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Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Ireland

1 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesRestaurants & barsCountry-wide guidance · Ireland

Ireland: buy your round in the pub

Do

  • When drinking with a group, buy a round for the whole table when it's your turn
  • Non-drinkers can join in with water, coffee or a soft drink
  • Order at the bar and pay as you go
  • Pace yourself with the table

Don’t

  • Don't leave before it's your turn to buy
  • Once in a round, don't buy a drink just for yourself or one person
  • Don't talk loudly while traditional musicians are playing

People remember who skipped their round, and it is seen as bad form. A round is about being there and everyone sharing, not about how much you drink.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Cultural Atlas: Irish Culture – Etiquette

Site-specific notes 4

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Ring of Kerry

  • Entering private farms and pastures
  • standing in the road to take photos
  • honking at sheep
  • stopping at random on blind bends

Old Library, Trinity College Dublin

  • Photography is prohibited in the Treasury (to protect the manuscripts)
  • do not touch exhibits or old books
  • the campus is a working university, so do not enter teaching areas

Cliffs of Moher

  • Do not climb over guard rails or approach unguarded cliff edges
  • do not disturb seabirds
  • do not litter