I know that both of these are used. Could somebody clarify the difference in meaning? Is it that in áirde literally means up on/in a high place, whereas in aoirde has a less literal meaning?

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I'm an intermediate speaker of the Corca Dhuibhne dialect of Irish and also have knowledge on the old spelling
Soir gaċ síar, fé ḋeireaḋ thíar

in áirde- up high. Talamh in áirde - land for sale/rent.

Aoirde = the comparative of árd; an abstract noun meaning height. Ag dul in aoirde - to get higher, taller.

So how would you translate Bhí mo mháthair i n-aoirde póilín go rábach? Could it be 'My mother was easily the height of a policeman', or am I completely off?

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I'm an intermediate speaker of the Corca Dhuibhne dialect of Irish and also have knowledge on the old spelling
Soir gaċ síar, fé ḋeireaḋ thíar