Ireland has two official languages, English and Irish (or Gaeilge as it is commonly known). Road signs, street names, public bathroom facilities etc may show names in both languages. Gaeilge is the first language of areas of the Gaeltacht in western Ireland, however, its day to day use in the rest of the country is limited, although you will come across it. Some key words / phrases are:
Éire = Irish name for Ireland
Muintir na hÉireann - People of Ireland
Fir = Men (on public restroom signs)
Mná = Women (on public restroom signs)
Place Names
Baile Átha Cliath = Dublin
Corcaigh = Cork
Gaillimh = Galway
Muine Bheag = Bagenalstown (often in Irish on maps)
Luimneach = Limerick
Port Láirge = Waterford
Neidín (Nedeen) = Kenmare
Cill Áirne = Killarney
Léim an Bhradáin = Leixlip
Greetings
Dia Dhuit (Dee-a Gwit) = Hello
Conas atá tú? (Cunn as a taw too) = How are you
Go raibh maith agat (Guh rev mah agg utt) = Thank you
Go n'éirí an bóthar leat = May the road rise to meet you (safe journey)
Slán (Slawn) = Goodbye
Sláinte! (Slawn-cha) = Cheers!
Amadán = Eejit = Idiot.
Glic (Glick) = Cute, Clever, Smartass.
The English language is also peppered with use of anglified gaelic words and you may come across these. For example, a good night out might have been 'great craic' (pronounced 'crack') or a greeting may be 'whats the craic?'
The Irish word for "story" is 'scéal' (pronounced 'Shkale') so someone looking for information might ask - "What's the sceal with that?".
Important Sporting Phrases:
Mumhan Abú = Go on Munster.
Dún Abú = Up Down
Rugbaí Beó = Live Rugby
Páirc Thomond = Thomond Park
