Have been trying to locate a word or phrase to mean "chosen family" as in a reference to friends that are closer than actual family. The only word I can find is muintir. Is this the right word? There are four of us getting similar claddaghs with the same words, we just want to ensure we get it right. Many thanks!

"Muintir" is a bit of a complicated word. It can mean "family" (especially extended family), but it also means "people" (as in "Muintir na hÉireann": The people of Ireland)

I think, to make things clear, I might say something like "Muintir ar mo rogha/mhian féin" -- A family/people of my own choosing.

Wait for more input.

Redwolf

"muintir mo rogha" I think that sounds nice. With or without "féin" added.
Personally I'd leave out "ar".

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It is recommended that you always wait for three to agree on a translation.
I speak Connemara Irish, and my input will often reflect that.
I will do an mp3 file on request for short translations.
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cairde gaoil is often translated as "friends and relatives" or "dear friends" but literally means "friends of/who have a kindred feeling".

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Múinteoir Gaeilge - Irish Teacher
My "specialty" is Connemara Irish, particularly Cois Fhairrge dialect, but I can also speak Ulster and Munster Irish with native-level pronunciation.
Is fearr Gaeilge ḃriste ná Béarla cliste, cinnte, aċ i ḃfad níos fearr aríst í Gaeilge ḃinn ḃeo na nGaeltaċtaí.
Gaeilge Chonnacht (GC), go háraid Gaeilge Chois Fhairrge (GCF), Gaeilic Uladh (GU), Gaelainn na Mumhan (GM), agus Gaeilge an Chaighdeáin Oifigiúil (CO).

That's a good one too.

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___________________________________________________________

It is recommended that you always wait for three to agree on a translation.
I speak Connemara Irish, and my input will often reflect that.
I will do an mp3 file on request for short translations.
___________________________________________________________