HeyRuaHow to say “rocky district” in Irish
- Irish:
- boireann
- English:
- rocky district, large rock
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BIR-un” /bˠɛɾʲən̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- boirne, na boirne (e.g. bláthanna na boirne, the flowers of the rocky district)
What does “boireann” mean?
“Boireann” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- rocky district
- A stretch of bare, rocky limestone country, like the Burren in County Clare.Also: karst, rocky country, limestone landscape, Burren.
1 other meaning: large rock
- 2large rock
- A great rock or rocky outcrop.Also: rock, crag.
“Boireann” with the article
Here is boireann after the article (an t-alt).
“Boireann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using boireann, the Irish word for rocky district.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Rocky district in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for rocky district?
The Irish for rocky district is boireann (pronounced “BIR-un”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean large rock.
How do you pronounce boireann in Irish?
Boireann is said like “BIR-un” (IPA /bˠɛɾʲən̪ˠ/).
Does boireann have a plural?
No plural form is given for boireann in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does boireann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Boireann can mean rocky district or large rock, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does boireann change to bhoireann or mboireann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) boireann becomes mo bhoireann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mboireann (eclipsis).
Is the Burren in Clare named after this word?
Yes, the Burren is 'an Bhoireann' in Irish, meaning the rocky place. It is feminine, so it is lenited after the article.
