Lessons In Love From Old Irish Sayings

You may not think of the Irish when we're talking about lessons in love. But trust me, there are plenty of old Irish sayings dealing with the topic of love and romance.

In recent years "World's Sexiest Accent" polls have drawn a lot of media attention. The Irish accent has been faring pretty well, even topping one poll in 2011.

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Are Irish Accents Romantic?

How an Irish man's lilt beat out the sweet, amorous tones of the French amazes me. But truth be told, American girls love a man with an Irish accent.

But are these Irish men romantic?

Let's take a look at some vintage Irish sayings and wise old words all about love.

We previously took a look at old Irish sayings about marriage, which I hope you enjoy.

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To help these girls seeking the attentions of an Irish suitor, I thought a few "wise old words" on love from our Irish ancestors might help them better understand the Gaelic men of their dreams.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there couldn't be a more perfect time to examine some Irish sayings on romance.

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Irish Sayings About Men

This saying doesn't say much about how Irish men understand women.

I really like this one - it's all about love and forgiveness.

Here's one that means love makes the world go around, but once again our Irish sayings use farming symbols to convey their message.

"Capall na beatha an grá."

Phonetic pronunciation: Kop-ull nah bah-ha on graw.

The horse of life is love.

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Porridge or stirabout was the traditional Irish breakfast for farmers in years gone by. Oatmeal got the day off to the right start. Trust the Irish to link oatmeal to love.

"Love is like stirabout - it must be made fresh every day"

(stirabout is an old term for porridge).

Here's an old saying that advises us not to look for perfection - it simply does not exist.

"Má bhíonn tú ag lorg cara gan locht,

beidh tú gan chara go deo."

Phonetic Pronunciation = maw veen too egg lur-ig car-ah gone luck-th

beg too gone car-ah guh jeo.

"If you're searching for a friend without faults,

you will be without a friend forever."

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Irish Sayings About Rejection

Here's some advise about rejection. Be prepared, because it's not easy.

"There is no pain greater than the pain of rejection."

However, there's also the risk that if you don't take any risks you'll end up alone.

Maeve Binch, the late Irish novelist, sums up this conundrum perfectly.

Our next saying is the Irish version of "faint heart never won fair lady." It's advising lovers to be brave, and seek what you want in a partner.

"Ní dheachaigh fear meata chun bantiarna."

Phonetic pronunciation: Nee yock-ig far math-ah kun ban-teer-nah.

"The cowardly man did not go to the lady."

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Irish Sayings About Women and Marriage

Our next saying is not very flattering to women. I'm afraid some of our old Irish sayings are a little sexist. However, I think it's important to look back at the past without trying to change our ancestors' words to suit today's way of looking at life.

This old saying is from the Triads of Ireland.

The next one is one of my favorites. Here, our predecessors are warning us that you cannot live on love alone.

Only hard work and dedication will provide us with the money for food and sustenance. Soft words and romantic thoughts are not enough for survival.

"Soft words butter no turnips."

Here's a saying about marriage, and how to cure love.

"The only cure for love is marriage."

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This old saying tells us that it is better to be alone, than to be with the wrong person, something not everyone considers in the first stages of love.

"Long loneliness is better than bad company."

Here's one my granny loved to say. Every time she heard of an engagement she would say..

"Every old sock, finds an old shoe."

I think it's a compliment, but not sure.

Here's one that tells us love makes the world go round.

Phonetic pronunciation: Graw in-al nah bah-hah ah-gus tim-awn-ee on theel.

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Irish Sayings Warning About Falling For Beauty Only

These sayings warn the men of old about falling for a beautiful woman for beauty's sake.

When living in rural Ireland, it was more important to find a woman who was willing to work hard, than a woman who would only be concerned with her looks.

It was simply a matter of survival.

"It's not the most beautiful woman has the most sense!"

A woman needed to be able to cook and run her kitchen well.

"Beauty won't make the kettle boil!"

Here's one telling us that a sense of humor is far more important than looks.

Phonetic pronunciation: Iss min-ick ah vee graw-nah gran-oor ah-gus dee dah-hool.

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Here's a saying about how there is no cure for love.

"Galar an grá nach leigheasann luibheanna"

Phonetic pronunciation = gal-ir on graw nock ly-ss-un loo-iv-an-ah.

"Love is a sickness that no herb can cure."

Hope you enjoyed these little love sayings from olden times. Over the next few days come back and visit, as we delve further into the Irish concept of love.

Here are some other posts featuring wise old words from Ireland which you might enjoy.

Irish Wisdom And Sayings About Horses

Irish Sayings And Blessings For Troubled Times

Inspirational Irish Words And Sayings

Lessons In Life From Wise Old Irish Hens

Wise Old Words From Ireland For Mother’s Day

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