The 3 Major Gaelic Dialects

There are three major dialects within Gaeilge (the Irish language).

asgaeilge

  • The Ulster dialect which is spoken primarily in Donegal;
  • The Connemara dialect which is spoken primarily in Galway, Mayo and on the Aran Islands; and
  • The Munster dialect which is spoken primarily in west Cork and Kerry.

 

Munster Irish also serves as the “official” or “government” Irish.

 

In Corca Dhuibne (Korca Gweena) a small village located deep in the Kerry Gaeltacht, the people do not speak Gaeilge.  Instead, they speak Gaoluinn, a sub-dialect of Munster Irish.

Irish Language