Your handy guide to Irish cultural etiquette

The site eDiplomat gives advice on whatever country diplomats have been posted to, including cultural etiquette. So, here’s what it says about Ireland. I’ve posted the whole thing, because it’s too good to edit. (Thanks to Fiona for pointing it out.)

By way of an introduction, it says:

The Irish are interested in people and place great value on the individual. They are naturally courteous, quick-witted and will go out of their way to welcome visitors to their country. Don’t rush the Irish. Although they work very hard, the Irish are dedicated to a less stressful lifestyle that allows time for friends and family, a visit to the pub, a cup of tea, or just a bit of a chat on the corner. Families are closely-knit and very important to the Irish.

Translation: They’ll be late and desperate for a pint, but don’t insult their mothers when they are.

“Meeting and Greeting”

- Shake hands with everyone present — men, women and children — at a business or social gathering. Shake hands again when leaving.
- A firm handshake with eye contact is expected.

Shake hands with the kids? Only if you want to catch something.

“Body Language”

- The Irish are not very physically demonstrative and are not comfortable with public displays of affection.
- The Irish are uncomfortable with loud, aggressive, and arrogant behavior.
- A “Reverse V for victory” gesture is considered obscene.

Translation: Our fathers showed us no affection, so don’t you start.

“Corporate Culture”

- Business is best initiated through a well-connected third party. Who you know may be vital to your business success.
- The Irish are not very time conscious and may not be punctual for business and social meetings. They have a relaxed sense of time and may be a little late for meetings. However, a foreigner should be on time for business meetings.
- Business cards are exchanged, but not necessarily immediately upon meeting.
- Irish people tend to be creative and calm in a crisis. They prefer to improvise rather than follow a rigid plan.
- Outwardly the Irish accept authority but inwardly have strong displeasure in accepting it. They also dislike bureaucracy.
- Planning and strategy are short term. Irish tend to be poor in long-range planning.
- Don’t be misled by the easy going and amiable attitudes of the Irish. In negotiations, the Irish are astute and tenacious.
- The golf course is a major venue for conducting business in Ireland.

There is so much euphemistic language in that section, it’s hard to know where to start. But poor long-range planners? Some day we’ll get our revenge for that comment - if we can get our act together.

“Dining and Entertainment” (this should be good)

- Business entertainment is commonly conducted in restaurants.
- Business dinners are usually considered more of a social occasion and a good way to develop relationships.
- Spouses may or may not be invited to a business dinner.
- The small plate next to a dinner plate is for peelings removed from boiled potatoes.
- It is polite to eat everything served to you in a private home.
- Table manners are the same as in England, only a bit more relaxed.
- Refusing a drink can be perceived as insult in Ireland.
- Always buy your round of drinks.

Two things: Thanks for pointing out the small plate/spuds thing. A mix up with the Hungarian ambassador over this brought us to the brink of war in 1987. And secondly, ALWAYS BUY YOUR ROUND OF DRINKS!

“Dress”

- Dress modestly and conservatively. Flashy colors and styles, white pants, nylon running jackets, etc. do not blend into Irish style.
- Tweeds, wools and subdued colors are recommended.
- A raincoat is needed year around.
- For business meetings, men should wear suits or sportcoats and ties; women should wear suits or dresses and blazers (women wear pants less often than in America).

Translation: Nothing blends into the Irish style, because the Irish have no style.

“Gifts”

- Gift giving and receiving is unusual in a business setting. Small gifts may be exchanged, but are not expected, at the successful conclusion of negotiations.
- When invited to someone’s home, always bring a small gift for the hostess. Give flowers (lilies are for religious occasions only; red and white flowers symbolize death), chocolates, a bottle of wine or continental cheeses.
- Do not give expensive or ostentatious gifts.

Expensive or ostentatious gifts are gratefully received

“Helpful Hints”

- The Irish respect reserved behavior. Initial meetings should be low key.
- Assume that children will be included in family entertaining.
- Send a thank-you note after receiving a gift or being a dinner guest.
- Always be sincere. The Irish dislike pretentious behavior.
- Remember the Irish want to do things their way. You will not succeed if you insist on doing it “your way.”

Irish solutions to Irish problems. And your problems to.

“Especially for Women”

- A foreign woman will be accepted easily in the Irish business community.
- The ‘Old Boys Club’ still exists. Whom you know is vital to getting the job done.
- It is considered more proper for a woman to order a glass of beer or stout rather than a pint.
- It is acceptable, but may be misconstrued for a foreign woman to invite an Irishman to dinner. It is best to stick with lunch.
- If a woman would like to pay for a meal, she should state so at the outset.

For further information on this, please read Angela’s Ashes.