This week I am dog-minding in Connemara, so I thought I would tell you how to talk about your pets and your favourite animals.

Madra – dog. A working dog would be known as a gadhar (pronounced guy-er). You may also have heard the word cú (pronounced coo) – which is a hound. A puppy is a coileán (pronounced quill-awn) and a guide-dog i a madra treorach.

Cat – cat (Looks the same but is pronounced cuth) A kitten is a puisín! (pronounced pusheen)

luch – mouse (prounced luck) and a rat is a francach (Also the word for a French person when spelt with a capital letter!!)

Iasc óir - gold fish (pronounced eesk ore)

Muc ghuine – guinea pig

coinín – rabbit (pronounced qwineen)

Nathair – snake

Hamstar – hamster

Éan – bird. Is fearr breac sa láimh ná bradán sa linn (A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). However, the irish litereally means, A trout in the hand is better than a salmon in the pool.

Laghairt – lizard

An bhfuil peata agat? Do you have a pet?

Tá/Níl - yes/no

Cén t-ainm atá air/uirthi? What’s his/her name?

Oisín is ainm dó. Salí is ainm di. Oisín/Sally is his/her name

An maith leat madraí? Do you like dogs?

Is maith/ní maith – yes/no

Feicfidh mé sibh go luath – See you soon!
Terri