What Is Your Favourite Irish Proverb?
Irish proverbs (seanfhocail, literally “old sayings”) pack generations of everyday wisdom into a single line. Here are ten that are still quoted today, with the Irish, the English meaning and a little context. Watch the video below, then tell us which one is your favourite.
Irish Proverbs and What They Mean
- Ar scáth a chéile a chónaíonn na daoine – People live in each other’s shelter. We all depend on one another; a reminder that community matters.
- Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte – Health is better than wealth. Literally “health is better than cattle”, from the days when herds were riches.
- Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí – Praise the young and they will flourish. Encouragement helps people grow.
- Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir – Time is a good storyteller. Given time, the truth comes out.
- Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin – There is no hearth like your own hearth. The Irish take on “there’s no place like home”.
- Is glas iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn – Far-away hills are green. The grass always looks greener somewhere else.
- Tús maith leath na hoibre – A good start is half the work. Begin well and the job is half done.
- Ní neart go cur le chéile – There is no strength without unity. Together we achieve more than alone.
- Giorraíonn beirt bóthar – Two shorten a road. Good company makes any journey feel shorter.
- Ní bhíonn in aon rud ach seal – Nothing lasts but a while. Good times and bad both pass.
Irish Blessings vs Proverbs
A proverb offers advice or an observation about life; a blessing is a wish for someone. If you enjoy these, explore our guides to Irish wisdom sayings for modern life, traditional Irish sayings explained, Irish blessings about life and laughter, and Irish words with no English translation.
Which Is Your Favourite?
Tell us your favourite proverb, or one your grandparents used to say, on our Facebook post.
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