HeyRuaHow to say “ring fort” in Irish
- Irish:
- lios
- English:
- ring fort, fairy fort, enclosure, halo
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “lyiss” /lʲɪsˠ/
- Plural:
- liosanna (ring forts)
- Genitive singular:
- leasa, an leasa (e.g. lár an leasa, the middle of the fort)
- Genitive plural:
- liosanna, na liosanna (e.g. suíomhanna na liosanna, the sites of the ring forts)
What does “lios” mean?
“Lios” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ring fort
- An ancient circular earthen enclosure surrounding a dwelling, common across the Irish countryside.Also: rath, earthen fort, enclosure.
3 other meanings: fairy fort or enclosure or halo
- 2fairy fort
- An old ring fort believed in folklore to be the dwelling place of the fairies.Also: fairy mound, fairy dwelling.
- 3enclosure
- An enclosed space or yard around a building.Also: courtyard, garth, yard.
- 4halo
- A ring of light around the moon or sun.Also: ring, corona.
“Lios” with the article
The plural of ring fort in Irish is liosanna. Here is lios after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Lios” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using lios, the Irish word for ring fort.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ring fort in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ring fort?
The Irish for ring fort is lios (pronounced “lyiss”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is liosanna. Depending on context it can also mean fairy fort or enclosure or halo.
How do you pronounce lios in Irish?
Lios is said like “lyiss” (IPA /lʲɪsˠ/).
What is the plural of ring fort in Irish?
The plural of lios is liosanna; with the article, na liosanna means “the ring forts”. The genitive plural is liosanna, as in suíomhanna na liosanna (the sites of the ring forts).
Does lios have more than one meaning?
Yes. Lios can mean ring fort, fairy fort, enclosure or halo, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'lios' and 'ráth'?
Both mean a ring fort; 'ráth' often refers to the earthen rampart, while 'lios' is the enclosed space within, but they are largely used interchangeably. Both survive in place names like Lios Mór and Ráth Luirc.
Why do so many place names start with 'Lis'?
Names like Lisburn, Lismore and Listowel come from 'lios', marking the site of an old ring fort, e.g. Lios Mór 'great fort'.
