Now that I have supplied you with all the interesting informative Irish etiquette thingybobs - I thought I'd best corner a real local. Being Dame Hilda I had to get my hands on my favourite Sligo lad. (thank you Shane for not doing this interview on horseback cos it could of polished of this old dame...my thighs haven't been that far apart in 20 years
The well informed southern Irish lad has given us foreigners some face saving advice and a bloody good laugh at the same time! Damn this boy - not only cute and smart he's as witty as hell.......
ADDITIONAL SITE PAGES
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The Irish culture is a mixture of three historic "C" words: Celtic, Catholic and colonized, creating an amalgam of struggling contradictions. But due to high education levels, the natural use of English and the EU, Ireland now has the fastest growing economy in Europe and is one of the world's high tech centres. But the complexities of the Irish culture need to be mastered to enjoy success in Eire today.
MANNERS
The Art of Conversation
The Irish have a well-deserved reputation for conversation. They don't just say what needs to be said; they appreciate the average person's ability to say something witty, beautiful or philosophical.
Greetings and Introductions
The Irish are exceedingly polite and warm. Relax and enjoy the remarkable fun the Irish have with life's everyday moments. Get used to lots of "slagging" and "craic" -- having fun with the language by making jokes -- often at someone else's expense. If you're the "slaggee" you are expected to be a good sport and put up with it, join in the fun and slag back. The victor in a slag, if there is one, usually buys the next round.
Being Correct
If someone is referred to as "plain," this is an honour. It means you are the salt of the earth. When being introduced, shake hands and maintain eye contact. It is OK to talk about the weather (the ubiquitous soft rain and mist are not viewed negatively). Dicey topics include politics, troubles with the UK, the English, the issue of Protestants and Catholics, and Americans and the Irish (there can be strong feelings about Irish-Americans and their relatively free ride).
Drinking in Ireland
Refusing a drink can be tough. You'll need a very good reason for not drinking with others. Getting drunk, however, is not admired. Whiskey with an "e" means Irish whiskey; without an "e," it refers to Scotch whisky. In a pub, you need to name your brand. There usually will be a huge selection of available brands. Whiskey is usually drunk neat or with water, never over ice.
Guinness stout is the national drink. It is usually served cool, as opposed to most other beers, which are served at room temperature. If you want a chilled, non-stout beer, ask for lager. Beer usually comes in pints or half-pints and a "pint of plain" is a pint of Guinness.
Working Well and Wisely
When invited, it's important to go to the pub after work with colleagues to unwind. When first arriving in the office, say good morning to each individual you know, but there is no need to shake hands. When handing out business cards, present your card to the secretary at first and to the individual you are meeting with after the meeting.
Thank You Very Much
In general, gift giving is not
expected for business purposes. However, little gifts are expected for
social events, like a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates or pastries or a
simple arrangement of flowers. Gifts are usually opened in front of the
giver.
In company of family members or people of the same gender the liberty to use facial expression the company of family members or people of the same gender the liberty to use facial expressions and other physical gestures is greater.