Here is some vocabulary that will help you write a letter. You should learn sample addresses, dates, greetings, and phrases for beginning and ending paragraphs. Click here for vocabulary on the body of the letter. It's really important to be sure all addresses and names are in Irish. You will lose marks for using English addresses.
1. Seoladh/ Address
Ar saoire in Éirinn (On holiday in Ireland)
11 Bóthar Nua,
Cill Áirne
Co.Chiarraí
Sa bhaile (At home)
Carraig na Siúire
Co.Thiobraid Árann
Sa Ghaeltacht (In the Gaeltacht)
An Rinn
Co. Phort Láirge
Coláiste Íosagáin
An Spidéal
Co. na Gaillimhe
Ar saoire thar lear (on holidays abroad)
Óstán na Mara
Malaga
An Spáinn
These are just some examples of addresses. You can use your own addresses as long as they're Irish addresses.
2. Dáta / Date
When writing dates, you should include a date and a month. They should be spelt and not written as numbers. (e.g. The 17th of January should be written as 17ú Eanáir and not 17/01.)
When writing the date, in english when we use say the first, second, third and fourth we say 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. In Irish the 'st', 'nd', 'rd', and 'th' is expressed as 'ú'. (e.g. 1ú, 9ú, 13ú, 20ú e.t.c)
The months of the year:
Eanáir
Feabhra
Márta
Aibreán
Bealtaine
Meitheamh
Iúil
Lúnusa
Meán Fómhair
Deireadh Fómhair
Mí na Samhna
Mí na Nollag
3. Beannu / Greeting
When writing the greeting just use A + name. A is 'Dear' in Irish. below for some examples. All names should be written in irish. Below is a list of the most popular ones.
Notice the changes when you use 'A'
A M h amaí
A D h adaí
A S h ea í n
A S h orcha
A Liam
A D h eirdre
A Aísling
A Oisín
A M h áire
A Mhíchíl *Michael changes completely
4. Beginnng / Body / Ending
You will find lots of vocabulary on different topics under the category 'Vocabulary'. Remember that you can use vocabulary from the Story Writing, Alt, and other topics for your letter. Have a opening and ending paragraph prepared that contains some phrases like these:
Irish
Tá súil agam go bhfuil tú imbarr na sláinte.
Conas atá cúrsaí sa bhaile?
Chonaic mé i do litir go raibh.
Fan go gcloisfidh tú an scéal!
Cuirfidh mé glaoch ort an tseachtain seo chugainn.
Abair le do dheirfiúr go raibh mé ag cur a tuairisce.
Caithfidh mé imeacht anois, scríobh ar ais chugam go luath.
English
I hope you're well.
How are things at home?
I saw in your letter that.
Wait till you hear the news!
I'll call you next week.
Tell your sister that I was asking for her.
I have to go now, write back soon.
5. Slán / Signing Off
When ending your letter, a simple phrase and name will do. Again the name must be in Irish.
Here are some examples you could use: