The Do’s and Don’ts on the Emerald Isle

Do – buy drinks in rounds when in groups – it will save you a hefty bill later
Do – Take the time to get to know the locals – In Ireland, the locals are known as some of the friendliest people and would be more than happy to talk to you or answer questions
Do – Familiarize yourself with Irish history before you go, especially in Northern Ireland

​Don’t – take offense to Irish humor/or salty language – they are just having fun with you and don’t mean anything offensive by certain comments.
​Don’t- Imitate an “Irish accent” or dress as a leprechaun for laughs – trust me no one will be laughing with you, just don’t

​Customs and Etiquette in Ireland – Day to Day and Dining

• ​ Use an inside voice, being overly loud can be disturbing to individuals outside the pub scene
• Avoid bringing up politics unless brought up to you first in conversation
• Don’t over do PDA (Public Displays of Affection) It can be considered inappropriate being overly physical in public
• If at a pub, offer to buy a round if with friends it may be considered rude if you make no offer to do so
• If invited to someone’s home, it is customary to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation
• Tipping is not generally a thing in Ireland – a service charge is applied at most restaurants that make up for it.
• Avoid saying the phrases: “Top of the Morning” or “May the Road Rise to Meet You” – no one says this in Ireland and may be considered rude or a major insult if you do use them.
• Use utensils to peel your boiled potatoes, never your hands
• Don’t touch your roll or a hearty slice of bread with a knife. Break it with your fingers into smaller pieces on the side plate, and use the knife to butter, jam or to apply soft cheese. Scoop some butter onto your side-plate and use that private portion.
• If you are out eating Don't be surprised if you are not ushered to your table as soon as you arrive at some upscale restaurants. This is not a delaying tactic—many of the better dining rooms carry on the custom of seating you in a lounge while you sip an aperitif and peruse the menu.

Cultural History

Full of lush greenery and friendly locals, there is something for everyone to explore and fall in love with no matter the season. Come for the natural beauty, chat up some of the locals, listen to the music, or find your new favorite pub. No matter what you find most memorable, you will take something away from traveling here. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and many tourists find these destinations are the best to visit if on a time crunch:

• The Guinness Storehouse
• The Book of Kells at Trinity College
• Dublin Castle

As the filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland is also home to many castles and cities that have equally appealing attractions:

• Glass of Thrones – locations may vary – commemorative stain glass windows
• Belfast
• Giant’s Causeway

Other popular locations across the expansive eastern side of Ireland are must sees for tourists. Here is where local folklore and stories originate, and the open space shows just how grand the natural beauty of this country really is:

• Trim Castle
• The Cliffs of Moher
• Skellig Islands

Predominantly The people of Ireland speak English, but also Gaelic. Some key phrases you may want to learn before you go are;
Please – Le do thoil
Thank You - Go raibn maith agat
Cheers! – Sláinte!

With cultural features that tie back to Celtic roots, the music and the food alone are engaging enough for tourists to travel back time and time again. 

Food and Dining

It is a well-known fact the Irish have good food and many different varieties of classical greats, but what is the best eating pattern to have while traveling? It is easier on your stomach if you plan to eat a good breakfast either a full Irish Breakfast or a bowl of Irish oatmeal. Both are good choices. Skip lunch so you can snack throughout the day and find a reasonably priced pub for dinner. This is the best strategy to eat a lot without breaking your travel budget. Some traditional favorites vary by location, but they include:

• Irish Stew – a hearty dish with lamb or beef chunks, vegetables, coating mashed potatoes.
• Shepard’s Pie – the Irish stew is flipped, and the mashed potatoes are on top instead of the bottom.
• Soda Bread – a quick bread made with sodium bicarbonate instead of traditional yeast.
• Sea Food- delicious and the best places to eat these types of dishes is along the docks wherever you are, because the fish is likely fresh.
• Tea and Beer

• Stout
• Whiskey
• Guinness – Of course!

• Guinness Cake- cake made with a little Irish kick to it.