Irish Sayings You’ll Hear Everywhere

One of my favorite parts of traveling in Ireland is hearing the everyday expressions people use. Some sound familiar but mean something slightly different, while others are completely unique. If it’s your first time in Ireland, here are some of the sayings you’ll definitely come across, along with what they mean.

Craic (pronounced “crack”)

Meaning: Fun, good times, lively conversation.
You’ll hear: “What’s the craic?” = What’s happening? / How are you?
💡 Mary Lou’s Tip: Don’t be surprised if this comes up a dozen times a day!

Sláinte (pronounced “slawn-cha”)

Meaning: “To your health.”
Used as: The standard toast when clinking glasses.
You’ll hear it everywhere from pubs to family dinners.

Grand

Meaning: Fine, okay, all good.
You’ll hear: “How was your trip?” → “Ah, it was grand.”
It doesn’t mean “spectacular”- just comfortably good.

Giving Out

Meaning: Complaining, scolding, or telling someone off.
You’ll hear: “She was giving out about the weather again.”

Bold

Meaning: Naughty, mischievous (not courageous).
You’ll hear: “That child is bold.” = That child is misbehaving.

Deadly

Meaning: Excellent, fantastic.
You’ll hear: “That concert was deadly!”
Not scary - just really, really good.

Press

Meaning: Cupboard/closet.
You’ll hear: “The mugs are in the press.”
If someone sends you to the “hot press,” they mean the airing cupboard for linens.

Eejit (pronounced as it looks: “ee-jit”)

Meaning: A fool or silly person, but often affectionate.
You’ll hear: “Don’t mind him, he’s a bit of an eejit.”

Yer Man / Yer One

Meaning: That guy / that woman.
You’ll hear: “Yer man behind the counter was very helpful.”
Not rude, just casual shorthand.

Final Thoughts

Irish sayings are part of what makes traveling in Ireland so fun. You don’t just see the scenery, you hear the culture in action. Try slipping one into conversation and you’ll probably get a smile.