Scripts

Irish can be written using two different alphabets. The modern, standard alphabet is the familiar Roman script (Cló Rómhánach), which is used in all modern print and digital media. You may also encounter the traditional Gaelic script (Cló Gaelach), which is now mostly used for decorative or ceremonial purposes.

The difference between the two scripts is purely stylistic. The spelling, grammar, and pronunciation of the words remain the same.

Roman Script (Cló Rómhánach)

The Roman script is the standard writing system for Irish today. Its most notable feature is the use of the letter h placed after a consonant to show lenition.

For example, the first line of the Lord’s Prayer (An Phaidir) is written like this: Ár nAthair atá ar neamh, go naofar d’ainm.

Here, Athair is the lenited form of athair (father).

Gaelic Script (Cló Gaelach)

The Gaelic script is a traditional, uncial style of lettering that was used for centuries. Instead of adding an h to show lenition, this script places a dot, known as a ponc séimhithe or simply séimhiú, over the consonant.

The same line from the Lord’s Prayer looks like this in the Gaelic script: Ár nAṫair atá ar neaṁ, go naofar d’ainm.

Notice the dot over the t in Aṫair and the m in neaṁ.

Comparison of Lenited Consonants

The following table shows the direct correspondence between the two systems for lenited consonants.

Gaelic Fonts

To type or display text in the traditional Gaelic script, a special font is required. Many “Gaelic” or “uncial” fonts are available that contain the traditional letter shapes. Some operating systems and applications can render the ponc séimhithe over standard letters, but dedicated fonts like Búnchló or Gaelchló are often used to achieve an authentic appearance.