The Gaeltacht What is a Gaeltacht? Gaeltacht is the Irish language word for an Irish/Gaelic speaking region. The Gaeltacht areas are small rural pockets of Ireland where the Irish language (Gaeilge) is people's first language. In the schools in these areas, Gaeltacht schools, Irish is the language of learning for all the subjects studied. Many of the Gaeltacht regions in Ireland are located on the western seaboard where Irish culture and traditions remain very strong. Gúgán Barra (Gougane Barra) is part of a Gaeltacht, Múscraí (Muskerry), which is made up of the villages of Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary), Cúil Aodha (Coolea), Bhaile Mhúirne (Ballyvourney) and Cill na Martyra (Kilnamartyra), all situated to the west of Macroom town. It was here, in 1903, that the Irish teaching college Coláiste na Mumhan was formed to teach adults the Irish language. Make a start Gaeilge English How to pronounce it Dia Dhuit Good Day Deea gwich Conas atá tú? How are you? Co-ness a taw too Tá mé go maith I am well Taw may guh mah Ceart go leor Alright Kart guh lore Cad is ainm duit? What’s your name? Cod iss annim dit? ____ is ainm dom My name is ____ ____ iss annim dum Le do Thoil Please Le doh hull Caife le do thoil Coffee please Coffey le doh hull Go raibh maith agat Thank you Gur-uv ma uh-gut Tóg go bog é Take it easy Togue guh bug aye Sláinte Cheers Slaun te Maith thú Well Done/good for you Mah who Póg mo Thóin! Kiss my ass Pogue muh hone Go néirí an bóthar leat Best of luck Guh nyri un bohar lat Slán Good bye Slawn