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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 sensitivitiesTemples & religious sitesCountry-wide guidance · Ireland

Ireland: dress modestly in churches and don't disturb services

Do

  • Dress modestly, ideally covering shoulders and knees
  • Men should remove hats inside
  • Move quietly and silence your phone
  • Try to avoid service times; check each church's published opening hours
  • Check notices or ask staff before taking photos

Don’t

  • Don't take photos or use flash during services
  • Don't eat or drink inside
  • If you are not Catholic, don't go up for Communion; simply watch quietly

Most Irish churches are active places of worship. The sources checked show no uniform dress code; inappropriate dress or behaviour will usually draw a reminder or upset worshippers. Follow each church's notices.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin – Visit

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