Ireland Local Customs

  A trio of 'Little People'
by suvanki
 
  • A trio of 'Little People'
      A trio of 'Little People'
    by suvanki
  • A headless leprechaun!
      A headless leprechaun!
    by suvanki
  • Cheering us all on...
      Cheering us all on...
    by suvanki
  •   Literary Dublin
    by jo104
  • Jo hatching with a Paddys
      Jo hatching with a Paddys
    by jo104
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Ireland

101.

Drinking   Dublin

Drinking, Dublin

 37 Reviews  There is a famous saying that god created alcohol so that the Irish won’t take over the world. Indeed, some of the most popular sights in Ireland are alcohol-related such as Whiskey tasting or a visit... 

 See All 206 Local Customs in Dublin

102.

Irish language   Cork

Irish language, Cork

 3 Reviews  Irish people promote the use of Irish Gaelic, which they call simply Irish, in all areas of life. Dual street names are just one sign of this, but there are also Irish names of pubs, signposts in both... 

 See All 35 Local Customs in Cork

103.

Smoking.   Galway

Smoking., Galway

 1 Review  Basically, you can't smoke in any 'workplace'. So that includes pubs, cafes and restaurants. Some pubs have set up smoking areas outside, and you can smoke at cafe tables on the pavement. I liked the... 

 See All 16 Local Customs in Galway

104.

General Information   Waterford

General Information, Waterford

 2 Reviews  Smirting is a combination of the words smoking + flirting, geddit? It started when people had to go out for a ciggie after the ban was enforced, and got chatting to fellow smokers outside on the... 

 See All 10 Local Customs in Waterford

105.

Hurling   Kilkenny

Hurling, Kilkenny

 2 Reviews  Hurling is an ancient Gaelic sports and very popular in Ireland. We happened to be in Kilkenny two days before an important hurling match. It was the “All-Ireland Championship”, where Kilkenny and... 

 See All 9 Local Customs in Kilkenny

106.

Gaelic language   Sligo

Gaelic language, Sligo

 1 Review  Ireland has a strong gaelic culture. To promote the irish gaelic language, most roadsigns are bilingual: english and irish gaelic. The irish gaelic language is usually known just as irish. The photo... 

 See All 4 Local Customs in Sligo

107.

Food Festival   Kinsale

Food Festival, Kinsale

 1 Review  The Kinsale Gourmet Festival held every October is by now world-famous. All the best restaurants and chefs showcase their talents.As Kinsale is twinned with Antibes in France and Newport in Rhode... 

 See All 8 Local Customs in Kinsale

108.

Language   Dingle

Language, Dingle

 3 Reviews  Dingle is in the Gaeltacht area of Ireland, which means it is an Irish speaking area (Don't worry, they speak English aswell). Simple words like Conás ata Tú (Pronnounced con-as-a-ta-tu) which means... 

 See All 5 Local Customs in Dingle

109.

The Rose of Tralee   Tralee

The Rose of Tralee, Tralee

 1 Review  Tralee : The Rose of Tralee festival takes place every August. The basic legend was immortalised in song . A young woman is nominated to represent her city/region every year and the event is televised... 

 See All 5 Local Customs in Tralee

110.

Newgrange   Drogheda

Newgrange, Drogheda

 1 Review  Not that far from Drogheda you can find Newgrange, a unique stone aged tomb. The great megalithic tomb at Newgrange is over 5,500 years old. Their survival through more than 5,500 years reflects the... 

 See All 1 Local Customs in Drogheda

111.

Language   Derry

Language, Derry

 1 Review  Language - or more to the point Derry lingo can be a bit of a communication barrier sometimes. Derry people do not speak normal English!! And they talk fast which really doesn't help matters. I was... 

 See All 2 Local Customs in Derry

112.

Famine Houses   County Clare

Famine Houses, County Clare

 2 Reviews  The Great Famine in Ireland lasted from 1845-1852 during which approximately 1 million people died and more than 1 million more emigrated to other countries. Although many factors contributed to the... 

 See All 9 Local Customs in County Clare

113.

General Information about Dublin   Dublin

General Information about Dublin, Dublin

 26 Reviews  Smirting is a combination of the words smoking + flirting, geddit? It started when people had to go out for a ciggie after the ban was enforced, and got chatting to fellow smokers outside on the... 

 See All 206 Local Customs in Dublin

114.

Local Drink   Cork

Local Drink, Cork

 3 Reviews  Beamish is Corks other stout that is still brewed in the city. I enjoyed a pint at Cork Opera House during our VT Taste of Cork meet. (I must confess that Beamish is my least favourite stout when... 

 See All 35 Local Customs in Cork

115.

Reginald's Tower   Waterford

Reginald's Tower, Waterford

 1 Review  Check out Reginald's Tower. The tower dates from the late twelfth century and is the most historic urban monument in Ireland. The heritage museum houses two collections; artefacts from the Viking and... 

 See All 10 Local Customs in Waterford

116.

Cat's Laughs Festival   Kilkenny

Cat's Laughs Festival, Kilkenny

 1 Review  Every June bank holiday, Murphys brewery sponsor a comedy festival in Kilkenny, attracting top comedians from all over the British isles and even some Americans like Dan Castellata (the guy who does... 

 See All 9 Local Customs in Kilkenny

117.

W.B.Yeats   Sligo

W.B.Yeats, Sligo

 1 Review   The Wild Swans At Coole by W.B.Yeats. THE trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky; Upon the brimming water... 

 See All 4 Local Customs in Sligo

118.

Matchmaking Festival   County Clare

Matchmaking Festival, County Clare

 2 Reviews  Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking festival takes place annually in September in the town of Lisdoonvarna. It goes back a long time and was a way for the local single farmers to come to town and find a wife.... 

 See All 9 Local Customs in County Clare

119.

Irish language   Dublin

Irish language, Dublin

 10 Reviews  The notorious 1980s bronze monument to the personified river Liffey, Anna Livia, was removed from nearby on O'Connell St. A woman sitting on a slope with bubbling water running down past her... 

 See All 206 Local Customs in Dublin

120.

Gaelic Language   Waterford

Gaelic Language, Waterford

 1 Review  Ireland has a strong gaelic culture. To promote the irish gaelic language, most roadsigns are bilingual: english and irish gaelic. The irish gaelic language is usually known just as irish. The photo... 

 See All 10 Local Customs in Waterford

121.

History   Kilkenny

History, Kilkenny

 1 Review  When you're in Kilkenny, this would apply to Waterford too, you will probably see lots of references to 'Ormond', like Ormond St/road, businesses & hotels with Ormond in the name. And you might just... 

 See All 9 Local Customs in Kilkenny

122.

Tipping   Dublin

Tipping, Dublin

 6 Reviews  In some restaurants I found that the 10% tip was included in the bill, which is something I dont like. I understand that I should tip someone when I get a good service and not because I am obligued... 

 See All 206 Local Customs in Dublin

123.

Smoking   Dublin

Smoking, Dublin

 8 Reviews  I am SO glad they've outlawed smoking here. Makes for a much nicer time in the pubs and restaurants. I know everyone claims business will be lost when these bans go into effect but place after place... 

 See All 206 Local Customs in Dublin

124.

St. Patrick's Day Parade   Dublin

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Dublin

 3 Reviews  OK, I will have to confess my bias here as I don't particulary enjoy the post-parade part of the day where you see people throwing up, urinating, throwing rubbish, fighting, or staggering around on... 

 See All 206 Local Customs in Dublin

125.

Irish Hospitality   Dublin

Irish Hospitality, Dublin

 5 Reviews  I must say the Irish are good ol' wacky people who are extremely genuine and hospitable not to forget one of the friendliest people I've ever met. The accent is just kinda hot and such a turned on!... 

 See All 206 Local Customs in Dublin

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Gaelic sports

by tini58de

The Irish have a couple of sports that are very typical, such as hurling (or camogie for the women's version), Gaelic football that has different rules than the English or Australian versions and some more (please have a look at the website below).We were lucky to be in Dublin when the U21 hurling final was on - and we did buy tickets and saw it!!! Plus the senior Camogie finals - a great experience!!! Do have a look at the Sports Tip for more information!Hurling is such a fascinating game: it is a mixture between field hockey, baseball and "Eierlaufen" and is supposed to be the fastest field game in the world!Gaelic football has different rules as well: while waiting for the ferry across the Shannon Inlet, we had an introduction to its rules and all I remember is that I stumbled and fell flat on my nose (still have those bruises....), that a goal "downstairs" scores 3 points and a goal...

Tip Photo
One country - two languages

by tini58de

The official language of Ireland is Irish, although only about 5% of the population really use it as their first language! It is taught in the schools throughout the whole time that the students attend the school, but to most of them it remains a "foreign" language. English is the language spoken!All the official signs in Ireland are bilingual: Irish/Gaelic and English, but we also did discover a few signs in just Gaelic....

Tip Photo
Left is right

by tini58de

This is just to remind you that in Ireland they have left-hand traffic. That is quite a difficult thing to get used to!!! We did not even rent a car, but just crossing the streets was difficult, since we never knew where to look first (old habits are hard to break!). In Dublin we found it very helpful to have the instructions written on the pedestrian crossings: look right/look left!

Tip Photo
Some irish slang to help the conversation...

by sunnychick

Flitters - To have an upset stomach etc. as a result of alcoholic overindulgenceGargle - Meaning alcohol. Other words include 'a few scoops' 'bevys'.Giz a shot - Can I have a go.."giz a shot of that"Get the boat - Not a chanceCool the jets - Meaning relax, slow down.Dairies - Crude reference to a woman`s breastsLangered - DrunkLeg it - To run away very fastManky - More than a trifle drunkOff the banger - drunkPissy Eyed - Very drunkScoops - A few drinks

Animals on the road!

by JonED

If you are driving in Ireland, watch out for sheep, goats, cows, and other animals. They will be standing or walking right on the roads. Drive slowly around them. If they are blocking you from getting past, drive slowly in their direction; they will usually move out of your way (slowly). Honking might help if it's a sheep or goat. Don't honk at cows or you might scare them and start a stampede! Sometimes farmers lead their cows down the road on purpose. They are used to cars and will get out of your path as soon as they can.The animals on the road are usually more amusing than annoying (to me) but if you're in a hurry I guess they could be a nuisance.

Tip Photo
Tea

by scubaphoto

We love our tea. My grandmother was an expert at making a good cup of tea. It was almost like baking a cake for her to the amount of care she put into it. Check most Irish peoples bags at the airport and you will usually find amongst the sun cream and t-shirts a box of Irish tea to keep them going for their holiday. Everywhere you will go you will be offered a cup of tea even on a scorching hot day. Made even more famous by Mrs Doyle in the “Father Ted” series with her saying “You’ll have a cup of tea Go on Go on Go on” anyone who doesn’t know this series will not understand what I am taking about.In the main Irish people drink their tea with milk.

Tip Photo
A pint of the Black stuff

by scubaphoto

It’s probably one of the most Iconic symbols of Ireland throughout the world. Many will find the taste strange at first. Some people say it is an acquired taste and often a meal in itself. Best enjoyed slowly over a good chat at a small local bar. Many “experts” will say that the best pint of Guinness is to be found in Ireland, as it does not travel well. So if you have previously tried one in New York or Hong Kong its time to try one in Ireland and notice the difference.The cost of a pint is anywhere between €3.20 to €7.00 depending on the establishment.

Tip Photo
Tipping in Ireland

by TRimer

Tipping in Ireland can be tricky for Americans. Unlike American bartenders, Irish bartenders are not tipped. And you may see Irish people eating lunch in pubs without tipping. Not knowing the custom, I tried to leave a tip at the bar for the bartender. I was shocked when he sent a customer over to get the "moneys" he thought I had left on the bar by accident.You don't have to tip when you're just drinking, but when you're dining (and if you're a tourist), it's appropriate to leave a small tip for the wait staff who had to bring your food to the table. In restaurants that aren't pubs, tipping is normal. Restaurants aren't consistent about including the gratuity in the bill, so check your total first and see if one has already been figured in. If not, 10-15% is a normal gratuity.

No Tipping

by oceania26

It's consider an insult to tip the bartender! By the same token, you are expected to get your own beer and return the glasses back to the bar. You're also expected to pay for the beer right away, not a running tab as it's too busy. A pint cost 3.60 in most places I visited.

"Whaddya mean we can't drink on Good Friday??"

by orlikins

(this is taken from my post to the Easter in Dublin thread)Bars & off-licences are closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day because it is a mark of respect to God for what the day originally represents & we have a strong Catholic tradition here about things like that. It does mean the tourist has to plan ahead though. St. Patrick's day used to be a non-pub day as well, but that was changed a while ago, probably to cash in on tourists who wanted to be in Dublin for our National Day... Imagine St. Patrick's day now with no open pubs?!Holy Thursday is one of the busiest days for off-licence stores, strangely enough. ;-) You'd think we'd be mature enough to do without alcohol for a day, but apparently not. There is a loophole in Irish legislation where a hotel may serve alcohol to residents on Good Friday, that is one way of circumventing it. ;-)However, pubs open up again the following day...

Local traditions and culture in Ireland

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Local Customs: Cities in Ireland
  1. Dublin Local Customs
  2. Cork Local Customs
  3. Galway Local Customs
  4. Limerick Local Customs
  5. Killarney Local Customs
  6. Waterford Local Customs
  7. Kilkenny Local Customs
  8. Sligo Local Customs
  9. Kinsale Local Customs
  10. Dingle Local Customs
  11. Howth Local Customs
  12. Cobh Local Customs
  13. Inishmore Local Customs
  14. Wexford Local Customs
  15. Donegal Local Customs
  16. Tralee Local Customs
  17. Shannon Local Customs
  18. Wicklow Local Customs
  19. Drogheda Local Customs
  20. Blarney Local Customs
  21. Malahide Local Customs
  22. Castlebar Local Customs
  23. Blarney Castle Local Customs
  24. Kenmare Local Customs
  25. Carlingford Local Customs
  26. Enniscorthy Local Customs
  27. Aran Island Local Customs

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County Dublin Local Customs  County Cork Local Customs  County Kerry Local Customs  County Galway Local Customs  County Clare Local Customs  County Donegal Local Customs  County Waterford Local Customs  County Limerick Local Customs  County Mayo Local Customs  County Sligo Local Customs  County Kilkenny Local Customs  County Wexford Local Customs  County Wicklow Local Customs  County Tipperary Local Customs  County Louth Local Customs  County Meath Local Customs  County Westmeath Local Customs 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Well we finally purchased our plane tickets everyone!! My daughter and I will be visiting Ireland in October of this year. We are... 

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A: I'm sure you'll have a super trip! You will take the 'bus' rather than the 'coach'. Getting around Ireland by bus is easy, although some journeys may take quite a... 

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