Local culture in Ireland

Everyday life in Ireland is not that different from life in the UK or the United States. As someone from a Western culture, you should be able to adjust to local Irish culture relatively easily.

Ireland’s cities are bustling cosmopolitan centres offering a mix of cuisines and cultures, and the country is well accustomed to foreigners, although it may take some time for you to form lasting friendships with locals.

No matter where you live in Ireland, you are sure to receive céad míle fáilte – ‘one hundred thousand welcomes’.

Socialising in Ireland

As the home of Guinness, pub culture is popular in Ireland. The legal age for alcohol consumption is 18, and alcohol forms a big part of the social and nightlife scene.

You should do your research when looking for a place to eat. There are plenty of fine-dining restaurants in Irish cities, but be aware that not all places serve food, and after a certain time, almost every pub, bar, or club will serve only drinks.

The dress code for a night out depends on the venue. For men, jeans are generally accepted. However, certain places will refuse entry if you are wearing ‘runners’ or tennis shoes. A decent pair of work shoes and a button-up shirt is acceptable almost everywhere. 

Women in Ireland dress to impress, and revealing clothing is seen in all age groups, which could be a slight shock for some. Teenagers tend to dress more provocatively, particularly on St Patrick’s Day, and this can be alarming for those from conservative regions.

Religion in Ireland

Although other religions are present and respected, Ireland is a Catholic country. However, like anywhere, there may be pockets of ignorance and misunderstanding.

If you are visiting or moving to the northern areas of the Republic of Ireland or to Northern Ireland itself, be aware that there is still tension across the borders. Rather than discuss the history of this, just be aware that it can sometimes present itself as ‘Protestants in the North’ and ‘Catholics in the South’.

Present-day Ireland is far removed from its troubled past, but you should educate yourself on the area you are moving to and respect the beliefs of the local population.

Language barrier in Ireland

English is the primary language spoken in Ireland, but Irish or Gaeilge is present in everyday life and can be seen and heard across the country. Public transport stations, announcements, and major road signs will have destinations written in both English and Irish.

Although everyone speaks English, some parts of the country, mainly in the northwest and west of Ireland, are considered Gaeltacht regions and speak Irish. Locals will also speak English as some of these places rely on tourism for revenue, and not all Irish people speak Gaeilge.

Accents in Ireland differ from county to county. This will take some getting used to, particularly if you are going to Kerry, Cork, and some areas of Dublin. Irish people are used to tourists and generally don’t mind repeating themselves if needed.

There will be numerous colloquial references that will also take some getting used to. A book of ‘Irish-isms’ can help.

Manners and hospitality in Ireland

The Irish pride themselves on their generosity and hospitality. This is visible when you are invited to someone’s home, as biscuits and tea are usually provided and sometimes expected.

These manners are less present in shops, food markets, and on public transport. Cutting in line is rare, but gestures like opening doors for others or giving up a seat for a woman aren’t typically seen in the younger generation. Nevertheless, such actions are still appreciated, even if they aren’t entirely expected.

LGBTQ+ in Ireland

Ireland has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993, and in 2015, Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. The law also allows transgender people to change their gender without medical intervention legally.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of homelessness, and discrimination in the workplace is still a concern. However, cities like Dublin and Cork boast vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, with events like Dublin Pride celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Find out more about LGBTQ+ in Ireland.

Women in Ireland

Ireland has made strides towards gender equality, though issues remain. The gender wage gap was nearly 10 percent in 2022, and women's participation in the workforce is about 60 percent compared to 70 percent for men. Generous maternity and paternity leave policies are in place, yet more measures are needed to encourage equitable workforce participation.

Women hold 23 percent of seats in the Dáil Éireann, reflecting progress in political representation. However, only a few women hold CEO positions in major companies, indicating persistent barriers in the corporate sector. Public attitudes towards gender equality are improving, but conservative views, particularly in rural areas, still exist.

Find out more about Women in Leadership in Ireland.