Dos and don'ts in Ireland

Planning your first trip to Ireland? Here’s what you need to know.

For some, Ireland is a peaceful isle of rolling hills and lilting music. That may be true but it’s also a place of charming quirks and odd habits, full of irreverent people and frustrating transport systems. It will take longer than this article to understand Ireland, but you’ll be off to a good start with this handy list of dos and don’ts.

Don’t rush your trip

Lots of people come to Ireland hoping to cram the entire island’s highlights into one weekend. Yes, we’re small, but do you really want to spend your entire holiday stuck in a car, navigating unfamiliar roads in the hope of ticking off all the sights just to return home exhausted?

Do rent a car

If you want to get out of the main cities and into the countryside, renting your own transportation is the best option. Rural public transport is generally slow, expensive and runs on a very sporadic timetable. By car, you’ll see far more of the gorgeous countryside and stumble across some wonderfully unexpected sights in the process. Don’t worry about getting lost, if your sat nav fails, just pull over and ask the next person you see for directions.

If you’re unfamiliar with the road and going off the main motorways, it will often take longer to travel distances than you think. Don’t feel obliged to travel at the speed limit; roads in rural areas can be twisting, narrow and of varying quality, and it’s dangerous to drive at high speeds if you’re not familiar with the route. Also, if you’re never encountered roundabouts before, read up about them beforehand and remember to always give way to the right.

Don’t take everything seriously

Let’s be honest, we like to find humor in almost everything or, as Brendan Behan said, we have a “wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody”. There are no formalities here, and if you start chatting with the locals, you will almost certainly be teased, but it’s all in good fun. Give back as much as you get and you’ll have a friend for the evening at least. Embrace a healthy suspicion of authority and a total lack of ceremony.

Do get your round in

Don’t feel pressured to enter a ‘round’, where everyone buys the group a drink in turn – you’ll also find that a large group is sometimes best split into two or more separate rounds, making things more manageable. However, if someone does buy you drink, ensure you get them one back. You can always refuse a drink but if it’s your turn, you have to go to the bar. Failure to do so will result in you being talked about after you leave in unpleasant terms.

Don’t be offended by the swearing

Yes, in general Irish people swear a lot. Think of it more of a verbal tic than any sign of aggression. It makes an impact, adds a bit of colour to the English language (which we love to bend to our own will anyway) and it feels good. Remember, we’re not swearing at you, we’re just swearing.

Do bring an outfit for every type of weather

An Irish summer can bring sunshine, rain and wind all in the space of an afternoon. Dress appropriately and have a backpack with options – a rain jacket is a good idea even if the sun is shining – if you don’t want to have to turn back from your outing. Pack light layers and waterproof shoes, unless you’re planning on spending the entire time indoors.

But don’t be surprised when Irish people don’t follow their own advice on this one. Very few people carry an umbrella – we like to hope for the best.

Don’t attempt our accent

Unless you’ve been living here for some time or have a professional knack for imitation, your Irish accent will be appalling. We’re well able to take a ribbing and some banter but don’t mistake self-deprecation for a lack of pride. Don’t ask us about your distant ancestors: we definitely don’t have the answers. And please, everybody, leave those leprechaun hats in the souvenir shops where they belong!

But if you ask politely, you’ll find most Irish people surprisingly open to talking about the controversial topics of the day. As a small nation with a complex history and politics, we don’t like being misunderstood so we’re usually happy to give our perspective if we’re being treated with respect.

Do read one of our amazing authors before you visit

A good book is a must for any trip. Brush up on your wit with Oscar Wilde, or chew on the bleak, absurd Irish humour of Samuel Beckett. For a hilarious crash course in early 20th-century history pick up Roddy Doyle’s A Star Called Henry, or get an insight into millennial class politics with Sally Rooney’s Normal People. Go lighter with the fabulously funny Watermelon from Marian Keyes or darker with John McGahern’s Amongst Women. We have some of the most famous writers in the world and there’s something for everybody.

Do eat local food

While we may not have a world-famous reputation for food, we do have some incredible places to eat, and the many restaurants and pubs around the country use fresh, high-quality ingredients. You won’t find better quality dairy anywhere in the world, from melt-in-your-mouth cheese to creamy milk chocolate and butter – best slathered on everything you can. Don’t attempt to haggle, even in local food markets. If you’re eating in, a tip of 10% is standard but not compulsory.

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