Diocese in Irish (Fairche): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for diocese?

The Irish for diocese is fairche (pronounced “FAR-ih-khyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fairchí. Depending on context it can also mean mallet.

Q: What is the plural of diocese in Irish?

The plural of fairche is fairchí; with the article, na fairchí means “the dioceses”. The genitive plural is fairchí, as in teorainneacha na bhfairchí (boundaries of the dioceses).

Q: Does fairche have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fairche can mean diocese or mallet, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “diocese” in Irish

Irish:: fairche
English:: diocese, mallet
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “FAR-ih-khyuh” /ˈfaɾʲəxʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: fairchí (dioceses)
Genitive singular:: fairche, na fairche (e.g. easpag na fairche, bishop of the diocese)
Genitive plural:: fairchí, na bhfairchí (e.g. teorainneacha na bhfairchí, boundaries of the dioceses)

What does “fairche” mean?

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

diocese: A district under the authority of a bishop in the Church.Also: bishopric, see.

1 other meaning: mallet

2mallet: A heavy wooden hammer or club; this sense is older and literary.Also: club, sledge.

“Fairche” with the article

The plural of diocese in Irish is fairchí. Here is fairche after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an fhairche

the diocese

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

na fairchí

the dioceses

Plural: no change after na

“Fairche” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fairche, the Irish word for diocese.

Tá an fhairche seo an-mhór ar fad.

This diocese is very large.

Ceapadh easpag nua don fhairche inné.

A new bishop was appointed to the diocese yesterday.

Tá tríocha paróiste san fhairche.

There are thirty parishes in the diocese.

Labhair easpag na fairche ag an Aifreann.

The bishop of the diocese spoke at Mass.

Tá ceithre fhairche is fiche in Éirinn.

There are twenty-four dioceses in Ireland.

Rugadh mo sheanathair i bhfairche Chill Dalua.

My grandfather was born in the diocese of Killaloe.

Comhoibríonn na fairchí ar scéimeanna oideachais.

The dioceses cooperate on education schemes.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Diocese in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for diocese?

The Irish for diocese is fairche (pronounced “FAR-ih-khyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is fairchí. Depending on context it can also mean mallet.

How do you pronounce fairche in Irish?

Fairche is said like “FAR-ih-khyuh” (IPA /ˈfaɾʲəxʲə/).

What is the plural of diocese in Irish?

The plural of fairche is fairchí; with the article, na fairchí means “the dioceses”. The genitive plural is fairchí, as in teorainneacha na bhfairchí (boundaries of the dioceses).

Does fairche have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fairche can mean diocese or mallet, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fairche change to fhairche or bhfairche?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fairche becomes m'fhairche (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfairche (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'fairche' and 'deoise'?

Both mean diocese; 'deoise' is also widely used, while 'fairche' is common in official Church usage, e.g. 'Fairche Chorcaí'.

Diocese in Irish (Fairche): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage