If you are traveling to Ireland for the first time and are searching for the best tips to fit in, look no further because we have you covered with these top must-know dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland.
We can guarantee that if you follow these simple travel tips (from two Irish experts) during your visit to Ireland, you will have the Ireland holiday of a lifetime, and also win the hearts of the Irish people along the way.
Let’s get straight into our must-know dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland.
Dos and Don’ts for Visiting Ireland: The “Dos”
We advise you to embrace the following dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland with an adventurous, open-mind and of course, a sense of humor.
Do Master the Art of the “Irish Goodbye”: When leaving a social gathering, try the classic “Irish goodbye” — quietly slip out without making a fuss. No one wants to have to spend an hour saying goodbye to a room (more commonly a bar) full of people.
Don’t worry this is not rude, it’s a subtle art form that even the locals appreciate!
Do Try Your Hand at the Irish Language: Next up on our list of dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland is to give a few Irish phrases a go. Even if you butcher them, the Irish will appreciate your effort.
“Sláinte” (cheers) is always a good one to start with.
Do Ask for Directions with a Smile: If you’re lost, ask for directions with a smile and a friendly “Hello.” The Irish will often give you detailed, interesting instructions that might take you on an adventure.
Just try it and you’ll understand what we are talking about.
Do Join in a “Ceilí” Dance: If you find yourself at a traditional Irish dance event, dive in and give it a whirl. Even if you have two left feet, the locals will cheer you on.
Do Take a “Póg Mo Thóin” Selfie: Find a spot with a funny name or a quirky sign and take a selfie. Such signs will be in most shops, pubs and restaurants.
Just remember, “póg mo thóin” (kiss my ass) is a playful Irish phrase, not a literal request!
Do Collect Local Stories: Ask for outrageous local legends or ghost stories. Bonus points if you can scare yourself silly with tales of leprechauns, banshees, or headless horses.
Do Try to Spot the “Craic”: The Irish word “craic” (pronounced “crack”) means fun and entertainment. Keep an eye out for places with lots of “craic” and be ready to join in the fun – usually to involve music, singing, dancing, and of course, pints!
Insider tip: you won’t have to search for long!
Do Give Irish Blessings a Go: Learn a few traditional Irish blessings like “May the road rise up to meet you” or “May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you’re dead.”
They’re charming and always good for a laugh.
Do Engage in Friendly Banter: If someone teases you, tease back in good humor. The Irish love a bit of playful banter, we refer to this as “slaggin” but remember to keep it light-hearted and friendly before things take a turn.
Do Try and Find the “Best Guinness”: Pretend you’re on a quest to find the best pint of Guinness in Ireland. Ask for recommendations, compare notes, and document your findings. It’s a delicious Irish journey!
Do Master the Art of the “Irish Nod”: Learn the subtle art of the Irish nod — a slight tilt of the head and a knowing smile. We’ll let the video below do the explaining:
Do Enjoy the Pubs: Irish pubs are part of the local culture. Feel free to enjoy a pint of Guinness or try a local whiskey. Remember, it’s about the atmosphere and socializing (the craic!) as much as the drink so prepare with some Irish pub etiquette tips.
The quickest way to making friends in Ireland is to buy a round!
Do Embrace the Hospitality: The Irish are known for their friendliness and hospitality. If someone offers help or strikes up a conversation, take it in stride. It’s part of the charm.
We love a good chat us Irish, and even expect the odd hug – don’t panic, this is normal!
Do Explore Historic Sites: Ireland is rich in history, with sites like Newgrange, Drumbeg Stone Circle, and the Rock of Cashel offering fascinating insights into ancient times.
Do visit such ancient sites of Ireland, some older than the Pyramids, and marvel at the creativity of our ancestors.
Of course, respect the preservation efforts and follow any rules for visiting these sites.
Read all about the top 10 Megalithic Sites in Ireland.
Do Try Local Foods: Don’t miss out on traditional Irish dishes like Irish stew, Irish fry, soda bread, and seafood. Exploring local cuisine is a big part of the cultural experience.
Do Explore the Countryside: While cities like Dublin and Galway are great, the Irish countryside offers stunning landscapes and charming small towns worth visiting.
We highly recommend a visit to Kevin’s home county, County Cork, to experience Irish beauty in all it’s glory. While your at it, visit some charming, yet lively, Irish villages in Kate’s home of County Clare.
Do Follow Road Rules: In Ireland, they drive on the left side of the road. When we say “road”, we are sometimes talking narrow, winding, grass-in-the-middle-of the-road kind of roads.
In fact, maybe just pull in, and let any other drivers pass you until it is clear to move on again!
If you need some expert inspiration for the perfect Ireland holiday, make sure to check out our ultimate 2-week Ireland road-trip.
Dos and Don’ts for Visiting Ireland: The “Don’ts”
How are you finding these Dos and Don’ts for visiting Ireland? All pretty straightforward and doable so far right?
We started off easy with the top dos for visiting Ireland, now lets get to the serious part – the don’ts for visiting Ireland. This is where a lot of first-time visitors to Ireland go wrong and can be met with nothing but an awkward silence during encounters with Irish people.
Let us help you with that and show to certain things to avoid doing and saying during your visit to Ireland.
Don’t Try to Outdrink the Irish: The Irish are legendary for their drinking ability. Challenge accepted? Maybe. Victory? Probably not. Just enjoy the drinks and the company, and pace yourself. Don’t be an ejit!
Don’t Overdo the Irish Accent: While it’s fun to try out an Irish accent, don’t overdo it. It can come across as a bit over-the-top, especially if it’s not authentic. This is one that really gets on our nerves!
Don’t Ask About the “Potato Famine” at Dinner: It’s a serious topic and not the best dinner conversation starter. Instead, focus on lighter topics or ask about local food traditions.
Don’t Take the Weather Personally: Irish weather is famously fickle. If it’s sunny one minute and raining the next, don’t be surprised. Just embrace the unpredictability and remember, you’re in Ireland!
Don’t Challenge Locals to a “Who Can Talk More” Contest: The Irish are great conversationalists, so unless you’re ready to give a marathon performance, don’t try to out-talk them. Enjoy the banter and let them lead!
Don’t Expect to Find a Four-Leaf Clover Every Time: While they’re a symbol of good luck, finding a four-leaf clover is rarer than you might think. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the beautiful green landscapes!
Don’t Confuse Irish People with Leprechauns: Please take note of this tip in our “dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland” list.
Don’t ask the locals if they have a pot of gold or if they know any leprechauns personally. It’s a bit clichéd and they’ve heard it all before. Trust us, we will not be amused and you will more than likely be met with a heavy sigh and an eye roll.
Don’t Assume All Irish Folk Have Red Hair: The Irish have a variety of hair colors, so avoid making jokes about red hair or freckles. It’s a fun stereotype, but not universally true.
Yes, Kate from Happy Irish Wanderers has red hair and freckles!
Start your own Ireland Bucket List today.
Don’t Try to Outdo a Local’s Joke-Telling Skills: The Irish have a legendary sense of humor and storytelling skill. If you try to match their wit, you might find yourself hilariously outmatched.
But we invite you to give it a good go all the same!
Don’t Try to Dance Like Michael Flatley: While Riverdance is amazing, don’t assume you can master the steps instantly. Attempting an Irish dance in public might result in more laughter than applause.
But, again, we invite you to give it a go!
Don’t Be Surprised by the Random Sheep: If you’re driving in the countryside and encounter sheep casually wandering across the road, just go with it.
Sheep have their own schedules and they’re not in a hurry.
Don’t Discuss Politics: Ireland has a complex political landscape, and discussions can sometimes become heated. It’s best to avoid political topics unless you’re with close friends who are comfortable discussing them.
Don’t Be Late: Punctuality is appreciated in Ireland, so try to be on time for appointments or social gatherings.
Don’t Use Stereotypes: I know this may seem like we are repeating ourselves with this one, but if you take anything away from the dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland it is to avoid making assumptions based on Irish stereotypes in general.
We are not leprechauns.
Enjoy Your Ireland Holiday!
There you have it, our must-know dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland. With these top expert tips we feel that you are ready to dive into the heart of Ireland.
Remember: the key to fitting in is to embrace the quirks, savor the craic, and maybe avoid any serious debates about leprechauns.
With these Ireland dos and don’ts in your back pocket, you’ll be dodging sheep, mastering the art of the Irish Goodbye, and maybe even out-punning the locals in no time.
So grab your raincoat, perfect your “Irish nod,” and get ready to enjoy a visit to Ireland filled with laughter, good company, and plenty of pints.
Sláinte to your first visit to Ireland—may it be as enjoyable as a perfectly poured Guinness!
We hope you learned some new dos and don’ts for visiting Ireland, or at least, had a giggle or two!
Which are your favourite Irish dos and don’ts? Are there any other Ireland travel tips you would add to the list?
If we have left anything out please let us know. We would love to hear from you.
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Slán go fóil
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