Wonder what are the ultimate things that happen on every Irish night out? Well, it is safe to say the Irish have a certain way of doing things.
Similar to the unwritten rules of an Irish pub, for example, these practices seem to be a given; they are understood by all but seldom discussed.
It is pretty safe to say that these ten elements have defined party culture in Ireland as far back as one can remember. From the early days of underage discos to last Saturday night, those who have partied in Ireland are sure to have experienced the following.
So here they are, the 10 things that happen on every night out in Ireland!
10. Pre-Drinks Come First – the only way to start
What would the perfect night out in Ireland be without pre-drinks? Pre-drinks is where you meet with your friends and drink alcohol before going out to drink more alcohol. Often this is called pre-game.
The reason for this is two-fold: firstly, you save a few bucks on your total spend for the night ahead. Secondly, you get a buzz on before hitting the town. Just make sure you don’t go too hard (see #2).
9. Someone Will be Turned Away – who will be the unlucky one?
Someone will always be turned away from a club or bar. This is often a result of going too hard at pre-drinks (see #1).
Bouncers are seasoned veterans and have their eyes peeled for the weaker ones of the heard (i.e. the ones who are ever-so-slightly swaying, struggle to find their ID and have glassy eyes). Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
8. Someone Will Forget Their ID – always remember to double check
Someone always forgets their ID. This can occur from being too drunk after pre-drinks also. Always remember to check you have your four essentials before leaving the house: phone, keys, wallet, ID.
7. You’ll Carry Your Jacket Around All Night – and probably lose it
A night out in Ireland wouldn’t be a night out unless someone refuses to pay the standard €2 cloakroom fee, and ends up dragging around their coat all night.
A routine scan across the dance floor proves people can be extremely creative when finding ways to carry it. Usually, coats are strewn across handbags, tied around the waist (90s-style) or tied around the shoulders (golfers-style). Either way, it never looks good.
Furthermore, it’s pretty standard for at least one member of your party to end the night with one less possession than they started out with. Coats, phones and wallets are usually the most common articles.
6. You’ll Make Great Friends – with someone you’ll never meet again
Nights out in Ireland are always top notch. Ireland is a super friendly place, and with that, the Irish people are generally up for making new friends. Be nice and polite, and people will usually return in kind.
On a night out in Ireland, you are sure to make a new great friend, for life, the only issue is, you’ll probably have forgotten to have exchanged numbers so are unlikely ever to see them again.
5. You’ll do Shots – and probably regret it
Shots. Shots. Shots. Safe to say shots are one of the things that will happen on every Irish night out.
These are fast-consumed 30ml measures of spirits, such as tequila, whiskey or vodka, for example.
They’re a recipe for mayhem, and a night out in Ireland wouldn’t be the same without them.
4. You’ll do Rounds – and spend a fortune
Rounds are another one of the top things that happen on every Irish night out. Rounds are the most common system amongst friends for consuming alcohol. On a night out in Ireland, this is the most likely way you’ll purchase drinks throughout the night.
The way rounds work is that in a group setting, one person will buy each member of their group a drink. Then, another person from the group will buy each member of the group a drink. This goes on until every member of the group has purchased a round. Then it starts again.
3. You’ll Spend Most of Your Night in the Smoking Area – talking shit most likely
Most of your night will be spent in the smoking area, talking absolute muck to strangers who you will never see again, whether you smoke, or not. Fact.
2. You’ll End Up with a Kebab – or some other equally gross take-away
No night out in Ireland would be complete without a post-party feed. Most typical meals include kebabs, “chipper” (i.e. burger/fish and chips) or McDonald’s or similar.
If you didn’t drink enough to end up with an alcohol hangover, you’ll sure as hell wake up with a food hangover.
1. You’ll Drive home in a Taxi, Blaring Tunes – sorry to all the taxi drivers out there
Without question, every night in Ireland has to end by getting a taxi back and blaring tunes.
Most of the times the taxi drivers know what they’re in for and play along, but often you just know they hate you. Either way, a sing-a-long will ensue. For all you taxi drivers out there: we’re sorry.
