Irishionary.com

While searching online for Irish dictionaries, I came across Irishionary.com (formerly IrishDictionary.org). I think it is perfect for beginners because it is so simple and well-laid out.

It's especially handy when you're on the run and don't have your printed dictionaries with you. I'm often on the web while on my iPhone, and it works great there (or any other modern phone that has standard web browsing capabilities).

Not only is it easy, but it also has modern terms like 'computer', 'mobile phone', and 'gay', that your old printed dictionary probably couldn't even conceive of!

Also, you can download the whole dictionary as a single PDF. And you can contribute new words yourself.

That being said, it has its limitations. It won't conjugate a verb for you, for example, and the list of words is somewhat small. However, as the author states, it's not really meant to be a complete replacement for a printed dictionary. You still need that.

But when you're on the run and need something quick and dirty, it's a great way to expand your vocabulary. And if you want to add words or help validate them, there's a link on the site to participate.

And when you participate, you learn!

"Greann Clock" Irish language (Gaeilge) clock: free download for iPhone & iPod Touch

Greann is proud to announce our first iPhone/iPod Touch application!

It's a fun little app that will allow you to practice telling the time as Gaeilge.

Just open it up and it displays the current hour, along with a translation, such as "Tá sé a hOcht a chlog". Tap the "Abair é!" button, and it will speak it for you, so you know how to pronounce it.

It's a free download at the iTunes App Store. Just go into iTunes, click on iTunes Store on the left, then enter "Irish Clock" (or "Greann") on the searchbar on the top right and press [Enter]. Choose "Greann Clock" from the search results, and you should see the screen at top left (click to enlarge). Click the "Get App" button next to "Free", and it'll download for free. Then sync your iPhone or iPod Touch, and you're all set!

You can give feedback on the Greann Forums: there's a new subforum just for Greann apps there. Slán!