Hello there. I'll be heading to Europe this spring (from the States) for a few weeks and spending a good bit of time in Ireland as my lineage is heavily and directly Irish. I'm entertaining the idea of getting a new tattoo whilst there as it would have an Irish theme and I thought what a great way to bring back a part of my holiday with me and where better to recieve an Irish-themed tattoo than in Ireland herself.

My tatto design would include the Gaelic translation of "Family first, forever, always". Trouble is different translation sites and Gaelic language sites give me different results and explanations. Understanding that there are most assuredly different dialects and strains of Irish Gaelic...could anyone translate this simple phrase for me?

I would appreciate greatly any help.

Céad teaghlach go deo, i gconai
Family first, forever, always

This is a literal translation. Some in Ireland may express it differently. Wait for further input before warming up the ink gun.

Some advice: don't deface your skin with that ridiculous slogon. It's as glamourous and cliché as chinese writing.

You'd want to be very careful in your choice, Word for word translations are seldom right. And what's the difference between forever and always?

Mo chlann ar dtús, riamh, agus i gconaí

Why get a tatoo to express your Irishness? sounds corny and cheap!! is this really the way Irish-Americans celebrate their roots? with macho tatoos? truly sad in my opinion!!! Most of the young Irish Americans and Canadians (guys) I have met seem to think this is the best way to celebrate their culture, how very North-American!

"Gael mar Ghall"

Der ya go