Things about Ireland?

Question

Can you tell me how about Ireland and its customs so that I don't appear to be such a tourist and that I can blend in? Also about the history.

thanks

Answer 1

They have a very seductive charm.

Answer 2

swear a lot! ;)

i suppose it depends on what part of ireland you'll be in. but assuming at least part of your stay will be in dublin, its likely that you'll be going to an area in the city centre called "temple bar", which is a popular tourist area for nightlife. don't carry a camera too visibly. don't leave your wallet in your bag, put it in a pocket, and if possible don't keep all your money in it. separate some of it, and keep it in a seperate pocket.

generally, and especially in bars at night, most irish people are quite friendly to tourists. so i wouldn't worry about not blending in too much, mostly concern yourself with being careful of those who would take advantage of tourists, by not leaving yourself open to pickpockets and that type of thing. general things that you would be weary of in any large city.

as for the history, here is a brief history, and some basic information about ireland; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of...

if you're worried about being an obvious tourist, check out some maps of where you want to go before leaving your hotel room. that way you won't have to stop and ask for directions, that may or may not be correct anyway.

here is a map of ireland (and of britain) to get you started; http://maps.google.co.uk/

again, if you'll be starting in dublin, you can go to a bookshop on O'Connell street in the city centre called "Easons", where you could pick up some detailed street maps, and tourist guides.

Answer 3

Here we go again.  I love this question.   Second time I've seen it in three weeks.  And here's pretty much a standard anwer to it.  

Don't wear anything kelly green or bright orange, especially if you are going in July. Nothing with the Irish flag on it. Just jeans and a long sleeved shirt with a collar and buttons up the front blends in pretty well if the weather is not too cold. T-shirts, too. And blue jeans.  Sweater if it's chilly.  

Here's a link to a picture of some people on Grafton Street.  Just wear pants and a shirt and shoes that are good for walking and you pretty much blend in anywhere in Ireland.  

http://static.flickr.com/29/63909740_396...

And typing in the words Belfast People on Yahoo!'s search feature (Images) yeilds a treasure trove of pictures of Irish people in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They all seem to be wearing normal clothes you'd find anywhere in the U. S. or Europe.

Best of Luck on Your Trip and Have Fun.

Okay, now the not so standart part.  Visit in July to see Protestants and Catholics marching to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne which took place in 1690.  You'd swear it was yesterday by talking to them.

Answer 4

Get lamped (Guinness or Magners [pint bottle with ice of course], stay out of Dublin (rip off central) - recommend West Coast - Donegal to Kerry - if going north visit Derry but avoid Tyrone (Tyrone people, as well as being obnoxios slabbers who think they are better at GAA than they actually are, also have a much too close relationship with farmyard livestock).

Seriously don't worry about blending in - you're a tourist - just enjoy your holiday - we're a friendly bunch and you're more likely to get better manners if we know your a tourist.  Plus if we insult you, we are not really insulting you  Eg If someone calls you a useless gobshite (or any other abusive term), take it as a complement that the person feels comfortable enough to call you names and chances are you will spend the evening knocking back pints with the.

Answer 5

Well we love a bit of good craic, a word you will hear alot, btw it means fun, we're big into many sports including rugby. The pub is a large part of irish culture, go there to socialise and meet the locals. Don't bother speaking Irish unless you are spoken to in Irish, which is unlikely unless you are in a gaelteacht area. Don't forget to have a full Irish breakfast, Black pudding, btw which is made of cow's blood, rashers, sausages, eggs and maybe some white pudding. Have a good stay?

Answer 6

Ireland is an Island nation.The Irish Republic.We have a troubled historic past in particular our occupation by the British which incidentally had divided our nation with six counties in Northern Ireland being under British rule.We have a wonderful culture.Great Music and traditions.Our own language.Irish people have great character and are very open and helpful.In recent years Ireland has had an economic boom which has seen many people from other EEC countries coming to work here...so prepare yourself to meet people that speak little English in some situations.You will be sure of a "welcome on the Mat" when you visit our Country.

Answer 7

We like tourists but not to the extent that they are in our face.

We like a bit of craic(fun not the snorting stuff)  and the pub is the main social outlet in our culture. We love sports particualary GAA. As a tourist dont wear really bright clothes or carry around Irish t shirts or flags or key rings because that makes you stand out straight away. The history of Ireland is detailed and if I were to describe it to you , I'd be writing all day. All I can say is to google in Irish history and you'll get pretty much everything you need to know. You'll get different reponses depending on where you go , most Irish people have a habit of saying " do you know what I mean like"  you'll be hearing this a lot. The holidays are pretty straight forward , we celebrate St Patricks day , easter and christmas. The republic is mainly catholic and so religious holidays such as good friday involve not drinking alcohol for that one day and also on ash Wednesday. People should be friendly to you , Most Irish people are welcoming and like to treat foreigners well. You should travel around and see the local towns too , there are many sight seeing attactions within them.

Enjoy your stay and good luck to you!

Answer 8

My friends were spotted immediately because they had jeans, baseball caps and hiking boots on all the time.  Doesn't matter though - they like Americans.  No worries.  Have fun!

I didn't go North though.

Answer 9

British1985 very helpfully provided Bridget Haggerty's site  -it's a must-see. I also write a large section concerning Irish customs and culture in my site relating to Dublin; it also including a lot of non-Dublin content. My only consolation is that my site is older than Bridget's!

There are tips about looking non-tourist, the most important of which is don't dress too brightly and put your camera equipment and maps in a backpack, etc!

I like your approach though - people who visit place with prior knowledge of their background, etc, tend to get a little more time and respect from the natives. I hope you have a great trip.

I've given you the link to my culture section - you're most welcome to browse the whole site, of course.

Answer 10

It is said that we love drink ? but not all of us do.  We party for everything we like to go out and have a good time.  We have our traditional music and Irish dancers, I am sure you have heard about river dance We celebrate St. Patrick's day in a big way and we celebrate Easter no alcohol on Good Friday. You will be able to join the public library and you can find out about the history.  Most people are friendly  it is like any other country you have good and bad.  I hope you enjoy your stay here  and are made very welcome.

Answer 11

Everyone walks around wearing a Guiness hat shouting 'Gee that's awesome' and taking lots of photos.  If you're in the Irish Republic, don't forget to let everyone know they are part of Britain still.

Do all that and no-one will notice you!

Answer 12

There are too many to mention here on this website.  Every country has its customs and traditions.  Why not google your search and get all the information you require.

Answer 13

You can not go to Ireland without visiting the North, check out the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, The Glens of Antrim and the Mourne Mountains. It is part of the UK and has its own charm. Very different from the Free State. You have nothing to worry about in Ireland the people are very friendly and always like to meet tourists as soon as they hear the different accent they will want to talk to you. Its just like anywhere else, do not talk about religion or politics which are boring anyway.

Check out this website

http://www.northantrim.com/dunlucecastle...

& I wouldn't bother with Belfast or Dublin, capital cities never really reflect the real country

Hope you have good craic on your trip!

:)

Answer 14

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Ar...