Last week, we brought you the Irish language courses used by learners.
This week, we share with you the results of the same report about Irish Gaelic learners. It asked learners and their teachers what dictionaries they use. But we’re also keeping the links up to date, because online links change over time. If there’s a problem, just leave a comment below.
That’s a great nugget of information if you’re serious about learning to speak Irish Gaelic.
The Irish Gaelic Dictionaries
An Foclóir Póca (Paperback)
“Foclóir Póca” means “Pocket Dictionary”. It’s quite a good little dictionary and does both directions of English-Irish and Irish-English. If you’re looking to get a dictionary for learning to speak Irish Gaelic, this one is a reasonable investment. It’s also available on Litriocht.com.
De Bhaldraithe (Paperback)
A classic English to Irish Gaelic dictionary (the headwords are in English). The latest editions we’ve seen are in paperback.
Ó Dónaill (Paperback And Hardback)
A classic Irish Gaelic to English dictionary (the headwords are in Irish).
Bonus: Online Irish Gaelic Dictionaries
Learning to speak Irish online is a great way to learn, right? You might want to use an online Irish dictionary while you’re at it.
This list isn’t from the same report as above.
Focloir.ie
This is a state-run English to Irish dictionary. It has audio recordings for many common words, in all three dialects of Irish. It’s a big project and is being currently developed.
Shame on the Irish state, which claims copyright to this dictionary. It should be available under an open license!
Tearma.ie
This one is more of a terminology dictionary than for general purpose but has lots of phrases to search through.
Have You Used One For Learning Irish Gaelic?
Have you used any of the print dictionaries above? Or do you know of others we didn’t mention? If so, please do share your thoughts below in the reply box.
11 thoughts on “Irish Gaelic dictionaries used by teachers and learners”
I love Irish Gaelic dictionaries! I’m a teacher and I use them in my classes. They’re really helpful for students who are learning the language.
Great to hear!!
WHERE can i get a large print irish/english dictionary ?
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your comment.
Let me find this out for you and we will post the answer here.
Le meas,
Ana.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your comment.
This out-of-print school dictionary is the Irish dictionary with the largest font, to my knowledge, anyhow. Find out more here: https://www.amazon.com/Focloir-Scoile-English-Irish-Dictionary/dp/1857911326
Le meas, (Sincerely)
Siobhán
I checked out the Foclóir.ie and in the FAQ it says you can get the dictionary on a browser toolbar, and to find it under “Tools”. I looked there but it doesn’t say how to get it. I wanted to email them to ask about it but when I tried I got an error saying their email address is not valid! I used the address given on their site: aiseolas@focloir.ie.
Ugh, that’s no good! They should give you a proper way of contacting them about that browser toolbar they offer.
For others reading, you can still access the site directly online at http://www.focloir.ie
I use Dineen’s. It’s available online.
I have the Collins Gem pocket size Irish dictionary and the Hippocrene Practical Dictionary and Phrasebook. The second has pronunciation, which can be helpful.
I have used Focloir Poca for years and it is the one I recommend for the classes. Love it!
Thanks for sharing!