Written by Stephen Palmer, Irish Around The World

April 25th Edition

👋 A Quick Note

Alright, alright – I’ll admit it, this one’s coming in a bit late. I blame a powerful mix of sunshine, strong tea, and a well-earned nap. But sure listen, better late than never, and this week’s dose is packed full of Irish gold.

Trying a different style of the weekly dose this week. I hope you enjoy it!

📚 Irish Word of the Week

“Leisce” (lesh-ka) – meaning laziness.

The perfect word for that energy dip after a big Sunday dinner.

In a sentence:

Tá leisce orm inniu. – I’m feeling lazy today.

It’s honest, it’s Irish, and it’s probably true.

🧠 A Quick Irish Quiz

Fancy testing your Irishness? Go on, give it a lash:

1. What’s a “full Irish”?

A) A pint of Guinness

B) A cooked breakfast

C) An enthusiastic hug

2. What’s the Irish for “Hello”?

A) Sláinte

B) Dia duit

C) Craic

3. Which county is called the “Rebel County”?

A) Clare

B) Cork

C) Kerry

4. Which of these is NOT an Irish mythological figure?

A) Cú Chulainn

B) Fionn mac Cumhaill

C) Lancelot

5. When is St. Brigid’s Day?

A) March 17th

B) February 1st

C) May 1st

👉 Answers are at the bottom of this email (no cheating, like).

Irish Joke:

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Ireland when she saw an elderly woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a ride. After a bit of small talk and while resuming the journey the woman noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally. What's in the bag?" asked the woman. Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, "It's a bottle of wine, I got it for my husband." The woman was silent for a moment. Then, speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: "Good trade."

🍀 Did You Know?

• There’s no “yes” or “no” in Irish.
• Instead, we answer with the verb itself. Asked “An dtuigeann tú?” (Do you understand?), you’d say “Tuigim” (I do) or “Ní thuigim” (I don’t). It’s mad – but it makes sense.
• Sheep outnumber people in Ireland.
• In fairness, have you ever driven through Kerry or Donegal? It’s like a woolly invasion.
• Sean’s Bar in Athlone is Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 900 A.D.
• That’s over 1,100 years of stories, songs and staggered exits.

📝 A Bit of Irish Poetry

Here’s one from the legend W.B. Yeats, because I’m a romantic at heart:

He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half-light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Heavy stuff. But beautiful.

🎧 Learn a Little Irish – “Sorry I’m Late”

Irish: Tá brón orm go bhfuil mé déanach.

Pronounced: taw brohn ur-im guh will may day-nakh

Use it next time you're late for the craic and you might just get away with it.

✨ Irish Quote of the Week

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” – Irish Proverb

Honestly, name one problem that can’t be solved by that combo.

✅ Quiz Answers:

1. B – A cooked breakfast
2. B – Dia duit
3. B – Cork
4. C – Lancelot
5. B – February 1st

That’s your Weekly Dose of Irish for now – sent late, but with plenty of heart.

I’ll be back next week, dé luain le cúnamh Dé (on Monday, God willing)... unless the sheep get to me first.

Grá mór,

Stephen