Ireland🕣
State in Western Europe. Official name – Republic of Ireland. Population -4.9 million (as of April 2021). Capital – Dublin. Official languages – Irish and English. Government type – parliamentary republic. Main religion – Catholicism.
Ireland
Greeting
When meeting with Irish partners, shake hands with everyone present, both men and women. A firm handshake not only begins but usually ends every business meeting.
In the Irish business community, handshakes are accepted between men and women (not just men). However, if there is a woman among your colleagues, wait for her to extend her hand to greet you.
Colleagues who are also close friends may lightly hug each other when they meet. However, men and women who are not related or long term friends will generally refrain from hugging or kissing.
Greeting in Ireland may not be as short as in other European countries, where the parties start discussing business matters quite quickly. Your Irish partner (especially during the first contact), will, probably, ask you more personal questions, for example about your background or your family in order to get a better idea of you.
When greeting your partner, maintain direct eye contact with them.
In an Irish pub, restaurant or even a small shop, you will not only be greeted as you enter, but you will also be greeted as you leave. Traditional expressions in this case are "goodbye," "good luck," or "God bless."
Introduction
Most Irish people have only the first and last names, with no middle names, e.g. Cillian Murphy.
At the initial stage of contacts and especially during the first meeting, the introduction of the partners should look rather formal. The surname should be given, preceded by a polite form of address (Mr, Mrs, Ms), e.g. Mr O'Brien.
Stick to a formal style of commun...
Exchange of Business Cards
The exchange of business cards is a traditional business ritual. They are exchanged at almost all official and social functions, so you should have a sufficient supply of business cards with you.
A business card should contain the traditional information - name, surname, title, company name, all necessary addresses and telephone numbers.
The text of the business card can be in E...
Small Talk: Overview
If you find yourself at an event in Ireland, don't be surprised if a complete stranger makes small talk with you. The Irish are happy to engage in conversation with people who just happen to be near them. They may ask you about who you are, where you are from, who your relatives are, where you work, and more.
Irish people often make fun of each other during conversation. If during an i...
Preferred Topics
Local places of interest, ancient monuments, places you have already visited in Ireland. Such topics will keep you talking for quite some time.
Sports, especially football, Irish field hockey, Gaelic football, golf, rugby.
Beer, varieties of beer. If you like beer, ask your Irish colleague to recommend a good beer or pub.
Irish culture and arts, including music, dancing,...
Taboo Topics
The subject of Northern Ireland remains difficult and still sensitive, despite years and even decades of peaceful life.
Religious topics should be avoided. Ireland is a Catholic country, where attitudes to a range of issues (e.g. allowing/prohibiting abortion) are based on the precepts of this religion.
Refrain from comparing and mixing Irish and English people. They are two di...
Personal Space
Comfortable speaking distance in Ireland is usually an arm's length or a little more. This is the normal comfort zone of people speaking in most Western and Central European countries.
Physical contact during communication is not accepted in any of its forms, whether it be patting, hugging, etc. The exception is the handshake, which people exchange when greeting or saying goodbye. <...
Communication Specifics
The most important feature of communication in Irish society is humour. The Irish love to tease their acquaintances and friends, believing that humour brings a light note to human relations. A good pun in any case will be appreciated by the interlocutors.
See the funny in everyday life is based on using craic (pronounced crack): when they meet, they address each other with the question ...
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