What Are Some Typical Irish Traits?
Generally speaking, the Irish are gregarious and polite, tending toward a laidback lifestyle with time for friends and family, the latter of which plays a central role in Irish culture. Many Irish, particularly in the Republic of Ireland (as opposed to the United Kingdom’s territory of Northern Ireland), are also passionately nationalists.
This nationalism is often accompanied by a general distaste for bureaucratic authority, and indeed authority of any kind, although the Irish will typically accept it when necessary.
The majority of Irish people tend to avoid loud, obnoxious or pretentious behavior. They appreciate sincerity and authenticity, and are known to have a fairly conservative dress sense, often involving knitwear garments of a muted color pallet. Women in Ireland do not wear pants as often as those in other countries, such as the United States, frequently preferring to wear dresses. It is also unusual and impolite for an Irish woman to drink beer by the pint glass at the pub.
Irish people have good manners in general, regularly saying “please” and “thank you” for services.
Although a broad generalization, the laid back attitude of many Irish can lead to their being late for appointments. However, they are unlikely to be delayed for more than 15 minutes.
