About the role

Irish has official recognition in Northern Ireland, and it is an official language of Ireland and of the European Union. Irish-medium schools, councils and community organisations in Northern Ireland need translation of documents, signs and websites, and EU and Irish institutions need Irish versions of legal and policy texts.

The three main dialects, Ulster, Connacht and Munster, differ in pronunciation and some vocabulary, while written work follows An Caighdeán Oifigiúil. Work includes translation, proofreading, transcription and subtitling, with interpreting at meetings and events.

What you will do

Translate English into Irish that follows An Caighdeán Oifigiúil and the client's terminology, using recognised Irish terminology resources.
Interpret at meetings and events, and transcribe Irish recordings in any of the main dialects.
Follow professional standards of accuracy, impartiality and confidentiality on every assignment.
Prepare for each booking by reviewing the brief and researching specialist terminology in advance.
Take on-site assignments at hospitals, courts, offices and other venues, and remote sessions by video or telephone.

What we are looking for

Fluent Irish and English, with an excellent standard of written Irish.
Relevant qualifications such as the DPSI, DPI or a translation degree, or equivalent professional experience; CIOL, ITI or NRPSI membership is welcome.
Experience of legal or public sector Irish terminology is an advantage; recognised Irish translation accreditation is welcome.
Willingness to undergo a DBS check, which is required for some assignments, such as those involving children or vulnerable adults.
For on-site work in the UK, the right to work in the UK.
Reliable internet access and suitable equipment (computer or phone with headset) for video and telephone work.

What we offer

Freelance flexibility, accepting work when it suits you.
Remote and on-site assignments.
Fair pay that reflects your skills and time.
Support from our operations team.
Assignments across sectors, including healthcare, legal and public services.

Irish work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Irish linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Irish:

Irish interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
Irish translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Irish translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Irish transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

Which Irish dialect do you need?

All three. Written work follows the official standard, while interpreting and transcription may involve Ulster, Connacht or Munster Irish.

How do I apply?

Use the application form on this page. Tell us your languages, dialects, qualifications and the type of work you are interested in.

Apply for this role

Freelance Irish (Gaeilge) Translator and Interpreter