There are quite a few common mistakes that most visitors make when they are in Ireland. They are honest mistakes so we can’t really blame anyone for it but if you don’t want to end up in an awkward situation, here are some things that can make an Irish person angry so you should avoid doing them at any cost. I am sure as a visitor you would want to be in their good books. So read on.
1. Smoking indoors is a BIG no-no.
Let me start by telling you an interesting fact. Ireland was the first country to ban smoking indoors which includes workplaces, restaurants, bars, clubs, public buildings, taxis and well, let’s just say any enclosed space. Smoking in any of these places could earn you an on-the-spot fine of up to €3,000. Smoking in the car with children present is also outlawed so be mindful of where you light one up or you could end up in big trouble.
2. Don’t grumble about the weather too much.
Okay, one of the things that you should know about Ireland is the fact that the weather in this country is humid, wet and kind of unpredictable at times. The Irish have a strong sense of national pride and they are already aware of the kind of weather they face so please be kind and don’t constantly remind them about it. The Irish can complain as much as they want but as an outsider you should reserve your comments to yourself. Grumbling and mumbling about the weather to a local won’t go down well and if you think I am kidding then try it yourself.
3. Don’t call their national festival ‘St. Patty’s Day’
I don’t know about you but I certainly get annoyed when someone calls me by a short, made up nickname just because they don’t want to make the effort of calling me by my real name. Well, it’s not just me, the Irish people too find it very irritating when their national festival is shortened to ‘St. Patty’s Day’ instead of ‘St. Patrick’s Day.’ So, respect their national festival and call it what it is supposed to be called.
4. Don’t make the mistake of calling an Irish person a Leprechaun.
Leprechauns might seem harmless to you but this tiny little bearded fairy has a more negative undertone than the positive which has been drawn from the 19th century stereotypes of the Irish people. So don’t go around calling the locals leprechauns. Doing so is just rude.
5. Don’t skip your turn when it comes to ordering drinks at a pub.
Well, in Ireland it is quite a common practice to order drinks in rounds. Let me elaborate. For example, if you are at a pub along with three of your friends, everyone in the group has to take turns of buying a round of drinks. If you are going out with a local I would recommend you to buy the first round of drinks. This gesture will definitely impress the locals. Take my word for it.
