As Americans celebrate Labor Day today, I thought it might be interesting to gather old Irish sayings that speak to the importance of work and labor in our lives.
The Irish throughout the world are not known for their riches, pockets full of gold, or affluent lifestyles, but throughout the ages the Irish have never been afraid of hard work.
This collection of old Irish sayings is evidence the Irish fully understood the need to earn prosperity through the fruits of their labor.
Table of Contents
Irish Links to Labor Day
Irish Americans were integral to proposing Labor Day as a holiday. Founding of the holiday is credited to a Peter McGuire or a Matthew Maguire. Whether McGuire or Maguire first came up with this holiday idea, it is very clear by both men's last names, this holiday was the idea of an Irishman.
I hope you enjoy this selection of wise old words and famous Irish sayings. I've added a new feature where you can listen to the pronunciation of the Irish or Gaelic phrases. I'm not a native Irish speaker, but I learned enough Irish in my school years to be able to read these phrases for you. I hope this helps.
Many readers ask for phonetic pronunciation of the Irish language on my blog, but this post has so many Irish language sayings, the post would be full of nonsensical words if I tried to create phonetic phrases for everything. You can read all about how the people of Ireland call their language Irish, not gaelic or Irish gaelic in a previous ramble.
Without further ado, here's my collection of Irish sayings and proverbs about work and labor especially for Labor Day....
A Good Start
The following collection of Irish sayings focuses upon the importance of getting off to a good start for every day and every task. Let's start with the most popular saying of all ....
"Tús maith, leath na hoibre."
"A good start is half the work."
If you wish to hear the pronunciation of this saying just click on the play arrow on the sound file below. You'll find recordings of all the Irish sayings in this post so that you can hear how these Gaelic phrases sound ...
"Lose an hour in the morning
and you'll be looking for it all day."
"An té a dtéann cáil na mochéirí amach dó
ní miste dó codladh go méanlae."
"He who gets a name for early rising
can stay in bed until midday."
Here's a short sound file so you can listen to the pronunciation of this Irish saying.
This particular saying can be expressed alternatively as ....
"Those who get the name of rising early,
may lie all day."
"Bíonn gach tosach lag."
"Every beginning is weak."
Here's a sound file for the Irish pronunciation of the saying above:
The Importance Of Skill
The next selection of sayings emphasizes the importance of skill, diligence and perseverance if one is to succeed in life. Nothing is accomplished without skill and patience.
"A bad workman quarrels with his tools."
"Keep your shop
and your shop will keep you."
"Is fearr lán doirn de cheird ná lán mála d’ór."
"A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold."
"Buail an iarann te."
"Strike the hot iron."
"It's not a delay to stop and sharpen the scythe."
"Cleachtadh a dhéanann maistreacht."
"Practice makes mastery."
The Perils Of Laziness
The next grouping of old Irish sayings pulls no punches when warning about the dangers of laziness, idleness and sloth. Those who choose not to work are destined to a life of poverty according to our ancestors.
"Unwillingness easily finds an excuse."
"Laziness is a heavy burden."
"Poverty waits at the gates of idleness."
"It’s a dirty bird that won’t keep its own nest clean."
"Snathán fada, táilliúr falsa."
"A long stitch, a lazy tailor."
"Ní dhéanfaidh smaoineamh an treabhadh duit."
"You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind."
"Fat is not to be had without labor."
"Is fearr obair ná caint."
"Work is better than talk."
"The person of the greatest talk,
is the person of the least work."
"Ní fhanann trá le fear mall."
"An ebb tide does not wait for a slow man."
Diligence and Patience
Planning, steadfastness and a 'can-do' attitude are highlighted in this next collection of Irish proverbs. They are all along the lines of the old saying "you reap what you sow."
"Time and patience would bring a snail to America."
"Mura gcuirfidh tú san earrach
ní bhainfidh tú san fhómhar."
"If you do not sow in the spring,
you will not reap in the autumn."
"Cé gur beag díol dreoilín,
caithfidh sé a sholáthar."
"Little as a wren needs,
it must gather it."
"Obair ó chrích obair bean tí."
"Work without end is housewife's work."
"Is crua a cheannaíonn an droim an bolg."
"The back must slave to feed the belly."
"Molann an obair an fear."
"The work praises the man."
"Ní thuirsítear fear na héadála."
"One does not tire of a profitable occupation."
"Many hands make light work."
"Put it on your shoulder,
and say it is not a burden."
"Imíonn an tuirse ach fanann an tairbhe."
"The tiredness leaves but the profit remains."
"Ní neart go cur le chéile."
"There is no strength without unity."
"Ní bhíonn an rath,
ach mara mbíonn an smacht."
"There is no prosperity
unless there is discipline."
Wishing you all a very happy Labor Day with your loved ones.
As we remember the workers who built America over the centuries, let's celebrate their sacrifices by enjoying a little time off.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this collection of blessings and sayings from Ireland, here are some more you may enjoy....
Blessings
- May The Road Rise To Meet You Irish Blessing Plate Day Twelve Gift
- Irish Wedding Blessings
- Irish Rainbow Blessings
- Irish Christmas Blessings
Irish Soups And Stews
- How To Make Irish Style Cream of Celery Soup
- Beef and Ale Stew
- Spicy Red Lentil and Carrot Soup
- Quick Easy White Bean and Tuscan Kale Soup
Kathy Peet
These are marvelous, each and every one.
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much Kathy - glad you enjoyed this collection of old Irish sayings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bernadette
What a clear musical voice you have , Mairead! It makes it very easy to hear the pronunciation of every syllable. My dad was a native speaker but I only have a few words myself. I guess in those days. (1950's) he couldn't see when we would ever find it useful living in a purely English speaking country (UK). Pity.
By the way, loving your new shop do you ship to the UK?
Irish American Mom
Hi Bernadette - I'm so glad my pronunciation was clear and paced well so that you could hear the different syllables in each Irish word. I know of many Irish speakers, like your father, who chose not to share their knowledge of the language with their children. When so many had to immigrate from Ireland, the need to speak fluent English was deemed ever so important.
I should have an answer about shipping to the UK for you tomorrow. We set up the store for an American audience initially, but if a worldwide audience might be interested, then definitely I should look in to the possibilities.
Take care, and I'll update you here tomorrow.
Mairéad
Sheila Kearney
Hi Mairead,
I must have missed something. How can I find your store? I always love reading your emails and blogs.
Thanks so much,
Sheila Kearney
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - I had an online store for a few months about 5 years ago. Unfortunately the people who were helping me with this project redirected their efforts to a different business when an incredible opportunity came their way. At that time I was unable to keep it going as a one woman show. I have considered repoening an online gift shop, but will do it without partners next time. I think it would be wonderful to be able to curate gifts and stock items that have Irish cultural significance. I'm so glad you like receiving my emails. Thanks for all your support.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Bernadette - Shipping to Ireland and the UK has been added to my giftshop. Sorry it took a little longer than I anticipated to work out the logistics. Hope you're having a great week.
Mairéad
Bill Cokas
What a bonus to have audio, so we can hear the Irish language in all its glory!
Irish American Mom
Hi Bill - The Irish language is very lyrical, with gutteral sounds and far more hard sounds than the English language. I'm delighted you liked the addition of these audio sound bites.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Alex
Irish Diaspora around the world is highly celebrated as they have greatly contributed to the societies they become a part of. Irish people are very resilient, creative and hard working which is very evident from their sayings and proverbs.
Irish American Mom
Hi Alex - thanks for checking out this collection of sayings and proverbs. They truly do demonstrate the resiliency of the Irish people. It is lovely to know that the Irish are respected around the world because of the hard work of our ancestors who paved the way before us.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
irishnannie
Love all the Irishisms and especially hearing the audio, Mairead*!!! Thank you so much!
Irish American Mom
Hi Irishannie - I'm delighted you enjoyed listening to the audio files. It's much easier than creating phonetic pronunciations, which I know are very difficult to get right.
All the best,
Mairéad
irishnannie
Love the Irishisms, Mairead*, and especially the audio! Thank you so much!
God bless you!
Irish American Mom
🙂 🙂 🙂
Mark
Love these Irish words of wisdom! Great inspiration for sure 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Mark - Thanks for checking out these old Irish sayings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Finley
Hi! I absolutely love these! I did have a question about one of them thought - what is your interpretation of "Put it on your shoulder and say it is not a burden"? For some reason that saying really struck me but I wasn't sure how to interpret it entirely. Thanks!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Finley - I believe that saying is telling us that no matter what life sends our way, it’s best to take everything in our stride and not complain. When life sends challenges it’s best to deal with the difficulties (putting the burden on our shoulders as the saying goes). Thanks so much for stopping by to check out this collection of sayings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Finley
That's wonderful, thank you so much for the reply! Would you happen to know what it would look like written in Gaelic/Irish?
Irish American Mom
Hi Finley - I don't have the original Gaelic wording of this saying. However, here is my attempt at translation:
Cuir ar do ghualainn é, agus ná habair gur ualach é.
Here's the phonetic pronunciation - Kir er duh goolin eh, ah-gus naw hah-ber gur oo-lock eh.
Now this is my literal translation of the saying. If any Gaelic/Irish scholar reads this, I would appreciate any corrections or input.
All the best,
Mairéad
Finley
That's awesome, thank you so much for your help!
Irish American Mom
So glad this was helpful.
Sara McLain
I greatly value the pronunciation files you have been including. And the wise sayings of the Irish always lift up my heart. Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sara - I'm so glad you find those sound files helpful. I think it's a much easier way to share the pronunciation than through long sentences in phonetics. Thank for stopping by to check out this collection of old Irish sayings especially for Labor Day.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lynn
Very wise words. I'll save this to inspire me to do the work when I really don't want to, and would rather do crafts, read, or watch movies (my favorite solitary escapes). Thank you, also, for the bonus audios. I enjoy listening to languages from all around the world.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lynn - I too need to remember these old sayings every now and then, especially when it comes to housework. I need to get the jobs I don't like done early in the morning, so they don't hang over me all day long. Thanks for checking out these sound files and for following my ramblings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kristi
Great sayings and so universally true! Enjoyed this post so much!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kristi - I'm delighted you enjoyed this collection of Irish sayings. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad