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Celebration in Irish (Ceiliúradh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ceiliúradh’ also means: celebration of mass · farewell · warbling

The Irish for celebration is ceiliúradh, a masculine noun. Ag ceiliúradh is celebrating, from the verb ceiliúir.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “celebration” in Irish

Irish:
ceiliúradh
English:
celebration, celebration of mass, farewell, warbling
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
ceiliúir, to celebrate (ag ceiliúradh, celebrating)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“KEL-oo-ruh”  /ˈcɛlʲuːɾˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
ceiliúrtha, an cheiliúrtha (e.g. lá an cheiliúrtha, the day of the celebration)

What does “ceiliúradh” mean?

“Ceiliúradh” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

celebration
The act of celebrating an occasion, feast or event; verbal noun of the verb ceiliúir.Also: celebrating, commemoration, festivity.
3 other meanings: celebration of mass or farewell or warbling
2celebration of mass
The act of celebrating a religious service such as Mass.Also: celebrating mass, officiating.
3farewell
The act of bidding goodbye or taking leave of someone.Also: leave-taking, bidding goodbye.
4warbling
The singing or warbling of birds.Also: birdsong, singing.

Other Irish words for celebration: cóisir (party), comóradh (commemoration)

“Ceiliúradh” as a verbal noun

After ag, ceiliúradh means celebrating: it is the verbal noun of the verb ceiliúir (to celebrate). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
ceiliúradhverbal noun
=
ag ceiliúradhcelebrating

“Ceiliúradh” with the article

Here is ceiliúradh after the article (an t-alt).

an ceiliúradh
the celebration
No change after an

“Ceiliúradh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ceiliúradh, the Irish word for celebration.

Bhí ceiliúradh mór againn tar éis an chluiche.
We had a big celebration after the match.
Thosaigh an ceiliúradh ag a hocht a chlog.
The celebration started at eight o'clock.
Is ócáid cheiliúrtha í seo don phobal ar fad.
This is an occasion of celebration for the whole community.
Ghlac na céadta páirt sa cheiliúradh aréir.
Hundreds took part in the celebration last night.
Beidh ceiliúradh againn dá lá breithe Dé Sathairn.
We'll have a celebration for her birthday on Saturday.
Rinne an sagart ceiliúradh an Aifrinn ar maidin.
The priest celebrated Mass this morning.
Chualamar ceiliúradh na n-éan sa choill.
We heard the birds warbling in the wood.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Celebration in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for celebration?

The Irish for celebration is ceiliúradh (pronounced “KEL-oo-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean celebration of mass or farewell or warbling.

How do you pronounce ceiliúradh in Irish?

Ceiliúradh is said like “KEL-oo-ruh” (IPA /ˈcɛlʲuːɾˠə/).

Does ceiliúradh have a plural?

No plural form is given for ceiliúradh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does ceiliúradh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ceiliúradh can mean celebration, celebration of mass, farewell or warbling, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ceiliúradh change to cheiliúradh or gceiliúradh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceiliúradh becomes mo cheiliúradh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceiliúradh (eclipsis).

What is the difference between ceiliúradh and comóradh?

Ceiliúradh is a joyful celebration of something, while comóradh is a commemoration or anniversary, such as comóradh 1916.

How do I say 'to celebrate something'?

Use the verb ceiliúir, for example ceiliúraimid an Nollaig, or the phrase ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar rud.

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