A cultural travel guide to the world

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

3 rules found

Local customsPhotos & dronesCountry-wide guidance · Ireland

Ireland: ask before taking close-ups of people

Do

  • Landscapes and buildings are generally fine to photograph
  • Ask before photographing a specific person, especially close up
  • Get a parent's permission before photographing children
  • Be extra considerate in small communities and island villages
  • At traditional music sessions, check notices or ask the musicians first

Don’t

  • Don't keep shooting after someone says no
  • Don't step into private yards or gardens for a shot

There is usually no penalty, but photographing people without asking can cause offence; asking first often leads to a more natural picture and a conversation. At events, follow the organisers' rules on photography.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: My Irish Cousin: Irish etiquette and customs

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · Ireland

Ireland: check for a service charge, then round up or tip about 10%

Do

  • Check whether a service charge is already on the bill; if so, no need to add more
  • For good service at a sit-down restaurant, round up or leave about 5–10%
  • With table service in a pub, round up or leave a few euros
  • For short city taxi rides, round up to the nearest euro

Don’t

  • No need to tip per drink when ordering at the bar
  • Don't feel bound by the high percentages suggested by card machines or apps

A tip is a gesture, not an obligation, and nobody will usually mind if you skip it. Some restaurants (mainly in Dublin, Galway and Cork, for large groups or at weekends) add a service charge of around 10% automatically; check your bill.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: My Irish Cousin: Tipping in Ireland

Local customsEveryday mannersCountry-wide guidance · Ireland

Ireland: chat back warmly, and don't raise sensitive topics first

Do

  • Answer warmly when shop staff, drivers or the person next to you start chatting
  • Weather, your travels and sport are safe openers
  • You can learn the Irish greeting 'Dia dhuit' (hello)
  • Laugh along when you are gently teased ('slagging')

Don’t

  • Don't call Ireland part of the United Kingdom
  • Don't bring up Northern Ireland or the last few decades of history unless the other person does
  • Don't imitate an Irish accent

Being cool carries no penalty but comes across as unfriendly; getting the country's name wrong or joking about history can easily offend. English is fine for everyday conversation.

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

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