Learning how to say goodbye in Irish is not simply a respectful gesture towards the local culture and language.
It can also come in handy during your travels. So, why not add a little Irish charm to your farewell and impress the locals with your newfound knowledge?
Did you know that in Irish, there are distinct ways to bid farewell depending on whether you’re addressing an individual or a group? It’s fascinating how the language has evolved to include these nuances in social interactions.
In this guide, we’ll learn about several ways to say “goodbye” in Irish.
But before we get to that, let us first talk about a unique concept about the Irish and goodbyes, just to avoid any confusion.
Things you'll find in this article
7 Irish Expressions For Goodbye
The Irish Goodbye
The Irish Goodbye is a clever term used to describe the act of leaving a party without saying goodbye to anyone. It’s a subtle and mysterious way to exit a social gathering, and it’s become quite popular in recent years.
If you’re ever at a party and notice someone has disappeared without a word, they may have just pulled off the Irish Goodbye!
In other cultures, they call it the French Exit, or Dutch Leave. These phrases refer to a social phenomenon where a person leaves a gathering or event without saying goodbye to anyone.
The term has nothing to do with Ireland or the Irish people. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 19th century, when the Irish have a clever trick to avoid losing their keys while leaving a party in a drunken state.
They believe that turning their key upside down in the lock will prevent it from being taken away. This practice has become a popular tradition in Ireland and is widely known as an Irish custom.
However, we are not about to teach you how to exit a party but to say “Goodbye” in Irish properly. Read on to know how!
Ways to Properly Say “Goodbye” in Irish
1. Slán
This is a common way to say “bye” and is pronounced “slawn.”
This is a frequent way for Irish speakers to say goodbye to one another in a relaxed setting.
Slán is an abbreviation for “safe,” which is from the Irish phrase “Slán abhaile” This phrase means “Have a safe trip home” and is used when the recipient is expected to be traveling.
In any case, if “slán” is all you can recall, you’ll be fine. It’s a goodbye that will be understood all around the Emerald Isle!
2. Slán libh
This phrase, which is pronounced “slawn liv,” has the literal meaning of “safe with you.” a statement made to multiple people at the same time who are departing.
3. Slán agat
This phrase is pronounced “slawn ag-ut” and is said by the individual who is departing to the one person who is staying.
The literal translation of this phrase is “Be safe.” You might also use this remark when you are the one who is going to be departing the party.
4. Slán leat
The correct pronunciation of this phrase is “slawn lat”, which translates to “safe with you” in English. It’s a beautiful expression that conveys a sense of security and trust.
Slán leat is often used to say goodbye to someone who is departing. It is a more formal and traditional way of saying goodbye and is commonly used in situations where the separation is expected to be long or permanent.
5. Slán agaibh
If you’re saying goodbye to a group of people, you can use the Irish phrase “Slán agaibh” (pronounced “slawn uh-giv”). Next time you’re leaving a gathering of friends or colleagues, impress them with your knowledge of this traditional Irish phrase!
6. Slán go fóill
This means “Bye for now” and is pronounced as Slawn guh fweel. This term is less formal than others, and it is used when you anticipate seeing that individual again soon.
The literal translation of this phrase is “safety for a while”…Which does not mean that you only wish the person safety for a short period, but rather that you hope it will only be a short time before you see him or her again!
7. Slan mo chara
Pronounced as Slawn muh kara, this is another way to say goodbye in Irish, and its direct translation is “Safe home, my friend.” It’s also possible to use “mo chara” as a term of endearment and affection for a close friend.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.