The Irish are valued for their sense of humor, sociability, and politeness. The Irish pub has become a symbol of this small nation, famous throughout the world. We’ve compiled five facts about this hospitable nation.
1. Don’t Say “No”
Foreigners attract special attention in Ireland, where it’s easy to become part of the community. Locals are always polite: even if you accidentally step on their foot while dancing a jig, they’ll just say “sorry.”
2. Pub Crawl
Pubs are an integral part of Irish culture, comparable to saunas for the Finns. The Irish prefer to drink in pubs in a “circle system,” moving from one establishment to another. This is where the term “pub crawl” comes from. In this system, everyone buys drinks for everyone else in turn. Going home before completing the circle is considered impolite.
3. Every conversation begins with the weather
In Ireland, a day without rain is considered a true natural wonder, celebrated in poems and songs. Conversation with the Irish is easy, especially if you start with, “The weather isn’t so bad today, is it?” and hear, “But yesterday it was so cold that even a wild duck would have developed arthritis.”
4. The Irish don’t care what you wear
The main advantage of constant rain is that no one pays attention to your style. Fashion is quite simple and uniform: boots and raincoats. Girls most often choose sneakers, trousers, or skirts paired with raincoats.
5. St. Patrick’s Day
On this day, competitions for the most colorful and festive outfit are held across the country. Dublin’s main streets are filled with a carnival atmosphere, but the true spirit of the holiday is in the pubs, where even the green baize on the tables testifies to the festivities. The Irish celebrate this day with particular enthusiasm. A service begins in the cathedral in the morning, comparable in importance to the Christmas service. Everything is decorated in orange and green, and a festive atmosphere permeates the air, accompanied by bright lights. Then the parades begin, and celebrities, actors, and musicians descend on the capital to participate in the main procession.
