What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Waterford?

We asked people in Waterford if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"In Waterford, it's important to avoid discussing religion or politics unless you are very familiar with the person you're talking to. These topics can be sensitive and may lead to heated debates. Avoid comparing Ireland to the UK, as this can be seen as offensive due to the historical tension between the two countries. Don't make jokes about leprechauns, the Irish language, or other Irish stereotypes. This can be seen as disrespectful to Irish culture and history. Avoid being loud or obnoxious in public places. Irish people value politeness and respect for others, so try to keep your voice down and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Don't assume that everyone in Ireland drinks alcohol. While pub culture is a big part of Irish society, not everyone drinks and it's important to respect this. Avoid being overly formal. Irish people are generally quite friendly and informal, so overly formal behavior can come across as stiff or awkward. Don't forget to say please and thank you. Good manners are highly valued in Ireland, so always remember to be polite. Avoid littering. Ireland is known for its beautiful landscapes, and locals take pride in keeping their country clean. Don't expect everything to run on time. The Irish have a more relaxed attitude towards time than some other cultures, so don't be surprised if things don't always start or finish exactly on schedule. Avoid calling St. Patrick's Day "St. Patty's Day". In Ireland, it's either "St. Patrick's Day" or "Paddy's Day". "Patty" is a nickname for Patricia, not Patrick," explained one expat living in Waterford, Ireland.

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