See how many of these animals you know in Irish and enjoy some of our fun facts while you learn!
A great way to introduce yourself to a new language, or to brush up on what you already know is to go over everyday words. Why not see how many of these different animals you know in Irish? Don't worry, we'll help you with the pronunciation!
Dog - Madra
Pronunciation: maw-dra
Fun fact: In Irish folklore, it's believed that dogs can see supernatural beings. While the majestic wolfhound, the oldest Irish breed, was once a symbol of status owned only by Kings and as their names suggest used for hunting the wolves that once roamed Ireland.
A madra (dog) with their owner
Dolphin- Deilf
Pronunciation: d-elf
A 'deilf' jumping in the sea
Horse - Capall
Pronunciation: cop-all
Fun fact: Have you ever taken a horse and cart in Ireland? Many different towns in Ireland such as Killarney in County Kerry offer this as an alternative way to see the sights.
'Capall'
Mouse- Luach
Pronunciation: l-uck
Fun fact: A well-known expression in Irish is "nuair a bhíonn an cat amuigh, bíonn an luach ag rince", which translates to the English proverb of "when the cat is out, the mice will play."
Robin - Spideog
Pronunciation: spid-ewog
'Spideog' singing in a tree
Cow - Bó
Pronunciation: b- oh
Fun fact: Ireland is a little bit famous for the milk our cows can produce, in particular in County Kerry. The company Kerrygold is known worldwide because of how creamy its butter is.
'Bó'
Piglet - Banbh
Pronunciation: ban-i-v
'Banbh'
Fox - Sionnach
Pronunciation: Shh-ion-ach
Fun fact: Another word for fox in Irish is madra rua (maw-dra/ r-uu-a) which directly translated means 'red dog'.
Rabbit - Coinín
Pronunciation: ko-neen
'Coinín' in the grass
Donkey - Asal
Pronunciation: as-el
'Asal'
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