Heading to the Emerald Isle for the first time? While the Irish culture is very much immersed in American culture, there are a few stark contrasts that might cause you to unknowingly insult a local and cause some uncomfortable social blunders if you aren’t careful. To help avoid any mishaps, here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind when traveling in Ireland:
Humor
The Irish certainly have a reputation for their quick wit, called having ‘the craic’. Sometimes their humor can be both self-deprecating and ironic. The Irish often trade insults with one another too. If you find yourself getting teased, just go with it. The Irish love to rag one another. “Slagging,” as it’s called, is rarely personal and they mean no harm.
Swearing
Be prepared to hear lots of colorful language while in Ireland. The Irish are known for their ‘gift-of-the-gab’ and this includes a multitude of creative four-letter-words. While this can be shocking to Americans, it is rarely meant as an insult or to shock you. It’s just an Irish thing.
Avoid clichés
There are several Irish clichés that have made their way into our American culture. It’s hard to imagine Ireland at all without phrases like “Top o’ the Morning” and “May the Road Rise to Meet You.” They are, however, very cliché and very unlikely to be used by locals. It can even be considered quite rude to use these phrases in Ireland, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. And while we are avoiding things, make no mention of leprechauns or lucky charms or pots of gold, tempting though it may be.
Don’t Imitate the Irish Accent
Another item the Irish consider quite rude is imitating their accents. It’s seen as condescending and impolite. No matter how cute you think it is, try your best to avoid mimicking it, as it will not likely be appreciated by the locals.
Handshakes
Handshakes are an important part of communicating in Ireland. A good solid handshake is expected at the beginning and end of most conversations, along with eye-contact and use of first names (whether you know the person well or not).
Religion and Politics
Two touchy subjects that are best to avoid in conversations in Ireland are religion and politics. Ireland has suffered a rocky past and locals tend to be sensitive about religion and past invasions of their country. Tread lightly and apologize if you overstep in this area.
Pub Rounds
Pubs are such a key part of the Irish culture and bring in both young and old. It is a place to unwind, to communicate, gossip, listen to music, etc. One key pub etiquette rule is the concept of rounds. You may have heard of the ‘round system’ in Ireland. It is essentially an unspoken code consisting of buying drinks for those in your group at the pub. If you aren’t a drinker or don’t want to buy rounds for the group, it is perfectly acceptable to decline. If you accept the offer of a drink from someone else however, just know, you are in the round and you will be expected to purchase a round before the first person buys again.
Tipping
There isn’t as strong a tipping culture in the food industry in Ireland as there is in America. Tips aren’t expected in pubs, for example. Likewise, restaurants will usually already include a service fee in the bill. Tipping of 10-15% above this is seen as a reward for exceptional service. Be advised that tipping a bell hop, taxi driver or tour guide however, is customary and expected for good service.
Be Reserved
The Irish don’t appreciate loud, obnoxious behavior. Anything seen as aggressive and boisterous is likely to be met with distain, so try your best to avoid being over-the-top and loud.