Are there things you shouldn’t do in Ireland? You can bet they exist, from simple common sense (like obeying the laws and rules of the road) to some social mistakes you might want to avoid. Bottom line: when in Rome, do what the Romans do. And when in Ireland, avoid doing all those things that the Irish commonly associate with the most unpleasant tourists: those who look down on Ireland, those who glorify violence and those who suffer a serious case of ‘foot-and-mouth disease’. Or those who seem to have left common sense at home. Here’s a list of the top “Don’ts” in Ireland – things to avoid to really enjoy your vacation. And welcome back at any time.
Don’t forget the basic rule of driving on the left
Every year tourists are involved in major, sometimes fatal accidents simply because they drive on the wrong side of the road. It can’t be said often enough: Drive on the left! But pedestrians must also remember that the first car to hit them when they hit the road will come from the right! The worst result? Instant death.
Do not drink in public places or if you are under 18 years old.
Drinking in parks, other public areas or on beaches is prohibited almost everywhere in Northern Ireland and more than often in the Republic. Don’t risk a hefty fine, pleading ignorance of general and local alcohol laws in Ireland doesn’t always help. Especially not if they are signposted. And remember that enjoying alcohol is limited to adults only (18 and over). The worst result? A considerable shame.
Do not smoke in closed public or work places
Since May 2007, smoking has been banned in enclosed public places and workplaces throughout Ireland. Don’t break the law and risk a hefty fine. Note that smoking in pubs is also prohibited despite those old photos of romantically overflowing ashtrays next to Guinness. The worst result? Again, a hefty penalty.
Don’t wax the lyrics about civil war romance
Frankly said: The Irish, both north and south, had enough experience of body parts flying through smoke-blackened streets and gunshot wounds in children. They know what the reality of the Irish “Troubles” is (or was). It is not romantic. Think about it. The worst result? A quick straight to the face.
Do not forget to receive your round
The system of drinking with friends (even recent or poorly defined) in Irish pubs is simple. If there are four people, then A gets the first round, B the second, C the third, and D the fourth. As long as you observe this rule and “come into play,” no one will call you a petty and tight-fisted foreigner. The worst result? No one will drink with you anymore.
Don’t compare non-stop
Yes, we all know the highway is better in Germany, the cuisine is tastier in France, the sun is brightest in Australia, my friend, and everything is bigger in the Lone Star State. But this is Ireland. Enjoy it as it is. Don’t bore everyone to tears with endless comparisons that only indicate that you would rather be home. The worst result? Being alone and marking a cocky know-it-all.
Don’t expect the comforts of home in an Irish setting
Despite the onslaught of globalization (led by Gap, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, River Island and Starbucks), Ireland remains a ‘foreign country’. With their own brands, chain stores, local food and drink, and coins. Don’t expect to find everything you have at home. The worst result? You are not happy.
Don’t try to see everything
Unless you have a few weeks or months to go on vacation, don’t try to see everything in your guide. Ireland has so much to offer to pack it all into a few days. Choose from the best attractions in Ireland when planning your Irish vacation. Follow your own interests for the best option. The worst result? You get too tired to enjoy your vacation.
Don’t expect a mythological Ireland
If you traveled to the midwestern states of the USA, would you expect to see buffalo roam and Indians on the road to war? So why do so many visitors to Ireland wait for freckled and red-haired colleagues dancing at the crossroads, accompanied by Celtic warriors with tin whistles? Ireland is a modern country with historical roots, but it has traffic jams, pollution and industrial estates. Don’t be put off by those, just don’t expect Disney’s Ireland from the most saccharine movies. The worst result? You suffer a culture shock for life.
Do not rush
When an Irishman was asked to translate tomorrow , he said he couldn’t think of a term that conveyed such urgency. You will have to take your time to find the ‘real’ Ireland beyond the tourist attractions and tourist traps. And you will be grateful that you did. The worst result? You miss a train … only to find out that the one that just left was the one that should have left an hour ago, was late and therefore delayed 10:16, which will now expire at 10:26.
