The Lenited
L, N and R
We are usually taught that the letters L, N and R cannot undergo lenition in Irish and while this is moslty true in modern, spoken Irish. There was traditionally a slight different made to the pronunciation of the L, N and R. The lenited R distinction has disappeared from all spoken forms of the language but this article will focus on the traces of the L and N in a lenited position.
Note that this article is mostly aimed at advanced learners or those wishing to hone in on Irish phonology, it is not necessary for fluent, spoken Irish.
The Broad L ⁊ N
The broad L and N are velarised which is a fancy way of saying that the back of your tongue is raised up. This gives Irish its unique sound and accent when speaking.
Compare these examples.
The Irish: ladar
The English: ladder
The Irish: nó
The English: no
However, if L or N are in a position where they should be lenited, they will go from this darker, velar sound to the L and N that we tend to find in English.