Greeting

When meeting with Irish partners, shake hands with everyone present, both men and women. A firm handshake not only begins but usually ends every business meeting.

In the Irish business community, handshakes are accepted between men and women (not just men). However, if there is a woman among your colleagues, wait for her to extend her hand to greet you.

Colleagues who are also close friends may lightly hug each other when they meet. However, men and women who are not related or long term friends will generally refrain from hugging or kissing.

Greeting in Ireland may not be as short as in other European countries, where the parties start discussing business matters quite quickly. Your Irish partner (especially during the first contact), will, probably, ask you more personal questions, for example about your background or your family in order to get a better idea of you.

When greeting your partner, maintain direct eye contact with them.

In an Irish pub, restaurant or even a small shop, you will not only be greeted as you enter, but you will also be greeted as you leave. Traditional expressions in this case are "goodbye," "good luck," or "God bless."

Introduction

Most Irish people have only the first and last names, with no middle names, e.g. Cillian Murphy.

At the initial stage of contacts and especially during the first meeting, the introduction of the partners should look rather formal. The surname should be given, preceded by a polite form of address (Mr, Mrs, Ms), e.g. Mr O'Brien.

Stick to a formal style of communication when meeting strangers or if you do not know how to address a person.

You should be equally formal and polite when speaking to people of a higher professional or social status.

Many Irish first and last names have both Irish and English spellings, such as: Dianaimh - Diana or Cailean - Colin and surnames: Ó Bláthmhaic - Blawick or Ó Bruadair - Broderick.

Irish first and last names can be quite difficult to pronounce and spell. Therefore, you should enquire about the correct written and spoken versions beforehand and perhaps even practise to avoid awkward moments when dealing with Irish colleagues.

In Irish society, it is customary to address each other by their first names. This is the norm both in and outside business. However, wait until your Irish partner suggests that you call them by their first name.

Exchange of Business Cards

The exchange of business cards is a traditional business ritual. They are exchanged at almost all official and social functions, so you should have a sufficient supply of business cards with you.

A business card should contain the traditional information - name, surname, title, company name, all necessary addresses and telephone numbers.

The text of the business card can be in English. There is no need to duplicate the text in Irish, as English is ubiquitous in Ireland. On the contrary, the Irish language (which is the first official language of the state) is not spoken by all its inhabitants (about 30%).

There is no special ritual for exchanging business cards in Ireland.

Small Talk: Overview

If you find yourself at an event in Ireland, don't be surprised if a complete stranger makes small talk with you. The Irish are happy to engage in conversation with people who just happen to be near them. They may ask you about who you are, where you are from, who your relatives are, where you work, and more.

Irish people often make fun of each other during conversation. If during an informal meeting with your colleagues you hear somewhat sarcastic remarks addressed to someone, do not think it’s meant to offend the person. People who know each other well are accustomed to lively banter in their everyday lives.

During small talk, you should refrain from strong, overly direct or aggressive expressions. They will be perceived as impolite and ostentatious. The Irish will also be distrustful of excessive praise, pathos and pretentiousness.

Preferred Topics

Local places of interest, ancient monuments, places you have already visited in Ireland. Such topics will keep you talking for quite some time.

Sports, especially football, Irish field hockey, Gaelic football, golf, rugby.

Beer, varieties of beer. If you like beer, ask your Irish colleague to recommend a good beer or pub.

Irish culture and arts, including music, dancing, and the famous Irish tap dance.

The weather is often discussed in Irish society, as it is very changeable and gives residents many surprises.

Popular topics in Ireland include politics. Irish people are interested in both international events and what is going on inside the country. These topics are vividly discussed, as a rule, not in the workplace, but in a pub or restaurant. It is better for foreigners to keep a neutral position in such discussions and refrain from making any comments.

Taboo Topics

The subject of Northern Ireland remains difficult and still sensitive, despite years and even decades of peaceful life.

Religious topics should be avoided. Ireland is a Catholic country, where attitudes to a range of issues (e.g. allowing/prohibiting abortion) are based on the precepts of this religion.

Refrain from comparing and mixing Irish and English people. They are two different cultures.

Do not touch on issues relating to your colleague's personal or family problems, feelings or experiences.

Personal Space

Comfortable speaking distance in Ireland is usually an arm's length or a little more. This is the normal comfort zone of people speaking in most Western and Central European countries.

Physical contact during communication is not accepted in any of its forms, whether it be patting, hugging, etc. The exception is the handshake, which people exchange when greeting or saying goodbye.

Minimal use of gesticulation and body language while communicating.

During a conversation, remember to maintain direct eye contact with your Irish colleague.

Communication Specifics

The most important feature of communication in Irish society is humour. The Irish love to tease their acquaintances and friends, believing that humour brings a light note to human relations. A good pun in any case will be appreciated by the interlocutors.

See the funny in everyday life is based on using craic (pronounced crack): when they meet, they address each other with the question "What's the craic?" or "Any craic?", the answer to which is "Sure you know yourself" (an evasive, non-committal phrase that has no exact translation and is apparently understood only by the Irish). Craic is the sharing of news, opinions, gossip, funny stories and anecdotes.

In general, the Irish have a direct manner of communication. They will frankly say what they think about this or that or admit that they can't complete a task. However, with all their directness, they sometimes so subtly express their thoughts, especially assessing something that the interlocutor will not immediately understand the true intention of the speaker.

Politeness and tact are highly valued in Irish society.

At the beginning of business contacts, your Irish partner is likely to be a little reserved until he or she gets to know you better and begins to trust you. At this stage, communication will become warmer, friendlier and less formal.

Non-verbal means of communication, such as the speaker's facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, are not very important in the Irish culture. They prefer to use language to express their feelings and thoughts.