Do’s and Don’ts in Ireland: What You Need to Know Before Visiting (2023)

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Wondering what the do’s and don’ts are in Ireland? This post has you covered!

People in Ireland are generally very warm and welcoming, so you should feel right at home as a visitor. To make the most of your trip, and to be as respectful as possible, there are some do’s and don’ts for you to follow. 

To be a good guest in Ireland, most of it comes down to treating the people you meet with dignity and respect. People in Ireland don’t appreciate being tokenized or stereotyped, just like people anywhere else in the world. Approach the culture with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, and you should be good to go!

I’ve lived in Ireland for more than two years, first in County Wicklow near Dublin and then in Cork City. This list includes some of the biggest mistakes that I see people make when they visit. It also includes some of the biggest opportunities that I see for visitors to make the most of their time in Ireland.  

If you’d like to read more about my experiences and advice for visiting Ireland, check out my country travel page. 

About Irish culture  

People have been living on the land that is present day Ireland for about 10,000 years. Suffice it to say, there are deeply held traditions and customs in Ireland! For most of its history, Ireland has been a rural and agricultural society, where communities were very tightly knit. 

Today, when people talk about the culture of Ireland, they’re talking about aspects like the Irish language, literature, music, art, folklore, and sport. You can get a sense of Ireland’s culture when you visit by seeking out experiences like museums, conversations with locals, and by spending some time in a non-touristy pub.  

Do’s and Don’ts in Ireland 

Ireland has a well trodden tourist circuit, which includes many of the most notable landmarks and attractions. From the Cliffs of Moher to Blarney Castle to Temple Bar, there are places worth visiting all around the country. My advice is to get out of Dublin and ensure you see more of the country than the small city center in the capital. 

While you’re off exploring the rest of Ireland, take care to be as respectful as possible towards its people and history. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, so long as you do it with genuine curiosity. It might help to read a bit or watch some documentaries before you visit. 

Here are some of the top do’s and don’ts in Ireland. These tips are intended to help you make the most of your trip while remaining respectful of Irish culture and traditions. 

Do’s in Ireland 

Here are some of the top things that you should do when you’re in Ireland. If you make the journey to Ireland, be sure to spend some time exploring just a little off of the beaten path. This will help you to see how people really live and give you a more nuanced look at Irish culture. 

Get outside of Dublin

Dublin might be the capital of Ireland, but it’s only a small part of what the country has to offer visitors. Most of Ireland is made up of small cities, rural villages, and wild coastline. 

If your time in Ireland is limited, you can quickly get into the countryside by visiting County Wicklow on a day trip from Dublin. Located just an hour to the south, there are plenty of things to do in Wicklow, from hiking to exploring expansive gardens to swimming in the sea.  For travelers who have a day or two to spend outside of the city, opt for a charming B&B in Wicklow instead of staying in Dublin and commuting. 

Alternatively, you might enjoy visiting Cork or Galway, two smaller Irish cities. 

Go hiking (or “hill walking”)

People in Ireland love to get outside and spend time in nature, especially in the Irish mountains. Do go hiking while you’re here, especially if you’re in the west of Ireland. One of my favorite hikes along the Wild Atlantic Way is the path up Torc Mountain, which offers incredible views when you reach the top. 

You can also hike along the Cliffs of Moher. The path extends to the north and the south from the visitor’s center, so you can easily spend a day exploring. As a bonus, the trail is very flat, so you won’t have to do much, if any, climbing or descending. 

Rent a car

Unless you’re planning to travel with a tour company or stick to the cities like Cork or Dublin, you’ll want to rent a car. Ireland’s public transit is very limited, sometimes even between major areas. The best way to see the country is usually via a road trip, which allows you to visit all of the sites that are most important to you. 

If you’re planning to use the insurance from your credit card to rent a car, know that Ireland has a special requirement. You will need to call your credit card company and ask for a letter that explicitly states that you have coverage in the Republic of Ireland. Without this letter, car rental companies often will compel you to pay for rental insurance. 

Drive very carefully

Cars drive on the left in Ireland. This is new for many visitors to Ireland, so you’ll want to drive as carefully as possible until you get the hang of it. It’s common for cars to damage tires on the passenger side because the driver accidentally swerved into a ditch on a rural road. 

Pack for Irish weather

Irish weather is often cold, gray, and drizzly, so be sure that you have the appropriate clothing. Waterproof shoes, warm sweaters, and long pants are a must for all but the hottest weeks of the year in July and August. Even during the warmer months, it can be quite cold anytime you’re near the coastline. 

If you’re traveling from the US, you’ll often find that the weather feels chillier than you might be expecting given the temperature. During Irish winters in particular, you’ll find that buildings are less insulated than in other parts of the world like the US or Germany. So, bring warm pajamas, especially if you’ll be staying in Airbnbs. 

However, don’t worry if you forget to pack toiletries. You can easily buy shampoo in Ireland, along with other essentials like razors and toothpaste.

Read an Irish author before you visit

Ireland has been home to many literary giants, including Sally Rooney, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and C.S. Lewis. To better understand Irish culture, read a book or two from a local author before you visit. Sally Rooney’s Conversations with Friends is one of my favorites, and it was even made into a TV show on Hulu in recent years. 

Try local food

Make a point of trying some traditionally Irish dishes while you’re in the country. The Irish breakfast is a must for anyone who likes to start their day with a big meal. If you stay in a B&B in Ireland, the hosts will often have a small breakfast menu that includes a full Irish breakfast (or its vegetarian alternative). 

My current home of Cork, Ireland is the Food Capital of Ireland, so it’s worth a stop for any foodie visitors. There are wonderful coffee shops, restaurants, and markets full of goods from local artisans. 

Listen to trad music

Traditional (trad) music is a cornerstone of Irish culture, and it’s one of the top experiences you should have while visiting. Trad musicians often play in pubs throughout Ireland, often around a table in a back corner. 

Trad music is often free for anyone enjoying pints in the pub. There are also music festivals where you can catch trad music, like the Galway Folk Festival that usually takes place in June. 

Ask for help if you need it

Ireland is a very communicative, social place. As a result, word of mouth is just the way that some things work in Ireland. If you’re stuck or need help, don’t be afraid to just ask around – they might have ideas or suggestions that you never would’ve thought up. 

Your hotel receptionist, Airbnb host, and restaurant server are all great places to start if you need some assistance. Whether it’s choosing a restaurant, getting directions, or finding a medication you just ran out of, they will probably be able to point you in the right direction. 

Keep your voice down

Americans tend to stand out in Europe for their loud, booming voices. To avoid looking like a tourist and irritating the people around you, be mindful of how loudly you’re speaking. It can be hard to change this habit (how many times have you been told to “speak up!” while in the US?!), but a little mindfulness goes a long way. 

Look both ways before you cross the street

I’m convinced that, “Look both ways before you cross the street.” is some of the best advice I’ve ever been given. If you’re used to walking in a country where cars drive on the right, it can be quite disorienting and hard to remember to look the right way before crossing the street. 

Get in the habit of looking both ways! Cars can sometimes come from the direction you were not expecting. 

Don’ts in Ireland 

Here’s a list of the things that you shouldn’t do while you’re in Ireland. This list includes a few travel tips, but most of the items are simply ways to be a more respectful and conscientious visitor. Remember that Ireland is its own country with its own distinct history, customs, and culture.  

Tell people that you’re “Irish” if you mean that your ancestors lived in Ireland 

I know this is a very normal thing to do in the US, but it really irks the locals in Ireland when visitors claim to be Irish. As a general rule, the only people who can claim to be Irish are people who were born in the country and/or those who hold an Irish passport. 

Although you might have ancestry that dates back to Ireland (and connects you to the greater Irish diaspora), you risk offending the locals when you call yourself Irish. If you’re interested in learning more about Irish immigration and your family ancestry, you might enjoy the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. 

Refer to Ireland as part of the UK

Ireland has a long, troubled history with Britain and fought incredibly hard for its independence. 

Do not refer to the people of the Republic of Ireland as British. 
Also, do not refer to Ireland as part of the UK. 

Ireland is a sovereign state that, unlike the UK, is a member of the European Union. 

You can use Ireland or the Republic of Ireland to refer to the country of Ireland. This is distinct from Northern Ireland, which is a separate country and part of the United Kingdom. Together, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland make up the island of Ireland. 

If you’re in Northern Ireland, I would ask people before you refer to them as British or Irish. Or, to be safe, you can refer to them as “People from Northern Ireland.”

Be overly direct

In Irish culture, directness is not valued in the same way as in the United States and some other cultures. For this reason, it can make the locals uncomfortable if you’re overly direct with them. For example, instead of saying “Can I get a ____?” when you order, ask “Can I please order ____?” 

You may notice that the locals are even less direct than the example I gave above. An Irish person might say, “You wouldn’t have a ____, would you?” when ordering. You don’t need to try to copy this, but it can be a helpful context for understanding indirect Irish communication. 

Tip for every drink

Bartenders in Ireland are paid a living wage, so there is no expectation that you will tip when you order a pint from the bar. In some pubs, it might even offend your barkeep so it’s best avoided. 

If the pub offers table service, that’s different – a tip is more appropriate. 

Say “top of the morning to you” or anything of the sort

The “top of the morning!” greeting is a sort of romanticized, Hollywood-influenced view of Irish people. I’ve lived in Ireland for over two years and I’ve never once heard anyone in Ireland use this greeting, or really anything like it. It would seem trite and obnoxious if you did it – definitely avoid this greeting. 

Casually mention the Troubles

The Troubles were a very violent and difficult time in Ireland’s history, and the vestiges can still be felt today. There’s nothing to gain by casually mentioning The Troubles. However, you can ask about it respectfully if you’re curious, provided the person you’re talking to is comfortable speaking about that period in Irish history. 

Treat it like you would treat any sensitive political topic in your home country (like 9/11 for people in the US, for instance). 

If you’re not sure what the Troubles are, I have two excellent resources for you. The first is the book Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe, which covers a murder that takes place during this fraught period in Ireland’s history. Say Nothing does a great job of explaining some of the backdrop for the conflict and its implications in contemporary culture. 

For a lighter introduction, watch Derry Girls on Netflix. Derry Girls follows a group of high school students who are navigating their lives as teens during the Troubles while living in Derry, a city in Northern Ireland. Pro tip: if you watch Derry Girls, then read Say Nothing, then rewatch Derry Girls, you’ll understand a lot more of the jokes the second time around. 

Order an Irish Car Bomb

United States travelers: this is the equivalent of someone naming a drink a “9/11 shot.” It’s not funny to the local population, and it probably will never be funny. Just don’t do it. 

If you’re curious about Irish history, consider taking a walking tour in Cork or reading Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe. 

Mock the Irish language

Although virtually everyone in Ireland speaks English, the country also has its own language, Irish. You’ll hear it every once in a while on the streets, and see it on almost all of the street signs. There are even areas of Ireland where Irish is considered the primary vernacular, called the Gaeltacht.

Part of Ireland’s colonial history was the widespread use of punishment for speaking in Irish, which led to its marked decline. There has been a massive cultural project to revive the use of the Irish language, though UNESCO still categorizes it as “definitely endangered.” As a result, there are even some native speakers (most people learn Irish as a second language).

Be respectful and curious if you talk about the Irish language with the locals, and don’t make assumptions about how they’ll feel about it being spoken. 

Try to use any currency other than the euro

Ireland is part of the European Union and the national currency is the euro. Expect to pay in euros for anything you buy in the Republic of Ireland. Please don’t try to spend US Dollars when you’re in Ireland; at best you’ll get a bad exchange rate, at worst you’ll irritate the locals or make them uncomfortable. 

Note that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and uses the Great British Pound. Because the two countries are interconnected, you might find that people in Northern Ireland accept euros when you pay in cash. As a general rule, the opposite is not true. 

Trust the names of the bus stops to line up with Google Maps

There is often a mismatch between the names for stops used in Google Maps and the names you’ll find displayed on the bus. Often, Google Maps will use the English name, while the bus will display only the Irish name. It’s best to follow along on your phone to be sure you don’t miss your stop!

FAQs: Do’s and Don’ts in Ireland 

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what you should and shouldn’t do while you’re in Ireland. 

What is considered disrespectful in Irish culture?

Avoid bringing up politics or religion in Ireland, especially in a casual or flippant way. If you’re talking to someone who feels comfortable sharing their opinions, and you’re asking from a place of genuine curiosity, you’ll find that the Irish can be very open and honest. 

I would personally wait until someone broached one of these topics before trying to discuss it. 

Do the Irish like American tourists?

In general, yes, the Irish enjoy hosting American tourists! Most people who visit Ireland find the locals to be kind, welcoming, and hospitable during their visit. American tourists are known to be good tippers, so many people are excited when they get a tour group from the US. 

How not to dress like a tourist in Ireland?

It’s a little easier to blend in with the locals in Ireland than it is in, say, Paris. Irish fashion is more similar to the fashion trends you’ll find in the US and other European cities. To avoid looking like a tourist, don’t wear a Union Jack, sports jerseys for non-European teams (t-shirts are fine), western attire, or flip flops. 

So long as you’re not wearing offensive clothing, I wouldn’t worry too much about looking like a tourist in Ireland. Locals are pretty friendly and often enjoy talking to tourists, so you shouldn’t experience ill treatment for being a visitor. 

What is the best month to visit Ireland?

The best months to visit Ireland are May to September. The weather during these months can still vary quite a lot, and good weather is never guaranteed in Ireland! It can often feel quite cold, even in the summer months.

That said, you’ll usually experience the best weather during late May/early June and early September. The best early summer weather suspiciously coincides with the Leaving Certificate Examination, the final exam for secondary students in Ireland. There’s a superstition in Ireland that the weather suddenly improves as soon as the exams start, known locally as “leaving cert weather.”

Related Post: Saunas in Ireland: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Visit

What not to say to Irish people?

People in Ireland are usually friendly, helped by the fact that they’re skilled conversationalists. 

The three main things to avoid saying to Irish people are as follows:

❌ “Ireland is part of the United Kingdom” 
❌ “I’m Irish!” (when you do not hold Irish citizenship or an Irish passport)
❌ Any casual mention of The Troubles

Conclusion: Do’s and Don’ts in Ireland 

To be a respectful visitor in Ireland, do your best to be mindful of the country’s identity and history. Ireland is its own country, and it is not an extension of the UK or the US. So long as you go in with an open mind and avoid some of the common pitfalls I included in this post, you’ll probably be well received by the locals you meet. 

When you’re traveling in Ireland, one of the best things you can do is get out of Dublin and see the rest of the country. Although the capital is the best known destination in Ireland, it’s only one perspective of Irish life! At the very least, make your way to nearby Glendalough or Galway, which will offer different scenery and a chance to take in some views of the countryside. 

If you’re interested in more Ireland travel content and advice, check out my Ireland Travel section.