×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Ireland | What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Ireland? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Galway Arts Festival

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

Answer this Question

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

We asked people in Ireland 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!...

"Mispronouncing everything from Laois to Cloughjordan! It's Leash and Clockjordan," remarked another expat in North Tipperary, Ireland.

"I called and initiated a pollution investigation when I found out the development I was living in was polluting a stream at the edge of our development. They had a "temporary" sewage disposal plant with a expired operating permit and dumping partially treated sewage into this brook. That brook ran for a couple of miles through 2 dairy farms and milk cows drank out of it. It eventually ended up in a river where Salmon and trout live. What I did not know was most people in Ireland will not report illegal activity unless it effects their own bottom line. It goes back to the time when the British were in charge and if anyone reported anything, they could end up being penalized. BTW: It cost the owners 120,000 Euros to correct the problem. They knew about it, but were hoping to fill the place with renters before they fixed it. They were happy when I did not renew my lease. There were a few other problems I made them correct. Irish people, especially older ones tend not to complain," said a member in Enniscorthy, Ireland.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

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

If you live in Ireland, newcomers to Ireland would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Ireland, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Galway Arts Festival
GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides