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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. A handshake is an appropriate form of greeting. Close friends and relatives will often embrace when greeting each other.
2. Rather than point with a finger, the Irish will nod or jerk their heads or chins to the object being discussed.
3. Men should open doors for women and stand when a woman enters the room.
4. Read up on Irish Literature before you go to Ireland. The Irish feel deep pride about the writers from their country. Irish literature makes an excellent topic of conversation. Other good topics of conversation include; sports, family (although too personal of a question about a person's family may make the Irish uncomfortable) and Gaelic history and culture.
5. In pubs, ask about the different beers brewed in Ireland (someone will enjoy explaining the difference between brews to you).
6. Topics that a visitor should refrain from initiating include politics, religion, and any criticism of Ireland.
7. Avoid speaking to anyone with both hands in your pocket. It can be construed as unmannerly behavior.
8. Irish etiquette requires that your wrists be kept above the table when dining. Dining is generally Western-style with the fork held steadfastly in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
9. When invited to a home for dinner, it is fine to bring a gift for the host or hostess. Candy, wine, or flowers make fine gifts. If bringing flowers, do ask the florist about the type and number of flowers appropriate for the situation.
10. A sure way to lose respect with Irish acquaintances is failure to buy a round of drinks when you've been accepting drinks from others. The Irish do enjoy their drink especially as it is a way of expressing camaraderie with each other. Neglecting your duty in buying rounds is an insult to them. (Naturally, this is a generalization and should be regarded as such.)
11. Dress is generally casual and should conform to the temperate climate. Business wear is more conservative; suits are the norm for both men and women. Women generally to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry; the "natural" look is generally the norm in this part of Europe.
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