Cattle in Irish (Eallach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for cattle?

The Irish for cattle is eallach (pronounced “AL-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is eallaí. Depending on context it can also mean possessions.

Q: What is the plural of cattle in Irish?

The plural of eallach is eallaí; with the article, na heallaí means “the cattle”. The genitive plural is eallaí, as in úinéirí na n-eallaí (the owners of the herds of cattle).

Q: Does eallach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Eallach can mean cattle or possessions, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “cattle” in Irish

Irish:: eallach
English:: cattle, possessions
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “AL-ukh” /ˈal̪ˠəx/

Various forms

Plural:: eallaí (cattle)
Genitive singular:: eallaigh, an eallaigh (e.g. aonach an eallaigh, the cattle fair)
Genitive plural:: eallaí, na n-eallaí (e.g. úinéirí na n-eallaí, the owners of the herds of cattle)

What does “eallach” mean?

“Eallach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cattle: Cattle or livestock kept on a farm, taken as a group.Also: livestock, stock, herd, kine.

1 other meaning: possessions

2possessions: Property or belongings, especially in older or literary use.Also: property, goods.

Other Irish words for cattle: bólacht (cattle)

“Eallach” with the article

The plural of cattle in Irish is eallaí. Here is eallach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an t-eallach

the cattle

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

na heallaí

the cattle

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Eallach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using eallach, the Irish word for cattle.

Tá eallach maith ag m'uncail ar an bhfeirm.

My uncle has good cattle on the farm.

Chuir sé an t-eallach amach ar an bportach.

He put the cattle out on the bog.

Bhí praghas an eallaigh ard ag an aonach.

The price of cattle was high at the fair.

Tá mo chuid eallaigh sa pháirc thíos.

My cattle are in the field below.

Thug sí an t-eallach isteach sa bhóitheach.

She brought the cattle into the cowshed.

Díoladh an t-eallach go léir ag an aonach.

All the cattle were sold at the fair.

Ní raibh a dhóthain féir ann don eallach.

There wasn't enough grass for the cattle.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Cattle in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cattle?

The Irish for cattle is eallach (pronounced “AL-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is eallaí. Depending on context it can also mean possessions.

How do you pronounce eallach in Irish?

Eallach is said like “AL-ukh” (IPA /ˈal̪ˠəx/).

What is the plural of cattle in Irish?

The plural of eallach is eallaí; with the article, na heallaí means “the cattle”. The genitive plural is eallaí, as in úinéirí na n-eallaí (the owners of the herds of cattle).

Does eallach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Eallach can mean cattle or possessions, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does eallach sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-eallach (the cattle), a heallach (her cattle), a n-eallach (their cattle), na heallaí (the cattle).

Is 'eallach' singular or plural in meaning?

'Eallach' is a collective noun meaning cattle as a group; for a single cow use 'bó' or 'beithíoch'. You say 'tá an t-eallach sa pháirc'.

What is the difference between 'eallach' and 'stoc'?

'Eallach' usually means cattle specifically, while 'stoc' can cover all farm livestock, including sheep.

Cattle in Irish (Eallach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage