Traveling to Ireland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But there are some things that aren’t recommended—or even possible—to do while you’re here.
This list will help make sure you have a great trip and avoid any mishaps or misunderstandings on your journey!
1. Don’t stay in a hotel in or near Dublin
It’s true that there are friendly people in Dublin (and plenty of nice hotels). But it’s also true that the prices are higher, the speed of life is faster, and there is less culture and history for you to discover.
Instead of staying in a hotel in or around Dublin, we recommend staying outside the city. If you’re just looking for a place to sleep without exploring much or taking public transportation around town, then stay at one of the hotels near Dublin Airport instead.
2. Don’t cross the street when traffic lights say not to
In Ireland, traffic laws are different from those in the US and other countries. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what is allowed, which makes it all too easy for tourists to make mistakes that could be dangerous if they aren’t paying attention.
One of these mistakes is crossing the road when a traffic light says not to—and that’s illegal! It can also be pretty dangerous when you consider how fast cars move around here and how many pedestrians dart between them without looking both ways first.
3. Avoid approaching Ireland like you would London or Paris
We are sure you have heard the expression, “Ireland is a country like no other.” This is true. Ireland is different from all of the places you have ever visited before. It’s not a tourist destination; it’s an actual country. It has cities and towns but also rural areas (the Irish countryside).
It’s not a European country because it doesn’t speak any other language than English (even though some people do talk about Gaeilge). Some say that Ireland should be considered part of Britain because it shares its currency with Great Britain, but this is only partially true: while they share a common currency, they are two different countries and have distinct cultures and traditions.
4. Don’t drink and drive
Ireland has some of the strictest laws regarding drinking and driving in Europe, so be sure to avoid it if you’re planning on staying for any length of time. As with anywhere else, being caught drunk behind the wheel will result in an immediate license suspension and fine from €1,000 to €5,000 ($1,100-$5,200).
If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test or choose not to pay your fine on time (within three months), your license will remain suspended until they are paid up. If another person is injured as a result of your drunken driving accident—even if they were just a pedestrian crossing the street—you could face criminal charges that could result in a prison sentence ranging from one year up to life imprisonment.
This is particularly true if alcohol levels were high enough at the time of arrest that they impaired your ability as an operator of motor vehicles!
5. Don’t treat Ireland as part of the UK!
Ireland is not part of the UK. Ireland is an independent country and a member of the EU. It has its own currency, which you can’t use in Britain, and it is not part of the Commonwealth (the association of former colonies).
The Irish are generally friendly to Americans, but if you treat Ireland as though it were just another English-speaking part of Britain, you might find yourself looking at some strange looks.
6. Don’t tell anyone you’re Irish American
Don’t tell anyone you’re Irish American! You’ll be met with a barrage of questions and maybe even some side-eye.
You can’t blame them; there is a difference between being Irish and being Irish American. While the latter may have a bit more red in their blood than the former, it’s not enough to make one an honorary member of the tribe.
7. Avoid talking about your drinking abilities
Don’t brag about how much you can drink. It’s a common mistake for people to think that the Irish are impressed by the amount of alcohol consumed, but this is not the case. In fact, most Irish people would rather hear about your skills in other areas—like dancing or singing—than your prowess at drinking.
In Ireland, bragging about how much you can consume is considered to be extremely rude and unbecoming of an adult. If you must talk about alcohol consumption, it’s better to focus on your ability to drink responsibly and avoid putting yourself into situations where it is more than advisable (such as driving).
8. Don’t jump the line at pubs and bars
One of the best things about Ireland is the social atmosphere. You’ll find that people are generally very friendly, even if you don’t know them. The one exception to this rule is the line at pubs and bars (which is especially true on Friday and Saturday nights).
While it may seem natural for some people to cut in line, this will not only cause a scene but also make your friends who waited patiently behind you incredibly annoyed with you for days afterward! Similarly, being rude or impatient towards bartenders or other patrons at the pub will definitely get noticed by everyone around – so be sure not to do that either!
Also be aware that some people may have had a long day already and just want a drink or two before they go home…in which case they won’t appreciate being rushed through their drinks by someone who thinks their time is more valuable than theirs!
Also, Read “What is Ireland’s number 1 tourist attraction?”
Conclusion
These are just a few of the things to avoid in Ireland. We hope that you found this list both helpful and entertaining, and we wish you all the best on your travels!
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