I started playing Celtic music in 1999. I was not super in touch with my Celtic heritage when I began playing the music. My only connection to my culture was St Patrick's Day on March 17th every year. (Also known as my birthday).

I don't speak Gaelic. But listen to my Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You'll hear a running joke every time I feature an artist with a Gaelic song name. It's embarrassing.

Here I am, an award-winning CELTIC podcaster, and I regularly butcher the Irish language. Sigh…

Nevertheless, I came up with a great way to truly learn Gaelic words–sing phrases in Gaelic. That's how my song “Slainte Mhaith” came to be.

“Slainte Mhaith” (pronounced slawn-cha va) is Irish Gaelic for “Here's to your good health”. I wrote the song at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival in 2014. It was recorded on the album Name On My Soul with my band Kilted Kings in 2016.

I'm proud of the video. It's one of my early attempts at video editing. It features some live footage and story. Plus the Lords of Adventure are in it. They're a brilliant sword-fighting comedy duo. It's a fun video.

Do you have a favorite Gaelic word or phrase? Email me… and please include the pronunciation and translation. 😀

Slainte!
Marc Gunn, The Celfather

PS. “Slainte” alone just means “cheers” or “here's to your health”. You'll hear me use that word a LOT!

PPS. I have a new single called “Slainte Mhaith Christmas”. This one celebrates Christmas cheer with Celtic style. You download it in my Gunn Runners Club or enjoy the song on streaming when it goes live.

PPPS. Want more Celtic Christmas music?