Ireland is home to many traditions, some of which are completely lost on foreigners.
We all know some Irish traditions that represent hallmarks of Irish culture, such as wearing green on St Patrick’s Day, having a pint of Guinness at the local pub, or attending a traditional music session.
However, certain Irish traditions, which are part of everyday Irish life, leave foreigners baffled. Here are seven Irish traditions that make absolutely no sense to foreigners.
7. Tea as a cure-all – a life philosophy
Although tea is no novelty, the custom of drinking it on every occasion may seem rather surprising to some visitors.
For most Irish people, any occasion is a good excuse to enjoy a cup of tea. Not feeling well? You should have a cup of tea. Got some good news? Well, let’s have a cup of tea. Bump into your neighbour in the street? Expect tea.
This sacred daily ritual consistently places Ireland among the highest tea-consuming countries in the world.
Just like Guinness, making the perfect cup of tea is an art form in itself. Popular choices are Barry’s Tea or Lyons served with a dash of milk to achieve the perfect colour. If you know how to make a decent cup of tea, you’ll win the approval of the Irish.
6. Respect for legends – the enduring superstitions
Irish legends are among the reasons why many foreigners are drawn to the country. What some of them don’t realise, however, is that these legends are still deeply rooted in Irish culture, leading sometimes to enduring superstitions.
Fairy forts, for example, are circular remains of earth or stone structures dating from the early medieval period in Ireland. Found throughout the Emerald Isle, these sacred sites should not be messed with, as it is said that disturbing them will bring you bad luck.
Although they are not always spoken about directly, legends such as the ones of the banshee, the salmon of knowledge, and fairy forts are traditionally held in high regard and should not be taken lightly, much to the surprise of visitors.
5. The unwritten law of the round – a pass to social acceptance
As you’re no doubt aware, the pub is an integral part of Irish life. Some pub traditions, however, are unfamiliar to visitors and may come as a surprise.
The pub’s etiquette is more complex than it seems. To ensure that the craic prevails, you must follow those unwritten rules that dictate the smooth running of the evening.
One of them is the “unwritten law of the round”. In Ireland, paying for a round is a well-established tradition that goes without saying. Even if no one asks you directly or even refuses your offer, you must insist on getting a round of drinks.
4. Polite refusal – saying ‘no’ at least three times before accepting anything
Polite refusal is part of the Irish social traditions. This applies in the pub, but also in any other social context. The Irish never say yes straight away; they refuse at least three times before agreeing to anything, for the sake of good manners.
This tradition is so deeply ingrained in Irish culture that it has been immortalised in one of the most famous Irish sitcoms, Father Ted, through the character of Mrs Doyle and her relentless insistence on offering tea.
This is a direct parody of that Irish social pressure where a ‘no’ is never accepted at the first attempt.
This habit serves as a tool for demonstrating humility and provides a way for testing the sincerity of an offer!
3. Funeral as a social gathering – death is your friend
If death is taboo in many cultures around the world, in Ireland, mourning is often shared collectively. Although it may come as a surprise to many, attending the funeral of someone you don’t really know is quite common in Ireland.
Funerals are first and foremost seen as a celebration of life. Once again, the tea ritual is no exception, and the kettle is constantly on the go. Tea, sandwiches, and, often, whisky or beer are served so that everyone can raise a toast in respect of the deceased.
The Irish’s relationship with death is therefore quite unique, and can strike many foreigners who are not accustomed to talking about it so openly.
2. The “Irish Goodbye” – not always the quiet way out foreigners think about
Leaving without saying goodbye is often referred to as an ‘Irish goodbye’. Contrary to what this expression suggests, however, it is not a typically national custom.
Although this practice is well known to the Irish, particularly on a night out, Irish people are just as likely to indulge in the long farewells that are even more characteristic of an Irish goodbye.
This tradition often misleads foreigners and can take them by surprise.
1. Speaking in contradiction – saying you’re grand when you are not
Perhaps the most puzzling tradition of all is that the Irish love to speak in contradictions. This habit can at first truly scramble strangers’ brains.
The famous ‘I’m grand’ line, uttered regardless of the context, can throw people off. It can, in fact, say one thing and its exact opposite. Getting used to this way of talking and reading between the lines can take quite a long time for some foreigners.
Beyond mere expression, this way of speaking reflects something deeper about Irish culture and traditions. It is perhaps the tradition that best embodies the Irish mindset and is the hardest for foreigners to grasp.
These seven traditions are deeply embedded in Irish social life and are often misunderstood by foreigners.
