Recently updated on March 3rd, 2025 at 02:41 pm
Although the smallest country in United Kingdom, Northern Ireland arguably has the biggest heart. Friendly locals fill cosy pubs with laughter and empty Guinness glasses; while the warm aromas of steamy Irish stew brings families together at home. Everyone is a friend here – and the local Irish language is the soul of this friendly community. That’s why you’ll want to learn these Northern Ireland language phrases to connect with the local ‘craic’ here and get the most out of your trip. And don’t worry, they come with translations.
WATCH THE VIDEO: Northern Irish slang, according to locals
‘What’s the craic?’
You’ll hear this everywhere! It means what’s going on and is used to talk about general plans and gossip. For example: ‘How was the craic last night?’ and ‘What’s the craic tonight?’ (What’s happening?)
GET INSPIRED: Explore Ireland’s Legendary North with Trafalgar
‘Craic‘
The heart and soul of northern Irish locals manifests itself in one word: craic. A whole book could be dedicated to this word. But in short: locals use it to talk about levels of fun and excitement. For example: ‘that was great craic last night.’
‘Keep ‘er lit!‘
This is means don’t give up! It can be used as a way to encourage people and keep energy levels up.
‘Bout ye‘
Northern Ireland language phrases don’t go more iconic. Say ‘Bout ye?’ to ask people how they are! Try it when you touch down in Ulster and get friendly with locals (it won’t take long for this to happen). For example, ‘Bout ye?’ ‘I’m good thanks, you?’
GET INSPIRED: Trafalgar’s Shamrocks and Leprechauns tour
‘Donkey’s years’
Meaning a very long time. For example: ‘I haven’t seem that film in donkey’s years!’
‘Grand!‘
Good, awesome, fantastic. In every Belfast pub you’ll hear: ‘Another pint? That’ll be grand.’
RELATED CONTENT: 5 reasons why you should plan a visit to Northern Ireland
‘Dead on‘
Exactly right; spot on. For example: ‘You nailed that description dead on’.
‘Yeo‘
Yeo is used to express excitement in Northern Ireland. For example, give this one a try: ‘Yeo! I’m super keen to walk around Belfast after lunch.’
‘Hanging like a bat‘
‘I had too many pints of the Black Stuff last night, I’m hanging like a bat’. You guessed it: this one means hungover. One of our personal favourite Northern Ireland language phrases.
‘Wee‘
Wee is used all the time to describe something small. For example: That’s £6,50, need a wee receipt?
‘Dander‘
Dander means walk! ‘Fancy a wee dander by the water later?’
GET INSPIRED BY: Walking holidays with Trafalgar
‘Have a yarn‘
Good chat. ‘I’ll see you later, let’s have a yarn!’
‘The craic is 90!‘
The craic is 90 refers to the great fun and entertainment being had. For example: ‘I was in the Cathedral Quarter last night and the place was hopping, the craic was 90!’
‘Mucker‘
Used to describe a close friend. ‘My old mucker! Bout ye?’
‘Parful‘
A big compliment. For example: ‘those donuts were parful!’
‘Aye‘
This one is addictive. Aye shows agreement and means yes, go on then! ‘Aye, love it. Let’s go for some dinner’.
GET INSPIRED BY: Britain and Ireland Highlights
‘Go for a poke‘
One of the more unusual ones! Poke means “ice cream” in Northern Ireland!
‘You’re some yoke‘
Nope, nothing to do with eggs. In Northern Ireland, yoke means ‘thing’ – for example – ‘what’s the yolk?’ But to be called a yoke is a great compliment! It means you’re awesome. Enjoy.
‘Catch yourself on!’
Catch yourself on! (meaning ‘don’t be ridiculous/silly/stupid’). The best Bond film is definitely Casino Royale.
‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph‘
Said in disbelief and exasperation! You might say ‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph’ after a long flight of stairs or if something shocking happens!
‘Sláinte!‘
‘Sláinte!’ means cheers and is best said when toasting a friend or occasion. Just don’t forget to clink your glass! You’ll hear this one as you wander the streets of Northern Ireland, no doubt.
Inspired for your next Irish adventure? Let us know what Northern Ireland language phrases you’re most excited about using in the comments below! Or even better, practice your Irish slang on one of our trips to Ireland and Scotland.
Created in proud partnership with Discover Northern Ireland
