Local culture in Ireland

Everyday life in Ireland is not that different from life in the UK or the United States. As someone from a Western culture, you should be able to adjust to local Irish culture relatively easily.

Ireland’s cities are bustling cosmopolitan centres offering a mix of cuisines and cultures, and the country is well accustomed to foreigners, although it may take some time for you to form lasting friendships with locals.

No matter where you live in Ireland, you are sure to receive céad míle fáilte – ‘one hundred thousand welcomes’.

Socialising in Ireland

As the home of Guinness, pub culture is popular in Ireland. The legal age for alcohol consumption is 18, and alcohol forms a big part of the social and nightlife scene.

You should do your research when looking for a place to eat. There are plenty of fine-dining restaurants in Irish cities, but be aware that not all places serve food, and after a certain time, almost every pub, bar, or club will serve only drinks.

The dress code for a night out depends on the venue. For men, jeans are generally accepted. However, certain places will refuse entry if you are wearing ‘runners’ or tennis shoes. A decent pair of work shoes and a button-up shirt is acceptable almost everywhere. Women in Ireland dress to impress, and revealing clothing is seen in all age groups, which could be a slight shock for some. Teenagers tend to dress more provocatively, particularly on St Patrick’s Day, and this can be alarming for those from conservative regions.

Religion in Ireland

Ireland is a Catholic country, although other religions are present and respected. However, like anywhere, there may be pockets of ignorance and misunderstanding.

If you are visiting or moving to the northern areas of the Republic of Ireland or to Northern Ireland itself, be aware that there is still tension across the borders. Rather than discuss the history of this, just be aware that it can sometimes present itself as ‘Protestants in the North’ and ‘Catholics in the South’.

Present-day Ireland is far removed from its troubled past, but you should educate yourself on the area you are going to and be respectful of the beliefs of the local population.

Language barrier in Ireland

English is the primary language spoken in Ireland, but Irish or Gaeilge is present in everyday life and can be seen and heard across the country. Public transport stations, announcements, and major road signs will have destinations written in both English and Irish.

Although everyone speaks English, some parts of the country, mainly in the northwest and west of Ireland, are considered Gaeltacht regions and speak Irish. Locals will also speak English as some of these places rely on tourism for revenue, and not all Irish people speak Gaeilge.

Accents in Ireland differ from county to county. This will take some getting used to, particularly if you are going to Kerry, Cork, and some areas of Dublin. Irish people are used to tourists and generally don’t mind repeating themselves if needed.

There will be numerous colloquial references that will also take some getting used to. A book of ‘Irish-isms’ can help.

Manners and hospitality in Ireland

The Irish pride themselves on their generosity and hospitality. This is visible when you are invited to someone’s home, as biscuits and tea are usually provided and sometimes expected.

These manners are less present in shops, at food markets, and on public transport. Cutting in line is rare, but gestures like opening doors for others or giving up a seat for a woman aren’t usually seen in the younger generation. Nevertheless, such actions are still appreciated, even if they aren’t entirely expected.