life truly is.
19. Is fearr beagán den ghaol ná mórán den charthanas.
A little kinship is better than much charity.
Family bonds mean more than grand gestures.
20. Beatha teanga í a labhairt.
The life of a language is to speak it.
To keep Irish alive, we must use it — every day.
Closing Thoughts
Irish sayings have a way of cutting straight to the truth — often with a wink or a touch of humour. They remind us where we’ve come from, what really matters, and how to carry a bit of wisdom in our pockets. Whether you speak fluent Gaeilge or just enjoy a few cúpla focal, these old Irish phrases connect us to generations past — and keep the Irish spirit alive in the present.
