Wondering what not to do in Ireland? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top things not to do in Ireland if you come to visit.
Wondering what not to do in Ireland? We’ve got you covered. It’s a lovely little country all on its own at the very edge of the world. We don’t bother anybody, and very few bother us.
We’re a friendly race of people and a bit quaint – some would even say a bit odd. But we’re known all over the world as being a welcoming people in the land of a thousand welcomes.
Also known as the Land of Saints and Scholars, Ireland has a rich culture and heritage, a complicated history, and our people love a good joke.
But as we said, we have our little ways about us. So if you really, really want to enjoy your visit, there are a few things you should know.
In this feature, we take a not-too-serious look at ten things not to do in Ireland – you wouldn’t want to annoy us now, would you? Check out our list of what not to do in Ireland below.
IB4UD’s top 5 ways to make Irish people like you
- Show genuine interest in Irish culture by learning about Ireland’s history, traditions, literature, music, and sports. showing genuine curiosity and appreciation for their culture will be greatly appreciated.
- Irish people have a rich tradition of wit and humour, so it is good to be open to their jokes, banter, sarcasm and self-deprecating humour. Don’t take anything we say too seriously.
- Show respect for Irish traditions and try to participate when appropriate. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, attending a traditional music session, or joining in on local festivities can be great opportunities to bond with Irish people.
- Be approachable, smile, and maintain a positive attitude. Embracing a friendly demeanour and humility will help you make a good impression on this crowd.
- Avoid relying on stereotypes or making assumptions about Irish people. Try to understand their unique perspectives while appreciating the rich Irish culture.
10. Don’t drive on the wrong side of the road – remember we drive on the left
You’ve arrived at the airport or ferry port, you’ve picked up your hired car, put your luggage in the boot (you might call it the trunk, we don’t)ready to start driving in Ireland, and you suddenly notice that some idiot has put the steering wheel on the wrong side.
Well, the truth is: they haven’t. In Ireland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. Note, the left hand is the one you wear your wedding ring on, not the one you bless yourself with.
Don’t blame us. It wasn’t our idea. Actually, the blame lies with the French. You see, years ago in France, only the nobility were allowed to drive their carriages on the left-hand side of the road.
After the revolution, when Napoleon came to power, he decreed that everyone should drive on the right.
The English, not being too enamoured with Napoleon, gave him a not-so-diplomatic two-finger salute and said, “You do what you want. We’re driving on the left.”
At the time, Ireland was under British rule – that’s another story – so we got stuck with the same system.
9. Don’t mention the civil war – best to keep quiet on this one
While this war ended nearly a hundred years ago, it set brother against brother, and it can still break out in pubs late at night as pints are downed.
Don’t worry, it never gets to the pitched-battle stage, more handbags at dawn, but as a visitor to the country, you’d be best to stay out of it.
However, if you do get embroiled in hostilities, remember that peace will break out quickly if you start up a sing-song.
8. Never forget to buy your round – it’s just common courtesy
One of the top things on our list of what not to do in Ireland is related to pub etiquette.
The Irish have a weird and funny relationship with alcohol. They use the round system, which basically means if someone buys you a drink, you’re obligated to buy them one in return.
This Irish custom is taken quite seriously in Irish pubs. In point of fact, the most defamatory comment one Irishman can say about another is, “That fella never buys his round.”
This, as I said, is a sacrosanct rule.
What typically happens is, and be forewarned, you’re sitting in an Irish pub sipping a pint – the Irish never drink half-pints – and an Irishman sits beside you and puts his talk on you, as they do.
You offer to buy him a drink, he accepts. You both chat for a while, he buys you one, and you talk some more.
Now is the critical juncture. You’re enjoying the conversation, so you buy him “one more for the road.” He, of course, is then obligated to get you one in return. You reciprocate.
Twelve hours later, and you missed your flight, your wife has left you, and you’ve forgotten your name, but what the hell, you’ve made a new friend.
READ ALSO: 10 Unwritten Rules of an Irish Pub
7. Don’t say you love Irish politicians – a terrible idea
Another one of the things on our list of what not to do in Ireland is to do with politics.
There are certain parts of Dublin where the visitor shouldn’t go, and while most of the city is exceptionally safe, the area around Leinster House, the Irish Parliament building, is notorious for a group of people that most Irish dislike. Irish people refer to them as politicians.
For the visitor to Ireland who wishes to make friends and influence people, try this simple trick – start every conversation with, “Bloody politicians, look what they’ve done now.” Believe us, it works.
6. Never ever ask for directions in Kerry – just wing it
It’s a well-known fact that Kerry people can’t answer a straight question without asking another one.
Seriously, this is true; imagine the scene. There you are, driving your rental car through the Kingdom of Kerry – yes, that’s how they refer to the county, the jumped-up shower. You stop and ask for directions to, let’s say Tralee.
“And why would you want to go to Tralee?” is the reply you’ll receive. “‘Sure, you’d be far better off going to Listowel, my brother has a guest house there, and he’d put you up for a few nights, a lovely little spot, to be sure, to be sure.”
You insist on going on with your plans and availing of your pre-booked spa hotel in Tralee. The Kerry man reluctantly gives you directions; thirty minutes and twenty miles of bog roads later, you mysteriously arrive at the brother’s guesthouse in Listowel and end up spending a week there.
Ah well, that’s the Kingdom for you; learn to live with it.
5. Never go out for a weekend night out wearing the wrong colours – a fatal mistake
Now, I’m not talking about dressing for the Arctic-like weather conditions that Ireland is plagued with for three-hundred and eighty-five days of the year, yes, I know, we have a few extra days in Ireland, and we’re slow learners.
I’m talking about wearing the correct team colours. Irish people love their sport and are immensely proud of both their local and national sporting teams.
If you really want to be accepted in Ireland, join in the tribal celebrations of sport.
In Limerick, if the Munster Rugby Team is playing, or Kilkenny and Tipperary are on hurling championship days, be aware. Every town, city, and county has its teams. Find out who they are and invest in a vest.
READ ALSO: Top 5 most followed sports in Ireland
4. Never go looking for leprechauns – a risky endeavour
Leprechauns have been grossly misrepresented by Hollywood. They are not the sweet and jovial little people that have been depicted in countless films.
Believe us; they can be nasty, especially if disturbed while burying their pot of gold.
Be very aware of unscrupulous strangers who might approach you in the street and offer to sell you a leprechaun to take home with you.
Yes, while the leprechaun might be the genuine article, Ireland has stringent controls that prohibit the unlicensed export of the little people.
You’ll never get them past customs, and this results in hundreds of abandoned leprechauns roaming the streets and again falling prey to the unscrupulous dealers, and the whole pattern repeats itself.
The preceding are only some of the things you should be aware of if planning a trip to our lovely little island. When you do come and visit, enjoy yourself and remember to bring an umbrella.
READ ALSO: Top 10 things you never knew about leprechauns
3. Never ever refer to Ireland as being part of the British Isles – you might just start WW3
While, technically speaking, we are, it’s not something we’d write home about.
We have a funny old relationship with our nearest neighbours, England. We speak their language, granted with our own particular twist to it. We watch their soaps on T.V. We religiously follow their football teams, and in all honesty, we built most of their motorways and infrastructure.
But that’s as far as it goes. We’re a bit like cousins: we tolerate each other as long as we don’t meet that often.
There were plans at one stage to move the island of Ireland a bit more to the west, halfway out in the Atlantic and a bit closer to America. Still, they never really got past the drawing board stage.
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2. Don’t debate with taxi drivers – they’re the experts
Not many people know this, but all Irish taxi drivers hold doctorates in philosophy, economics, and political science. Therefore, they are experts in every academic subject that you can think of.
This is grand in theory, but the problem is that they all also suffer from a rare genetic disorder that compels them to voice their opinion on every subject under the sun.
If you are fortunate enough to find a taxi, just sit back, listen to the inevitable lecture, and relax. Better still, bring earplugs, but whatever you do, for God’s sake, don’t engage. It’s never worth it.
1. Never say you’re 100% Irish – you’re not
Number one on our list of what not to do in Ireland is claim you’re 100% Irish. We’ll only laugh at you.
Seriously, even if your great-grandfather and great-grandmother came from a few hundred yards up the road, if you were born in the U.S.A or Australia, you can’t be 100% Irish.
Even the Irish don’t admit to being 100% Irish. Come to think about it, no one in their right mind would.
There you have it, our top ten list of what not to do in Ireland. Stick to these, and you’ll have a great visit!
Your questions answered about what not to do in Ireland
If you still want to know more about what not to do in Ireland, we have you covered! In this section, we’ve thrown together some of our readers’ most popular questions that have been asked online about this topic.
What is considered disrespectful in Ireland?
Not participating in rounds when drinking or skipping your round can be seen as disrespectful. In addition, overt PDA can make Irish people feel uncomfortable and could be seen as disrespectful.
What is appropriate behaviour in Ireland?
There is no specific way you have to behave in Ireland aside from abiding by our laws; however, if you want to fit in with the locals, try to be friendly, polite, chatty and easy-going.
Is it rude not to tip in Ireland?
No, tipping is not essential in Ireland however it is greatly appreciated and is a nice way to show people that you value their work, time and efforts.
