The Big Craic: McDonald’s Now Taking Orders in Irish

McDonald’s has introduced an Irish language option at its self-service kiosks across the Republic of Ireland, following a successful trial in Galway. It’s part of their “commitment to celebrating Ireland’s linguistic and cultural heritage”, which, in fairness, is great to see from a family owned Irish establishment (jokes—but honestly, it is a welcome

Addition).

Sidenote, I’ve been in McDonald’s on Grafton Street at 3AM and seen people barely manage to order in English, so adding Gaeilge into the mix might actually be an upgrade.

I’m sure the McDonald’s CEO will be out in Temple Bar on Paddy’s Day, telling some poor barman that his great-great-grandpappy came from Carrick-on-Shannon while wearing a varsity jacket and ordering a Guinness “the proper way.”

Jokes aside, it’s a brilliant initiative to promote the Irish language, making Gaeilge more accessible in everyday life. Now, just don’t panic when “Níl aon oinniún, le do thoil” pops up on screen.