Irish Fonts – Fonts for writing Irish
How do I write something in Irish?
Modern Irish uses the regular latin alphabet, so any normal font will work fine, as long as it has the accented vowels — which most do. You can experiment with all kinds of fonts here: http://www.ellipsix.net/textwriter/render.jsp
Also, until the middle of the last century a font style called seanchló was used.
In seanchló, all instances of the letter h after a consonant are replaced by a dot over that consonant. Any occurrence of h at the beginning of a word is simply left alone.
Where can I find traditional Irish fonts?
The second font featured in the image above is called Seanchló GC. It is a popular Irish font, and you can get it from its download page at Gaelchló (whose interface is written in Irish). On that page, click on the link for seangc.zip to download the regular version of the font, seantgc.zip for the bold version, or seandgc.zip for the extra-bold (poster) version.
On Windows
- Download the font you want.
- Click on your Start button and select Settings -> Control Panel.
- Open the fonts folder.
- Select File -> Install New Font. A dialog box will appear.
- Open the directory (or zipfile) containing the font you want to install.
- Select the font(s) you want to install.
- Click OK.
On Linux
Put the font somewhere in your fonts directory (probably /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts). Then reload your font server using /etc/init.d/xfs restart.
On Mac OS X
- In the Finder, click your home icon and select Library > Fonts.
- Drag or copy the .tff file you downloaded into that Fonts folder.
There are other traditional Irish fonts available if you’re curious. Try these links:
- http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/~oduibhin/mearchlar/fonts.htm
- http://www.mythicalireland.com/art/wallpapers/fonts.html
- http://www.ireland-information.com/freecelticfonts.htm
- http://www.ucc.ie/faculties/celtic/fonts/
- http://www.evertype.com/celtscript/csmain.html (these fonts are not free)
How can I type fadas (accents)?
When using our fourm: You can always type fadas on the forum by clicking the “Reply” button, and using the accented characters provided. This feature is not available when you use “quick reply” (the box at the bottom of each page).
Writing Irish on Windows and Linux
If you have a European keyboard, you should be able to type fadas simply by holding down the Alt Gr key, pressing one of the vowel keys, and then releasing both keys. To get an uppercase vowel with a fada, simply use shift + Alt Gr + vowel.
If you do not have a European keyboard or an Alt Gr key, you can type fadas by holding down the Alt key, and typing the character code using the numeric keypad with Num Lock ON, not the numbers along the top of the keyboard. This method works only on Windows. For Irish you’ll need these:
Alt + 0225 = á
Alt + 0193 = Á
Alt + 0233 = é
Alt + 0201 = É
Alt + 0237 = í
Alt + 0205 = Í
Alt + 0243 = ó
Alt + 0211 = Ó
Alt + 0250 = ú
Alt + 0218 = Ú
If you plan to type a lot of fadas, there are ways to configure your system to make it easier.
Windows and Linux: Using an alternate keyboard layout: http://www.ellipsix.net/geninfo/charaset/index.php
Unix/Linux: Modifying your keyboard map: http://nualeargais.ie/foghlaim/keymapping.php
Mac OS 8.x, 9.x and 10.x:
Option key + each of the vowels represents a different accent. “e” happens to be the fada. Type Option + e, then type the vowel you want. For capitals, type Option + e, then Shift + vowel.
Or…
Click the blue apple in the top left corner. Click on System Preferences -> International. Click on the Input Menu, and go down the list of languages till you see Irish and check mark it. Make certain to check-mark “Show Input Menu in Menu Bar”. Click on the language tab, select Gaeilge and add it to the list of your languages.
Now EVERY font on your computer has Gaeilge keyboard Format with all the fadas. To get a fada just hold the Option key and type the vowel.
Since you check-marked “Show in Input Menu Bar” just look up at the top right hand corner and you will see a flag displayed to the left of the clock. Click it and you can select the Tricolor for Gaeilge. You can easily toggle between other language formats in the same way.
You can also use the Irish Extended keyboard, which allows you to type the dotted consonants (option-consonant) just as easily as the vowels with fadas (option-vowel). And shift-option-7 in that keyboard gives you the “Tironian et”, or the 7-shaped “agus” sign.
For general information on Celtic keyboard layouts for the Mac, please see http://www.evertype.com/celtscript/celt-keys.html
Tools for writing Irish
- Ceart Irish grammar checker runs under Windows and corrects Irish grammar and spelling.
- GaelSpell Irish spell checker integrates with Microsoft Office, and corrects your litriú while you write.
Contributed by: Abigeál, ad51201, Aisling_M, blixt, Brigid_CloverMoon, Dónal Óg, éanna, giomach, Maidhc, Méabh, mhwombat, Scotaigh, wdsci, WolfpactVI, Yoda
Nikita said,
July 29, 2007 @ 8:51 pm
Thank you for the shortcut about the fadas, I always need to use them for names and I never knew how.
Brigette Noonan said,
November 14, 2007 @ 11:13 pm
I want to learn an Irish language. But all of these places on line are way to hard to understand. Any suggestions?
Peace,
Brigette Colleen Noonan
Jenna said,
December 23, 2007 @ 8:56 am
Hi,
Just wanted to say thanks – your info helped me so much!
Jenna
kelly said,
January 23, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
Hi there,
I am interested in getting a tattoo with the Gaelic word for bravery/courage …
I know that modern Ireland would use the word ‘misneach’..but since this is a tattoo i’m interested in more traditional script.
I realize that old ‘latin’ form for the ‘s’ will look different but I was also told i could put a dot above the ‘c’ in place of the ‘h’ as well..is this correct??
Grant Robers said,
January 25, 2008 @ 5:28 am
I want to get my son’s name in Irish writing? He’s name is Gavin Paul Robers
Eoin said,
January 25, 2008 @ 9:35 am
Grant: you’ll need to locate an Irish language version of that name (if that is possible, as not all names have Irish equivalents). Then, you can write that name in the Irish fonts as described in this article.
darragh said,
February 4, 2008 @ 12:08 am
hi guys
im gettin several diferebt translations for “only God can judge me”
please tell me the best in ur opinion, i know u have discussed this on previous threads!
plus do u have any sayings in irish with god included..
thanking you in advance
slan
darragh
Eoin said,
February 4, 2008 @ 12:11 am
Darragh: please use our site’s free translation forum.
Meg said,
March 27, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
Hello all,
Can anyone please translate “We love because he first loved us” in Scottish Gaelic?
That would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Eoin said,
March 27, 2008 @ 11:51 pm
Meg: please use our site’s free translation forum.
psychofreakette said,
April 5, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
can someone please fix that link for the example gaelic font? i love it and i cant find another like it in all the sites given.
Eoin said,
April 13, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
@psychofreakette: thanks for that, I’ve updated the link to the .zip file.
Judy Tobin said,
May 23, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
could you please send me the irish word with accents for family
Chris said,
May 29, 2008 @ 4:03 am
Can someone please help me???? Im trying to work out how to write..
Sileann an ceol triom
in ancient Gaelic or the Seanchlo font????
villeboy4life20 said,
June 20, 2008 @ 3:10 am
I’m trying to get a tattoo and can’t find the translation for the strength to do what is needed, the courage to do what is right. Please help me
Emmylou Blois said,
July 8, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
i was wondering if anyone could translate the name “Jake Benjamin Roger” for me, its my sons name i want as a tattoo. i would like it in the ancient Gaelic or Seanchlo font please!!
Coopsdad said,
July 11, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
I am trying to get my Wife and So ns name written in Gaelic for a tattoo can anybody please help?
Kelley
Cooper
Teresa said,
August 6, 2008 @ 8:54 pm
I have been trying to find a jumping off point for tracing my daughters sur name. Her father is deceased and I have limited knowledge of his family. Anyone that could help me would be a hero in the eyes of a 7 year old lil’ girl.
craigtone said,
August 13, 2008 @ 3:27 am
I have installed the font on my Mac OS X system, typed words into MS Word, highlight and change font and I get the boxes (not recognized characters). I went to languages and added Irish and choosing that from the menu does nothing.
HELP – what am I doing wrong?
Fonts and fadas - Irish SEO, Marketing & Webmaster Discussion said,
September 5, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
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Max said,
September 27, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
Can anyone translate “Great Warrior” in irish gaelic please its for a tattoo and would be really apreciated! thanks so much.
Fraoch said,
January 1, 2009 @ 5:12 am
Go raibh míle maith agat!! The font is awesome =) Can you please tell me how to produce the búilcia (I think I butchered the spelling of that… the “dot” over the consonants is what I’m attempting to refer to, lol) ? I have a MacBook.
Fraoch said,
January 1, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
Also, does anyone know of a font that correctly produces the “r” and the “s” in the early Irish style? I just now noticed that the seanchló uses the roman form, but stylizes it to look Celtic.
holmes wilson said,
January 6, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
For dotted consonants, turn on Irish Extended keyboard in International, I think it’s option-W and then the consonant.
(Not option-consonant)
Risteard said,
January 25, 2009 @ 8:54 am
Devo trovare il font della traduzione esatta della parola “irladese” credo che sia gaeilge.
in stile antico.
grazie!!!
come posso imparare il gaelico “irlandese” in italia???
Traditional Irish Language Baby Names said,
February 28, 2009 @ 11:11 am
[...] Irish names as Seán (often seen as simple Sean). Respect the fada! There are a several ways for writing the Irish fada on a computer. Posted by Eoin Baby names Subscribe to RSS [...]
Frits Simon said,
March 30, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
How can I type consonants with a buailte instead of the more modern “h” behind the letter?
I managed to download a seanchló font, however, I did not find a way to use a buailte.
TexasBlues09 said,
April 29, 2009 @ 12:52 am
I am new to this site, and was looking for Irish fonts, both in Irish interface, and english inteace. Can anyone suggest which fonts would be best for me? I run Windows XP, on a dell latitude laptop. I would be grateful or any advice on this matter. Also, would any of these fonts lend themselves well to book pages? I am writing a book and I thik i found my title font. thank you so much!! Misty Cloud
daithi said,
June 18, 2009 @ 5:05 pm
hi,could anyone please translate ”in your life,are you connected to yourself?” thank you
Bryan Sheehan said,
July 17, 2009 @ 7:43 pm
I just got a tattoo of my last name in gaelic and its O Siodacain, but there are accents above the “O” “D” “C” and second “A” i have somewhat of an idea of how to pronounce it but through my research it seems that the A with an accent translates to a long “ahh” which doesnt seem to sound right. If anyone could give me a little wisdom that would be greatly appreciated!
Erica Wehrle said,
July 26, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
if someone could please help me with the translation of -you are my sunshine- i would like to get that as a tattoo for my grandmother, it was a song she always sang to me. thank you!
muji said,
August 2, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
I attempted to download and install the font seangc.zip into Windows as suggested above – however when I got to the installation part (“Add New Font”) I was unclear on how to get the font installed.
I have unzipped seangc.zip onto the desktop, but now how do I actually install it?
Thanks for any help you can offer.
sheri said,
August 2, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
muji – instructions for installation are at the top of this posting. Here’s the basics for Windows:
* Download the font you want (not necessary to open the zip file)
* Click on your Start button and select Settings -> Control Panel.
* Open the fonts folder.
* Select File -> Install New Font. A dialog box will appear.
* Open the directory (or zipfile) containing the font you want to install.
* Select the font(s) you want to install.
* Click OK.
muji lakama said,
August 4, 2009 @ 3:32 am
Thank you, Sheri.
I followed those very directions several times. The problem, I guess, is the last part: “select the fonts I want to install”.
How do I select them?
The “Add a Font” dialog box (under “Install New Font”) is empty -so the font I want to install is not there. How do I get my font into that box?
frances scott said,
September 27, 2009 @ 10:31 pm
Thank you I have just found out my generation is gaelic.I bin having a hard time to speak english.Its nice to know there are people out there too.I live in Thompson I am native.
Mig said,
October 2, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
HI all,
just found another great font… it’s located here:
http://www.fontspace.com/manfred-klein/irish-unci-alphabet
enjoy!!
irish person said,
November 15, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
hi. i was wondering if there was a way to get dotted consonants using the keyboard manually like the way we use it for fadas?
Bronaghh said,
January 29, 2010 @ 10:31 pm
Dia Duit
niamh said,
April 4, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
please could you help us find niamh in gaelic writing for a tattoo thanks lyndon and tracy
Doug said,
May 13, 2010 @ 9:24 pm
Could someone elaborate on dotted consonants? Nothing seems to produce them in Windows, regardless of font or keyboard layout. Even Character Map gives incorrect alt+ sequences…
steve said,
July 15, 2010 @ 11:04 pm
omg thank you for this resource I’m working out a tattoo for me and my wife its been invaluable
Paul, Sligo, Ireland said,
July 19, 2010 @ 10:10 am
just came across this site by chance. In case, any one is not sure of the Irish language questions at the top of this page, it translates into the English language as:
” Ask your self one question: Feeling lucky? Well? are you, Punk?
Naomi said,
July 20, 2010 @ 1:04 pm
I need help… I have an Irish background and would like to tattoo the words Love Hope and Happiness on my arm.
I think I found the right irish translation to be: Love = grá, Hope = dóchas and Happiness = sonas. could any one tell me if this right? Also i would like it to be written in old irish, can anybody help me to with this aswell?
Kayla said,
August 9, 2010 @ 11:44 pm
Hey! I need some help, I am tring to find the translation for “Daddy’d Little Girl” In Gaelic.
Can any one help?
Thank you
Kayla
Hipolito Fulk said,
August 14, 2010 @ 7:05 am
Useful post, Just subscribed to your feed.
Anacott Financial said,
September 15, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
Thanks for sharing the info. Well written/spoken, I will come back more often.
Eric said,
October 11, 2010 @ 6:40 am
would like too know wht the irish code of arms is for a tattoo that im trying to get done.? And if my last name is Irish ? My fam says that it is but thay say that (SISK) could be IRISH or GERMEN . would like to know for sure.
Thanks Eric Sisk..
John said,
December 19, 2010 @ 11:52 pm
I would like to get my daughters name translated for a tattoo. I would like to see it translated in different ancient irish and celtic lettering. Would someone be able to help? My daughters name is Marisa Kay Black. Thank You.
peter hanrahan said,
January 24, 2011 @ 9:21 am
im wanting my kids names tattood on in the old irish language can anyone help plz its driving me crazy thanks.There names are keira liam riley & kelsey
victoria isabeau said,
February 8, 2011 @ 2:03 pm
It’s not workin’ …
… but anyway: thanks !
could you help me please, I have OpenOffice …
it sayin’ that my Font is already installed, but it isn’t.
katie said,
August 1, 2011 @ 4:03 pm
it is what it is.
Steven McCann said,
August 8, 2011 @ 8:16 pm
How do you put the little c up so that the top of it is at the same level as the capital M and C? Same would go for the o’ as in o’Brian, but the o needs to be the same level as the captial B.
Troy said,
August 26, 2011 @ 3:18 pm
On to better things
Move forward
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August 29, 2011 @ 6:09 am
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Tracey L. Dougharty said,
September 13, 2011 @ 2:32 am
Tugaim duit mo ghrá go léir le mo chroí go léir,
tá tú ag fear céi;e mo chroí,
mo chara is fearr,
agus mo cheann amháin agus grá.
does this say:
I give you all my love
with all my heart,
you are my dear husband,
my best friend,
and my one and only love.
Thanks for your help,
Tracey
K Ain said,
November 19, 2011 @ 1:15 am
http://www.irishidentity.com/names.htm just for all the people loiking for names translations- although I wonder why so many people give their kids anglicised names and only want an Irish translation for a ‘cool’ tatt! Its beyond me! Gaeilge abu!!
K Ain said,
November 19, 2011 @ 1:16 am
http://www.irishidentity.com/names.htm just for all the people looking for names translations- although I wonder why so many people give their kids anglicised names and only want an Irish translation for a ‘cool’ tatt! Its beyond me! Gaeilge abu- is feidir linn!!
Paddy O R said,
November 21, 2011 @ 9:35 pm
Thank you for the Seanchlo font.
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andrew said,
February 11, 2012 @ 8:28 pm
can i get this written in Galic font? i want this for a tattoo but don’t have this font…thanks! Go raibh mé leathuair ar Neamh sula mbíonn a fhios ag an diabhal go bhfuil mé marbh
Jacqueline said,
February 16, 2012 @ 10:54 pm
Hi, I downloaded seantgc.zip and loaded it onto my fonts, but when i type it still puts the ‘h’ in, and not a dot. Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks.
Jim Craney said,
March 17, 2012 @ 7:11 am
How do I insert a seimhu (buailte) using keyboard ( like I can insert fadas)?
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Mars said,
August 15, 2012 @ 6:17 pm
Hi
How do I write Kieran&Áine in ancient Irish script for a tattoo please?
Go raibh maith agat!!
Mars
Dainial said,
December 8, 2012 @ 2:56 am
Very useful! I was looking for a font liek this. So perfect!
I have a question though, how do I type M, B, G, C, T, etc. with the dot above?
Go raibh míle maith agaibh!
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