In Gaelic, the ancient language of Ireland, the country is called Eire. Gaelic and English are the two official languages. Ireland also has long been known by the poetic name Erin. Erin go bragh is a well-known phrase in Gaelic that means Ireland forever.   

The people of Ireland have a soft accent called a brogue. Gaelic is a form of the ancient Celtic language. The Gaelic spoken in Ireland is generally called Irish. It almost died out when Britain ruled Ireland. Since Ireland became independent in the early 1900's, many Irish attempted to bring the language into wider use.

Irish schools teach Gaelic and English. Thirty percent of the people state that they can speak Gaelic well enough to use it in a conversation. The government uses English and Gaelic for official business.

Go raibh maith agat! Slan, Slan!

(Thank you! Bye, Bye!)

Visit this web site to learn more:

http://sunsite.unc.edu/gaelic/