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Pen in Irish (Loca): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘loca’ also means: car park

The Irish for pen is loca, a masculine noun (plural locaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “pen” in Irish

Irish:
loca
English:
pen, car park
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“LUK-uh”  /ˈl̪ˠɔkə/
Various forms
Plural:
locaí (pens)
Genitive singular:
loca, an loca (e.g. geata an loca, the gate of the pen)
Genitive plural:
locaí, na locaí (e.g. geataí na locaí, the gates of the pens)

What does “loca” mean?

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

pen
An enclosure or fold where animals such as sheep or cattle are kept.Also: fold, enclosure, corral, pound.
1 other meaning: car park
2car park
A place where vehicles are parked; a parking area or parking space.Also: parking place, parking space, park.

Other Irish words for pen: peann (pen)

“Loca” with the article

The plural of pen in Irish is locaí. Here is loca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an loca
the pen
No change after an
na locaí
the pens
Plural: no change after na

“Loca” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using loca, the Irish word for pen.

Chuir sé na caoirigh isteach sa loca.
He put the sheep into the pen.
Tá an loca páirceála lán inniu.
The car park is full today.
D'fhág mé an carr i loca páirceála an ospidéil.
I left the car in the hospital car park.
Dún geata an loca, le do thoil.
Close the gate of the pen, please.
Tá locaí nua á dtógáil ag an bhfeirmeoir.
The farmer is building new pens.
Tá loca páirceála mór taobh thiar den siopa.
There is a big car park behind the shop.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Pen in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for pen?

The Irish for pen is loca (pronounced “LUK-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is locaí. Depending on context it can also mean car park.

How do you pronounce loca in Irish?

Loca is said like “LUK-uh” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠɔkə/).

What is the plural of pen in Irish?

The plural of loca is locaí; with the article, na locaí means “the pens”. The genitive plural is locaí, as in geataí na locaí (the gates of the pens).

Does loca have more than one meaning?

Yes. Loca can mean pen or car park, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is 'loca' the same as 'loch'?

No. 'Loca' is a pen or car park, while 'loch' means a lake; the words are unrelated despite looking similar.

What is the usual word for a car park?

'Carrchlós' is very common, but 'loca páirceála' or simply 'loca' is also used for a parking area.

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