The first time I was in Ireland, I had to have my friend translate for me because I had the hardest time trying to understand the Irish accent. To make matters worse, they have a very vast array of Irish phrases that are not used anywhere else! If you’re traveling to Ireland, you should study up on the most popular Irish phrases. A while back, we posted 10 Irish Phrases to Learn, so here are 10 more that will come in handy while you’re visiting Ireland.

  1. Haven’t a baldy notion means I don’t know.
  2. Tear Your Hole Off The Haggart means go away. If someone says this to you, you should probably do as they say to avoid anyone saying…
  3. Are Ye Startin? means an invitation to a man to man fight. One of the big Irish stereotypes is their temper/likeliness to start a fight, so they have quite a few slang terms that revolve around fighting.
  4. Bang on is synonymous with correct.
  5. Downing the Black means drinking a Guinness, so this is an Irish phrase that you can use when in the pub or while visiting the Guinness Factory Storehouse in Dublin.
  6. Stall the ball means slow down or stop. It’s commonly used in the pubs as a way of saying wait while I finish my drink.
  7. The craic’s ninety is a response that some use when asked “what’s the craic” and it means everything is going well.
  8. Savage means brilliant.
  9. Jacks means toilet. If you use this Irish phrase instead of asking for the restroom, they might even think you’re a true Irishman!
  10. Acting the Maggot is another way to say fooling around. You might hear someone say “stop acting the maggot.”

There are many more Irish phrases that are used in Ireland, and some of them are very interesting. It’s definitely a good idea to do your research before you travel to Ireland, but it is also fun to listen to the natives talk and to ask them what they are talking about because that is a great way to learn, too. Some of you probably never even thought about a language barrier since English is spoken in Ireland (I know I didn’t), but between the thick accents and crazy slang, sometimes it seems like a different language!

Background Image

How We Travel

Learn More
  • Self Drive tour in Europe
    Self Drive

    Hit the road your way: itinerary, car, accommodations, sights, and tours. But let us do all the heavy lifting.

  • Chauffeur 1
    Chauffeur

    The freedom of your own private car, the luxury of your own personal guide. And the very best hidden secrets.

  • funny mural of school children in uniforms
    Scheduled Tour

    For travelers who prefer to join a small group tour, we offer scheduled tours.

  • Train going over bridge next to waterfall
    Rail

    Convenient, comfortable, oozing with charm. With a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

  • Young people overlooking scenic area in Europe
    Private Group

    The trip of a lifetime, personalized just for your group of friends, family, or organization down to every last detail.

  • Honeymoon coupe drinking wine by ocean
    Honeymoon

    Every tour is different, perfectly matched for every couple. Crafted by a team who is as excited about your honeymoon as you are.

Holidays & Festivals

Buon Natale: Embracing the Magic of Christmas in Italy

Italy offers us a magical experience as it transforms into a picturesque wonderland, brimming with age-old traditions, delectable delicacies and heartwarming celebrations. With a rich cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the spirit of Christmas, Italy is renowned for its vibrant festivities and unique customs that have been passed down through generations.

Sports

A Recap of the College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is held annually at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and brings American football to Irish turf, offering a unique experience where both traditions converge. Tenon Tours offers exclusive packages with tailored events (including post-tours of the Emerald Isle!). Here’s the inside scoop from our August 2023 trip.

Traveler Spotlights

Mark & Jo: Exploring Iceland's Wonders

Meet Mark and Jo, experienced travelers who always dreamed of visiting Iceland. We’re happy to have come along for such a trip! During an eight-day journey, they marveled at Iceland’s diverse landscapes, from waterfalls and volcanic craters to hot springs and colorful fishing villages. Read more about their experience in this blog post!

By-Your-Side

By-Your-Side Service℠

Our personal concierge service and mobile app

Europe Experts

Custom Europe Experts

Experts in planning truly customized trips

Without Compromise

Value without Compromise

High-touch inclusions and customized experiences

Consistency with Individuality

Consistency with Individuality

You’ll always be met with the highest standards

Let's Get Social

@tenontours