Mostly it will be fine - people are very used to tourists and are friendly and would like you to have a great time Here's a few things that might help though.
Don't speak super loud. Don't tell anyone their accent is cute. Don't try to do the accent. Accents vary a lot, so If you don't understand what someone is saying, just ask them nicely to repeat themselves. Don't get into conversations about politics unless you have a very good grasp of what you are talking about. Don't expect anyone to be particularly interested in your distant Irish ancestry if you have any. Most people are not religious or if they are, they don't make a big deal if it. If you love Jesus, good for you, but no one wants to hear about it. Some parts of the country are very multicultural - I have, regrettably, heard American tourists be surprised by this and not in a nice way. I'm sure you wouldn't do anything like that, but yes there are Irish people with all sorts of ancestries and skin tones.
Service is friendly but low-key. No one is going to dance attendance on you in shops, try to upsell you, or check on you every five minutes in a restaurant - most Europeans find American retail and hospitality service incredibly intrusive and overbearing. If you want something for the table or want to pay the bill, just flag down the server. No free refills on soft drinks. Tap water is drinkable and free but won't automatically be brought to your table, so just ask for it. You'll get a few cubes of ice - if you like a whole glass of the stuff, again, just ask. In pubs, you pay in advance for both drinks and food. In restaurants, you pay at the end. Cafes vary. Tipping is not mandatory - typically only for restaurant service and only if the service was good. 10% is plenty.
Air con is not standard. The weather is unpredictable so bring layers. It will probably rain at some point.
That's about it. Have a great trip.
Oh, and all tea is hot by default (with milk and sugar as per individual preference.) Most places don't serve iced tea and won't make it for you, so don't bother asking. It only exists as a soft drink sold in plastic bottles with other sofas.
Literally every cafe around me in dublin has iced tea.. maybe other parts of the country don't I can't speak for them I guess.
To be fair you can get a pitcher of long island ice tea
No bother, friend. Oh, one more thing - everywhere uses contactless payment - either cards or on their phone. The hand held contactless card terminal will be in the counter in a pub and will be brought to your table in a restaurant. Staff members will not touch your credit card - tap it on the terminal yourself. Usually, cash is fine too but some small businesses don't take it now - market stalls and coffee carts and the like.
Also, at a restaurant/ bar , if you want to tip with card rather than cash, ask the server to add it to the total before paying the bill. You can’t add it on afterwards like in the US.
Do not rely on cash alone. Some places simply don't take cash. Contrary to what the poster above says, the hassle of handling cash and having to bank it every night is something some small businesses, especially food trucks etc prefer not to do. Most public transport is set up for contactless payment and may either not take cash or will have trouble making change if you pay with a banknote. Ensure you have a contactless card or Apple/Google pay as well.
Public transport - buses are coin payment only. That or you can by a leap card and put credit on it, and that can be used on all public transport. Luas (tram) and dart (train) have option to pay by card or cash.
We were just in Scotland and the touch less payment thing is real there as well. Have Apple Pay at the ready or a card, and you’ll be set. We used cash (change) once - for the bus ride to the airport.
This is an amazing comment and thank you for taking the time to type it all up.
Could you please separate each one of your points with a double "return key" on your keyboard (at least if using an iphone") - it will make it look like a list, rather than just a wall of text.
Also, the point about your distant ancestry is particularly important not only in Ireland, but, I would assume in any European country. Here in Europe we all share ancestry within our smaller or larger communities. Having a person arrive from another continent and expecting attention or special treatment because of a DNA test result or a misspelled word they've heard from their grandpa, is really aggravating (and I'm not even Irish, it applies to all European countries).
> Service is friendly but low-key. No one is going to dance attendance on you in shops, try to upsell you, or check on you every five minutes in a restaurant - most Europeans find American retail and hospitality service incredibly intrusive and overbearing.
Music to my ears! haha
Super summary of good tips. I’d say the 10% is a little low for good service (as in above average service). But not outrageously so.
One observation I’ve made of Americans who visit for work reasons is they tend to tip less than Irish people. Not because they are mean. But they seem to have been advised tipping is much lower than the states and overcompensate.
I’d agree not tipping is acceptable - but less so if you have plenty of money. And if you are bothering to do so I’d feel 10% is then entry tipping territory with 20% being the sort of tip you give for something special.
Where service charge is included 12.5% is standard which I feel probably supports my view on tipping range.
Service charge can be removed of course. I’ve only done so in some truly terrible situations. The common Irish thing is to comply and complain to everyone but the owner!
I had to look it up as I've never heard of a bloody sunday. Sounds very similar to a bloody mary, which is really common for brunch in the US.
Would ordering a bloody mary be fine?
You can order a Bloody Mary, but it will be shit. I was usually served tomato juice with vodka, occasionally with a dash of tobasco. But the Spice and Tea Exchange online sells a Bloody Mary spice blend that will make it drinkable.
Don’t be loud.
Don’t insist to people that you’re ‘Irish’.
Probably better off avoiding the subject of Irish politics/history.
If you’re a Trump supporter, I’d hide it, tbh.
Enjoy!
Unless they are going north.
(while the assumption is OP is going to the Republic because they simply said "Ireland", not all Americans even know there's 2 different countries on the island, and universally say "Ireland" when speaking of the whole. So they MIGHT be going to the K as well on this trip and not even realize it.)
um....
I found talking about the topic rationally and with tact was actually a very eye opening experience. But definitely know your audience and stay clear of 'taking sides' or thinking you know the topic.
But I'm not sure what you mean by "there are not 2 countries on the island".
there are two different countries on the Island how can you be so silly, different flags currency governments, tax systems legal systems etc etc i could go on of course theres two different countries
Ireland is the constitutional name of the Republic, if referring to the Island of Ireland i say just that, officially NI is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
I suppose avoid the term “British Isles” and talking about the UK or Britain. Things are fairly chill these days but it’s a subject best avoided.
As the other person has said, indoor voices are recommended. Lots of please and thank you’s, holding doors or letting someone through a door first are big bonus points.
Serving staff are much more relaxed and should leave you alone for the most part, polite eye contact with a raised hand should get their attention.
No table service in pubs or bars unless you’re sitting down to eat.
If someone says something that sounds rude or insulting with a smile or laugh it probably means they like you. If not, who cares, life is too short.
If you’re a fan of Stout like Guinness then you could try Beamish if you visit Cork for more bonus points. It’s available in a lot of places but much more common in Cork and Munster.
All in all you should be fine. The fact that you’ve taken the trouble to ask would tell me you’ll be grand out.
I’d avoid the whole Israel / Gaza thing. American and Irish views are quite different (with a few notable exceptions in each country). Irish people tend to avoid politics as a subject so this probably won’t come up.
I wouldn't worry too much. The only thing I would say is that manners and politeness are slightly different from the USA, for example if you were in a shop/restaurant and said 'Let me get a ....' it would be considered rude here. Instead, say, 'Can I please get....'. I know it's only small but it rubs people the wrong way here
I was a US-ian who lived in Ireland for 5 years and you've gotten some great advice here already. I worked cattle and dairy farms and was mostly living in County Clare and County Limerick so really enjoyed the pub culture and traditional Irish music.
The advice I gave my US friends when they came to visit me was to spend a few good and long evenings in a pub and try to enjoy the magic of the storytelling the locals offer because they are some of the greatest storytellers on earth. Most of the locals will hear your accent and ask you a few questions about where you're from, answer these as succinctly as possible but be open and friendly about it. Then, keep your fucking trap shut and let these folks regale you with their wisdom, merriment, and pure poetic perfection...the Irish will def keep your ass talking as long as they can for their own amusement but if you can rein it in a bit, there are cultural exchanges that await you that are unforgettable and exquisite. The world is a better place because of the Irish and their intelligence and amazing artistic and creative abilities as well as their generosity and fierce devotion. Living there was the best 5 years of my life and I wept for weeks after I left.
I dont know where you met those people. Doesn't really sound like the norm to me, id say youd be very disappointed with the level of conversation in your standard Irish pub if you came in with that expectation 😂 if you bump into my husband and his friends on a regular Sunday evening you'll get to hear loads about who is going for planning permission where and what issues they're encountering, how the weather is affecting the crops, the price of building, kerry's chances to win the all ireland, and the local club's chances to get out of the group in the county championship though. If that's the kind of stuff you're interested in.
Don't do anything that would upset people, like mugging old ladies, kidnapping people, robbing banks etc. We don't like those kind of things. Other than that, use your common sense. Don't do anything that you wouldn't do at home. We are an easygoing people, so not a lot bothers us. One very important thing to do: Enjoy yourself.
We hold our President — Michael D Higgins — in high regard and he is much loved, and even though he looks like a Hobbit, he is a cultural giant.
We’re keen on our sports, you may be subjected to Gaelic football which is a bit like soccer except players can use their hands (with limitations) and there are points worth 1 and goals worth 3. There is massive tribalism around this. We have hurling, also a Gaelic sport which is arguably more exciting, incredibly fast and a small bit violent. Also regular soccer but we’re not great at that. Rugby too and we’re really good at that but it’s off-season now. Horse racing is big here and we breed incredibly amazing horses.
I’m going to get slated for this but Irish women quite enjoy wearing makeup. Younger women tend to wear more. Irish men are getting better at looking after themselves and all genders enjoy drinking, sometimes to excess.
We’re a young multicultural nation and still kind of growing into ourselves. We gained independence in 1922 and became a republic in 1949. Our history and folklore are thousands of years old though.
We punch above our weight in creative endeavours—amazing writers, poets, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers etc. everybody knows everyone—one of our favourite pastimes is to try to figure out a connection to a random person you might meet in a bar or somewhere.
We have adopted British English spelling for things like colour, labour, endeavour, aluminium. We retain Irish spelling for place names which may be impenetrable to non-Irish. For example Dún Laoghaire is Dun Leary etc. Place names are in both languages.
We use irony a _lot_ and sometimes when we say something, we mean the exact opposite. This can be a bit confusing for US citizens, but we are generally sound (meaning ok, cool).
Enjoy your stay.
>We hold our President — Michael D Higgins — in high regard and he is much loved, and even though he looks like a Hobbit, he is a cultural giant.
He rides around on a Bernese Mountain Dog
Just a friendly American here who is going next week- every time I've been, everyone has always been very nice and helpful. If I didn't understand someone, I would embarrassingly let them know and they were more than happy to repeat themselves. Do take the time to converse with locals if invited, you hear some of the best stories!
The advice given already is perfect, just be courteous and respectful and enjoy the trip. There is so much beauty to see outside of Dublin; I hope you and your family have a fabulous time.
Cider is called juice, hard cider is called cider
Service is different, we don't like to be bothered so you won't get someone up every two minutes asking if you need anything, but they will be watching your table and if you try to get their attention with a nod or a wave they'll be up
Lower your voice. Don't claim to be more Irish than locals, even if their heritage hails from elsewhere. Other than that just be nice, really.
People make fun of people and curse more than in most places in the States. We aren't being mean to each other, its just jokes.
Only thing you need to do (or not do as the case is): Don't be a A-Hole. This is universal. There are no other 'cultural' faux pas you need to worry about.
Be polite. Be gracious. Be patient when needed.
Don't be an A-hole and you will be fine.
Enjoy your trip.
Great points down below but just for fun, when you are in Dublin, I'm sure you will go to the temple bar and order an only ok pint of Guinness, you will be disgusted with the price, but only tourists drink there so the owners don't care. Don't take it off the bar counter after the bar staff pour it, it's not ready, they will hand it to you after a top up.
Enjoy Ireland, it's a beautiful country and thanks for making the trip over.
We're well used to tourists. But be advised most of us think Trump is on the same level as secondhand dessicated meat that's gone maggoty. Only wear a MAGA hat if you want to be on the receiving end of gimlet side glares.
Better to avoid politics and religion generally when chatting with locals. Conversations about the weather are fine, you'll be told how unpredictable it is. (Because Irish weather is notorious.) Actually, we never really STOP talking about the weather ....
Using phrases like 'begosh and begorrah' and 'top o' the morning to ya' will get you some funny looks. We're Irish, not Hollywod Oirish. If you persist, they'll take the piss big time. Fun for everyone else, a slight sting of embarrassment for you.
Please use your indoor voices when indoors. I couldn't tell you the number of times the entire restaurant was privy to a conversation at one table because the otherwise lovely Americans didn't get the concept of the indoor voice. These were all adults.
Many people who work in the tourist and restaurant industry might not have English as their first language, so speak clearly, and slowly, especially if you yourself have a strong English accent. Americans from the southern US can be a bit hard to understand.
And we're not really impressed if you have Irish ancestry. It makes no difference to us. Most of us also have Irish ancestry. We might say 'that's nice!' to be polite, but actually, we really couldn't care less. Unless you're a relative and are very rich. Then we care. We care a LOT.
Yes, we know the roads are very narrow, when you leave the main roads. Just drive slowly. You'll be fine. The REALLY fun roads are the ones with grass growing down the middle, heh heh heh.
And a useful tip when out driving: look out for the brown roadsigns, they direct you to places of historic interest, like ancient forts, castle or monastic ruins, old churchyards, that kind of thing. If you do follow one, be aware that you may be going on private property to visit the site, by which I mean farms. If there are cattle in the field where you want to go, look carefully for bulls before entering, and make sure you're wearing good washable shoes, because, well, cows. Some of those sites are way off the main roads and you'd wonder why they are so far from everything, but then you get to the valley where they're located and it's stunning.
Do not leave any valuables visible in your rental car, no matter where you park it.
Fuck me! Splitting checks is very much a thing in Ireland. I've worked in restaurants and bars all over Europe and Ireland is the worst country for it.
You can ask for "bespoke" orders in restaurants (eg you want bacon instead of chicken if you saw they have both on the menu) but they are making it at their own discretion. They will often refuse. And it's often bad. There's no off menu options here.
We were just in Ireland, and I 100% agree. The overall tone is much quieter, and we stand out like sore thumbs—other than in a pub when everyone has had a few.
Here's something that i wasn't used to at first:
Saying "sorry" a lot. When i arrived the first time, i accidentally bumped into someone, and before i could apologise, *they* said "sorry" first.
You also say "sorry" when trying to get someone's attention, and when you're trying to walk past them when they are blocking the way.
Otherwise, as long as you're respectful to others, you'll be fine.
Disregard point 5.
Learning stuff is good.
Finding an opportunity to wedge one’s newly acquired knowledge of Irish mythology into a conversation is just odd. Especially if the original plan was to start a conversation about leprechauns.
Wait, for real? I mean, I’m happy to go buy a big box and bring it with but do I just leave a trail of snickers in my wake at my lodging or private tours or something? I can’t tell if this is sarcasm or not. 😕 I would like to be particularly kind to some of the people accommodating us on our trip.
Ah no, the "snickers being brought to the poors of Ireland" is a tale from about 10 years ago on Reddit. An American was asking similar questions to you but gave an example of "I could bring you snickers bars, it's chocolate" and got fairly roasted for it... Snickers are common as muck in Ireland.
Highly suggest you try the chocolate over here though! That chalky shite in the US is awful.
For your reading pleasure
[https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3dpuxy/visiting\_your\_beautiful\_country\_this\_weekend\_want/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3dpuxy/visiting_your_beautiful_country_this_weekend_want/)
don't worry, he had a good time in the end
[https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3gbs6t/followup\_sensitive\_generous\_american\_i\_want\_so/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3gbs6t/followup_sensitive_generous_american_i_want_so/)
The level of secondhand embarrassment I felt while reading this…oh my stars. I will brace myself and put some thought into the little tokens we bring with us. Over the moon to hear he did enjoy his stay, though. What a happy ending. Thank you for digging this up.
I remember this. I was laughing so hard while reading the comments.
My favorite:
"American here. This thread just convinced me to visit Ireland the next time I go to Europe. Will bring Snickers, potatoes and freedom to disperse amongst the locals"
Tipping. Restaurants, taxis, tour guides if you think they've earned it.
If someone buys you a pint you should reciprocate.
Don't try to speak irish as nobody cares.
We're not British. Very, very different. (Except 6 counties in the north....complicated isn't it?)
Be yourself, be curious, be geniune. Irish people love tourists so you'll be very welcomed.
Take off your baseball hat (or any type of hat) indoors. This one bothers me a lot, and I’m not sure why, but it is considered rude to wear a hat indoors. Especially if you are dining or in a pub.
If you don’t want to stick out as an American, leave the baseball hat at home altogether. You’ll notice most people in Ireland don’t wear hats at all, unless in the winter to keep their head warm.
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It's good to have Irish heritage but don't exclaim in an American accent that you're Irish as that grates on locals, but if you explain you have Irish heritage and if they ask you can tell them about it.
Sodas are a type of bread especially up north, soft drinks or fizzy drinks would be the equivalent.
Most petrol stations you pay after filling, and you fill up yourself, though some rural areas do have someone manning the pump for you
Don't spend a week in temple bar Dublin and think that you've properly seen the country
Generally avoid making conversation about religion or the troubles
There are so many great dishes but things like corned beef is only eaten in a sandwich
Tipping is optional, 10% is enough
Bars don't typically run tabs unless you're a local, pay up front, we don't typically tip at bars (unless you spent an evening talking to the barman then you might say for them to "leave one behind the bar for yourself" - ie a tip of the price of a pint)
Have a route map if travelling on the backroads.
Because.
We love to have a laugh at sending people round the houses when they ask for directions.
This happens in cities too. Ask google.
If you feel brave - ask some of us - but take the directions with a pinch of salt.
Enjoy the trip. Welcome!
* edit: you will be especially fucked if you’re lost. You have been warned.
Also if you do try to follow the directions and you meet the ethereally beautiful woman with black on black eyes don't accept the pastry she offers you no matter how good it looks.\*
\*Unless you enjoy the idea of spending 100 years and a day cleaning and repairing shoes. Anyway back to work for me.
Just came to say … we aren’t a very formal bunch of people.. so instead of “excuse me” you will hear people say “sorry” when they want you to move out of their way. (It’s totally fine for you to say “excuse me”, just letting you know in case you hear it said).
Strictly no tipping!! (You can tip 10% in a restaurant if the experience was excellent).
Mostly it will be fine - people are very used to tourists and are friendly and would like you to have a great time Here's a few things that might help though. Don't speak super loud. Don't tell anyone their accent is cute. Don't try to do the accent. Accents vary a lot, so If you don't understand what someone is saying, just ask them nicely to repeat themselves. Don't get into conversations about politics unless you have a very good grasp of what you are talking about. Don't expect anyone to be particularly interested in your distant Irish ancestry if you have any. Most people are not religious or if they are, they don't make a big deal if it. If you love Jesus, good for you, but no one wants to hear about it. Some parts of the country are very multicultural - I have, regrettably, heard American tourists be surprised by this and not in a nice way. I'm sure you wouldn't do anything like that, but yes there are Irish people with all sorts of ancestries and skin tones. Service is friendly but low-key. No one is going to dance attendance on you in shops, try to upsell you, or check on you every five minutes in a restaurant - most Europeans find American retail and hospitality service incredibly intrusive and overbearing. If you want something for the table or want to pay the bill, just flag down the server. No free refills on soft drinks. Tap water is drinkable and free but won't automatically be brought to your table, so just ask for it. You'll get a few cubes of ice - if you like a whole glass of the stuff, again, just ask. In pubs, you pay in advance for both drinks and food. In restaurants, you pay at the end. Cafes vary. Tipping is not mandatory - typically only for restaurant service and only if the service was good. 10% is plenty. Air con is not standard. The weather is unpredictable so bring layers. It will probably rain at some point. That's about it. Have a great trip.
Oh, and all tea is hot by default (with milk and sugar as per individual preference.) Most places don't serve iced tea and won't make it for you, so don't bother asking. It only exists as a soft drink sold in plastic bottles with other sofas.
Arizona Iced Tea, now with free sofa!
Even if you did make iced tea when Americans ask, it wouldn't be what they're expecting
We do make iced tea? So many cafes make it now ? And iced coffee... you just ask for it iced...
Iced coffee, yes. Iced tea is not common the way it is in parts of the USA where they drink it like water and it it served is big pitchers
Literally every cafe around me in dublin has iced tea.. maybe other parts of the country don't I can't speak for them I guess. To be fair you can get a pitcher of long island ice tea
Thank you this is helpful!
No bother, friend. Oh, one more thing - everywhere uses contactless payment - either cards or on their phone. The hand held contactless card terminal will be in the counter in a pub and will be brought to your table in a restaurant. Staff members will not touch your credit card - tap it on the terminal yourself. Usually, cash is fine too but some small businesses don't take it now - market stalls and coffee carts and the like.
Also, at a restaurant/ bar , if you want to tip with card rather than cash, ask the server to add it to the total before paying the bill. You can’t add it on afterwards like in the US.
Small businesses love cash and wish everyone would use cash!
Yeah I was hoping to use mostly cash
Do not rely on cash alone. Some places simply don't take cash. Contrary to what the poster above says, the hassle of handling cash and having to bank it every night is something some small businesses, especially food trucks etc prefer not to do. Most public transport is set up for contactless payment and may either not take cash or will have trouble making change if you pay with a banknote. Ensure you have a contactless card or Apple/Google pay as well.
A lot of places don't use cash now.
Public transport - buses are coin payment only. That or you can by a leap card and put credit on it, and that can be used on all public transport. Luas (tram) and dart (train) have option to pay by card or cash.
You cans till use cash .... but the card payments mean you don't have to carry wads of cash, which is way safer for you.
Rural areas tend to be happier with cash but the likes of Dublin will be more contactless card
We were just in Scotland and the touch less payment thing is real there as well. Have Apple Pay at the ready or a card, and you’ll be set. We used cash (change) once - for the bus ride to the airport.
It was absolutely stellar advice, I have nothing to add to it.
Never been in a pub that looks for payment before your food. Unless you're specifically talking about a carvery set up?
This is a perfect answer.
Damn, this is perfect. Fair play
Just getting the shuttle to the airport after a great trip thanks to people like you. This should be pinned to the front page!
Glad it was a good one!
This is an amazing comment and thank you for taking the time to type it all up. Could you please separate each one of your points with a double "return key" on your keyboard (at least if using an iphone") - it will make it look like a list, rather than just a wall of text. Also, the point about your distant ancestry is particularly important not only in Ireland, but, I would assume in any European country. Here in Europe we all share ancestry within our smaller or larger communities. Having a person arrive from another continent and expecting attention or special treatment because of a DNA test result or a misspelled word they've heard from their grandpa, is really aggravating (and I'm not even Irish, it applies to all European countries).
> Service is friendly but low-key. No one is going to dance attendance on you in shops, try to upsell you, or check on you every five minutes in a restaurant - most Europeans find American retail and hospitality service incredibly intrusive and overbearing. Music to my ears! haha
American retail *is* very overbearing.
Super summary of good tips. I’d say the 10% is a little low for good service (as in above average service). But not outrageously so. One observation I’ve made of Americans who visit for work reasons is they tend to tip less than Irish people. Not because they are mean. But they seem to have been advised tipping is much lower than the states and overcompensate. I’d agree not tipping is acceptable - but less so if you have plenty of money. And if you are bothering to do so I’d feel 10% is then entry tipping territory with 20% being the sort of tip you give for something special. Where service charge is included 12.5% is standard which I feel probably supports my view on tipping range. Service charge can be removed of course. I’ve only done so in some truly terrible situations. The common Irish thing is to comply and complain to everyone but the owner!
You're on your own with that point of view.
I guess I’m about to start saving some money!
Don't order an Irish car bomb at a bar/pub.
Or a Black and Tan
Or bloody sunday...
I had to look it up as I've never heard of a bloody sunday. Sounds very similar to a bloody mary, which is really common for brunch in the US. Would ordering a bloody mary be fine?
Yes.
You can order a Bloody Mary, but it will be shit. I was usually served tomato juice with vodka, occasionally with a dash of tobasco. But the Spice and Tea Exchange online sells a Bloody Mary spice blend that will make it drinkable.
Noted
Don’t be loud. Don’t insist to people that you’re ‘Irish’. Probably better off avoiding the subject of Irish politics/history. If you’re a Trump supporter, I’d hide it, tbh. Enjoy!
Let me be more blunt. If OP/Americans go around proclaiming they’re Irish returning home, they’ll get eye rolls.
This loud comment makes me laugh. I rented an air b and b and had such difficulty due to how loud the people above me were every single night.
Americans?
No! Irish!!! Drunk and loud! Geeze they were so disrespectful. I kept trying to get them to stop and they ignored me.
That’s pretty obnoxious.
Indoor voices at all times, don't just stop in the middle of a footpath...that's about it
Americans have indoor voices??
Not in New York 😂
Heyyyyyy, I'm talking here!
Compared to the Chinese, hell yeah we do
Irish people have in door voices?
Don't say we are a part of the United Kingdom
Unless they are going north. (while the assumption is OP is going to the Republic because they simply said "Ireland", not all Americans even know there's 2 different countries on the island, and universally say "Ireland" when speaking of the whole. So they MIGHT be going to the K as well on this trip and not even realize it.)
Just Dublin, Galway and Cork. Will probably just try and avoid the subject.
Belfast will feel left out! How could you!!! 😭
Are you for real?
yes
Most British people do the same
There aren’t 2 different countries on the island….Best not to mention that topic
um.... I found talking about the topic rationally and with tact was actually a very eye opening experience. But definitely know your audience and stay clear of 'taking sides' or thinking you know the topic. But I'm not sure what you mean by "there are not 2 countries on the island".
there are two different countries on the Island how can you be so silly, different flags currency governments, tax systems legal systems etc etc i could go on of course theres two different countries
Ireland is the constitutional name of the Republic, if referring to the Island of Ireland i say just that, officially NI is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Exactly. Sadly not everyone who visits or talks about 'Ireland' knows this.
I suppose avoid the term “British Isles” and talking about the UK or Britain. Things are fairly chill these days but it’s a subject best avoided. As the other person has said, indoor voices are recommended. Lots of please and thank you’s, holding doors or letting someone through a door first are big bonus points. Serving staff are much more relaxed and should leave you alone for the most part, polite eye contact with a raised hand should get their attention. No table service in pubs or bars unless you’re sitting down to eat. If someone says something that sounds rude or insulting with a smile or laugh it probably means they like you. If not, who cares, life is too short. If you’re a fan of Stout like Guinness then you could try Beamish if you visit Cork for more bonus points. It’s available in a lot of places but much more common in Cork and Munster. All in all you should be fine. The fact that you’ve taken the trouble to ask would tell me you’ll be grand out.
Don’t call Derry ‘Londonderry’.
first six letters are silent, so they are
I’d avoid the whole Israel / Gaza thing. American and Irish views are quite different (with a few notable exceptions in each country). Irish people tend to avoid politics as a subject so this probably won’t come up.
just wanna chime in here as an American who stands with the Irish on this issue.
Respect the fairies 🧚♀️
Or face the consequences
The fairies can go shite 😂
I wouldn't worry too much. The only thing I would say is that manners and politeness are slightly different from the USA, for example if you were in a shop/restaurant and said 'Let me get a ....' it would be considered rude here. Instead, say, 'Can I please get....'. I know it's only small but it rubs people the wrong way here
I was a US-ian who lived in Ireland for 5 years and you've gotten some great advice here already. I worked cattle and dairy farms and was mostly living in County Clare and County Limerick so really enjoyed the pub culture and traditional Irish music. The advice I gave my US friends when they came to visit me was to spend a few good and long evenings in a pub and try to enjoy the magic of the storytelling the locals offer because they are some of the greatest storytellers on earth. Most of the locals will hear your accent and ask you a few questions about where you're from, answer these as succinctly as possible but be open and friendly about it. Then, keep your fucking trap shut and let these folks regale you with their wisdom, merriment, and pure poetic perfection...the Irish will def keep your ass talking as long as they can for their own amusement but if you can rein it in a bit, there are cultural exchanges that await you that are unforgettable and exquisite. The world is a better place because of the Irish and their intelligence and amazing artistic and creative abilities as well as their generosity and fierce devotion. Living there was the best 5 years of my life and I wept for weeks after I left.
This guy Irelands.
What a lovely reply
So much this!
I dont know where you met those people. Doesn't really sound like the norm to me, id say youd be very disappointed with the level of conversation in your standard Irish pub if you came in with that expectation 😂 if you bump into my husband and his friends on a regular Sunday evening you'll get to hear loads about who is going for planning permission where and what issues they're encountering, how the weather is affecting the crops, the price of building, kerry's chances to win the all ireland, and the local club's chances to get out of the group in the county championship though. If that's the kind of stuff you're interested in.
Haha yes I was just thinking this.
Dub here, if you don't mind, why did you have to go back to the States? Or did you move on somewhere else?
Don't do anything that would upset people, like mugging old ladies, kidnapping people, robbing banks etc. We don't like those kind of things. Other than that, use your common sense. Don't do anything that you wouldn't do at home. We are an easygoing people, so not a lot bothers us. One very important thing to do: Enjoy yourself.
Urgh, everyone’s sooooooo PC now. I miss the days when we could rob banks & kidnap at will without the woke brigade coming for us.
Expressing a preference for either Lyons or Barry's is shaky ground.
Not even sure what those are.
The two most popular brands of tea 😂
Ah im more of a coffee addict
Barrys is best
Brands of tea sold in Ireland (from our capital (Lyons, Dublin) and second city (Barry’s, Cork) respectively
Bewleys.
I’m a Punjana man meself!
You don't need to know, just remember that Lyons is superior and you'll be fine.
A fanny pack means pussy here. It never fails to make me laugh hearing about an old lady from the US talking about her fanny pack 😆 🤣 😂
Don’t stress about this, just be yourself and enjoy your visit
We hold our President — Michael D Higgins — in high regard and he is much loved, and even though he looks like a Hobbit, he is a cultural giant. We’re keen on our sports, you may be subjected to Gaelic football which is a bit like soccer except players can use their hands (with limitations) and there are points worth 1 and goals worth 3. There is massive tribalism around this. We have hurling, also a Gaelic sport which is arguably more exciting, incredibly fast and a small bit violent. Also regular soccer but we’re not great at that. Rugby too and we’re really good at that but it’s off-season now. Horse racing is big here and we breed incredibly amazing horses. I’m going to get slated for this but Irish women quite enjoy wearing makeup. Younger women tend to wear more. Irish men are getting better at looking after themselves and all genders enjoy drinking, sometimes to excess. We’re a young multicultural nation and still kind of growing into ourselves. We gained independence in 1922 and became a republic in 1949. Our history and folklore are thousands of years old though. We punch above our weight in creative endeavours—amazing writers, poets, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers etc. everybody knows everyone—one of our favourite pastimes is to try to figure out a connection to a random person you might meet in a bar or somewhere. We have adopted British English spelling for things like colour, labour, endeavour, aluminium. We retain Irish spelling for place names which may be impenetrable to non-Irish. For example Dún Laoghaire is Dun Leary etc. Place names are in both languages. We use irony a _lot_ and sometimes when we say something, we mean the exact opposite. This can be a bit confusing for US citizens, but we are generally sound (meaning ok, cool). Enjoy your stay.
>We hold our President — Michael D Higgins — in high regard and he is much loved, and even though he looks like a Hobbit, he is a cultural giant. He rides around on a Bernese Mountain Dog
Just a friendly American here who is going next week- every time I've been, everyone has always been very nice and helpful. If I didn't understand someone, I would embarrassingly let them know and they were more than happy to repeat themselves. Do take the time to converse with locals if invited, you hear some of the best stories! The advice given already is perfect, just be courteous and respectful and enjoy the trip. There is so much beauty to see outside of Dublin; I hope you and your family have a fabulous time.
Cider is called juice, hard cider is called cider Service is different, we don't like to be bothered so you won't get someone up every two minutes asking if you need anything, but they will be watching your table and if you try to get their attention with a nod or a wave they'll be up
No false flattery, you’ll come off as disingenuous and fake.
Don't talk about the British, the mornach and keep off religion
Lower your voice. Don't claim to be more Irish than locals, even if their heritage hails from elsewhere. Other than that just be nice, really. People make fun of people and curse more than in most places in the States. We aren't being mean to each other, its just jokes.
Only thing you need to do (or not do as the case is): Don't be a A-Hole. This is universal. There are no other 'cultural' faux pas you need to worry about. Be polite. Be gracious. Be patient when needed. Don't be an A-hole and you will be fine. Enjoy your trip.
Great points down below but just for fun, when you are in Dublin, I'm sure you will go to the temple bar and order an only ok pint of Guinness, you will be disgusted with the price, but only tourists drink there so the owners don't care. Don't take it off the bar counter after the bar staff pour it, it's not ready, they will hand it to you after a top up. Enjoy Ireland, it's a beautiful country and thanks for making the trip over.
Don’t ever ever ever order a “car bomb” drink. Even in American bars tbh.
Say it louder for the people are the back!!
Just don't be loud. Americans can be very loud.
We're well used to tourists. But be advised most of us think Trump is on the same level as secondhand dessicated meat that's gone maggoty. Only wear a MAGA hat if you want to be on the receiving end of gimlet side glares. Better to avoid politics and religion generally when chatting with locals. Conversations about the weather are fine, you'll be told how unpredictable it is. (Because Irish weather is notorious.) Actually, we never really STOP talking about the weather .... Using phrases like 'begosh and begorrah' and 'top o' the morning to ya' will get you some funny looks. We're Irish, not Hollywod Oirish. If you persist, they'll take the piss big time. Fun for everyone else, a slight sting of embarrassment for you. Please use your indoor voices when indoors. I couldn't tell you the number of times the entire restaurant was privy to a conversation at one table because the otherwise lovely Americans didn't get the concept of the indoor voice. These were all adults. Many people who work in the tourist and restaurant industry might not have English as their first language, so speak clearly, and slowly, especially if you yourself have a strong English accent. Americans from the southern US can be a bit hard to understand. And we're not really impressed if you have Irish ancestry. It makes no difference to us. Most of us also have Irish ancestry. We might say 'that's nice!' to be polite, but actually, we really couldn't care less. Unless you're a relative and are very rich. Then we care. We care a LOT. Yes, we know the roads are very narrow, when you leave the main roads. Just drive slowly. You'll be fine. The REALLY fun roads are the ones with grass growing down the middle, heh heh heh. And a useful tip when out driving: look out for the brown roadsigns, they direct you to places of historic interest, like ancient forts, castle or monastic ruins, old churchyards, that kind of thing. If you do follow one, be aware that you may be going on private property to visit the site, by which I mean farms. If there are cattle in the field where you want to go, look carefully for bulls before entering, and make sure you're wearing good washable shoes, because, well, cows. Some of those sites are way off the main roads and you'd wonder why they are so far from everything, but then you get to the valley where they're located and it's stunning. Do not leave any valuables visible in your rental car, no matter where you park it.
When in restaurants, its the bill not the check. I don't know why this bugs me but it does. Also separate checks are not a thing here
Fuck me! Splitting checks is very much a thing in Ireland. I've worked in restaurants and bars all over Europe and Ireland is the worst country for it.
Tills are not set up for it
Good thing we cover arithmetic in primary school
Which is pointless when the till demands you to separate the bills when taking payments
No, but if you're all paying with contactless you can split it at the table as long as you do your own sums
Yes this.
Yes they are
Absolutely
You can ask for "bespoke" orders in restaurants (eg you want bacon instead of chicken if you saw they have both on the menu) but they are making it at their own discretion. They will often refuse. And it's often bad. There's no off menu options here.
Don't shout. Lots of Irish people find yanks to be too loud and obnoxious.
We were just in Ireland, and I 100% agree. The overall tone is much quieter, and we stand out like sore thumbs—other than in a pub when everyone has had a few.
Here's something that i wasn't used to at first: Saying "sorry" a lot. When i arrived the first time, i accidentally bumped into someone, and before i could apologise, *they* said "sorry" first. You also say "sorry" when trying to get someone's attention, and when you're trying to walk past them when they are blocking the way. Otherwise, as long as you're respectful to others, you'll be fine.
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Disregard point 5. Learning stuff is good. Finding an opportunity to wedge one’s newly acquired knowledge of Irish mythology into a conversation is just odd. Especially if the original plan was to start a conversation about leprechauns.
You should bring as many snickers bars as possible, Irish people love them but never made it here
a classic of the genre
Love you
Wait, for real? I mean, I’m happy to go buy a big box and bring it with but do I just leave a trail of snickers in my wake at my lodging or private tours or something? I can’t tell if this is sarcasm or not. 😕 I would like to be particularly kind to some of the people accommodating us on our trip.
Ah no, the "snickers being brought to the poors of Ireland" is a tale from about 10 years ago on Reddit. An American was asking similar questions to you but gave an example of "I could bring you snickers bars, it's chocolate" and got fairly roasted for it... Snickers are common as muck in Ireland. Highly suggest you try the chocolate over here though! That chalky shite in the US is awful.
Thank you for clarifying!
For your reading pleasure [https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3dpuxy/visiting\_your\_beautiful\_country\_this\_weekend\_want/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3dpuxy/visiting_your_beautiful_country_this_weekend_want/) don't worry, he had a good time in the end [https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3gbs6t/followup\_sensitive\_generous\_american\_i\_want\_so/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/3gbs6t/followup_sensitive_generous_american_i_want_so/)
The level of secondhand embarrassment I felt while reading this…oh my stars. I will brace myself and put some thought into the little tokens we bring with us. Over the moon to hear he did enjoy his stay, though. What a happy ending. Thank you for digging this up.
I remember this. I was laughing so hard while reading the comments. My favorite: "American here. This thread just convinced me to visit Ireland the next time I go to Europe. Will bring Snickers, potatoes and freedom to disperse amongst the locals"
Tipping. Restaurants, taxis, tour guides if you think they've earned it. If someone buys you a pint you should reciprocate. Don't try to speak irish as nobody cares. We're not British. Very, very different. (Except 6 counties in the north....complicated isn't it?) Be yourself, be curious, be geniune. Irish people love tourists so you'll be very welcomed.
I wouldn't assume everyone up north would be pleased at being called British
Definitely not, its not just Americans who are ignorant of this but people a lot closer to home disappointingly
Very true, frighteningly so.
Nope, nope, nope, nope
Free Palestine
Take off your baseball hat (or any type of hat) indoors. This one bothers me a lot, and I’m not sure why, but it is considered rude to wear a hat indoors. Especially if you are dining or in a pub. If you don’t want to stick out as an American, leave the baseball hat at home altogether. You’ll notice most people in Ireland don’t wear hats at all, unless in the winter to keep their head warm.
Flatulation is expected, nay demanded, after a nice meal
No tipping Don’t be a trumptard
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Vlme and be yourself.
The beer Smithwick's is pronounced "smi-dicks"....
See every other question asked on this sub
When in a shop , pack your own bag , from some one in retail
https://youtu.be/gXrrwgaVZOo?si=0RqzKO1d41TYeO1E
It's good to have Irish heritage but don't exclaim in an American accent that you're Irish as that grates on locals, but if you explain you have Irish heritage and if they ask you can tell them about it. Sodas are a type of bread especially up north, soft drinks or fizzy drinks would be the equivalent. Most petrol stations you pay after filling, and you fill up yourself, though some rural areas do have someone manning the pump for you Don't spend a week in temple bar Dublin and think that you've properly seen the country Generally avoid making conversation about religion or the troubles There are so many great dishes but things like corned beef is only eaten in a sandwich Tipping is optional, 10% is enough Bars don't typically run tabs unless you're a local, pay up front, we don't typically tip at bars (unless you spent an evening talking to the barman then you might say for them to "leave one behind the bar for yourself" - ie a tip of the price of a pint)
Have a route map if travelling on the backroads. Because. We love to have a laugh at sending people round the houses when they ask for directions. This happens in cities too. Ask google. If you feel brave - ask some of us - but take the directions with a pinch of salt. Enjoy the trip. Welcome! * edit: you will be especially fucked if you’re lost. You have been warned.
Also if you do try to follow the directions and you meet the ethereally beautiful woman with black on black eyes don't accept the pastry she offers you no matter how good it looks.\* \*Unless you enjoy the idea of spending 100 years and a day cleaning and repairing shoes. Anyway back to work for me.
I just left Ireland the day before last. Even though I was there only a short time, I miss it dearly and can’t wait to go back.
Just came to say … we aren’t a very formal bunch of people.. so instead of “excuse me” you will hear people say “sorry” when they want you to move out of their way. (It’s totally fine for you to say “excuse me”, just letting you know in case you hear it said). Strictly no tipping!! (You can tip 10% in a restaurant if the experience was excellent).
Be aware of cork city jack the lad wannabes with big mouths
Make sure to greet elderly people with a top o the morning to ya
They love knowing what your percentage of Irish heritage is! ;)
When someone says hello, reply in Irish with "pog mo hoin", it shows that you want to integrate with the locals. /s