If i was traveling to Ireland from America is there anything i need to know about their customs?

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It's Outrageous!

There is very little difference. The Irish are well travelled and understand that you might be uncomfortable, they are very accommodating. They'll do their best to take care of you.
There is one issue however, which you might be mindful of, in general, the Irish do not speak loudly (unless they are in a pub or at a Gaelic match). They play themselves down all the time, they feign modesty but don't mistake this for sincere modesty, it's just a thing they do unconsciously. They are as ambitious as anyone else in business and are no fools.
Some American countries have a very 'have a nice day' attitude, this however will be noticeably missing in Ireland. They mistrust such insincerity's and steer clear of anyone who pays such twee lip-service.
They are chatty. They take time to talk to you. You literally can start a conversation with any random person and stay for the day talking. Surprisingly, this happens more in the cities, especially Dublin. They're very witty people. They love the 'craic'.
Tipping is not expected anywhere, although some restaurants work it into their bill. You may even find some people insulted if you tip them.
Don't be frightened about the drinking issue. You might be invited to a pub to do business but, unlike England and other European countries, professionals will not drink during office hours (they might make up for it later though). There is a big coffee culture here. Grab a cappucino or a pot of tea and chill out instead.
So really, just relax, don't be loud and don't be a show-off. Then you'll be welcomed with open arms.

Soul Jacker

Not really, in the States you do start every meeting with wink using the left eye? It's very important it's the left eye mind.

Honestly I would imagine any cultural differences wouldn't matter too much because we tend to go with the flow and be relatively relaxed when it comes to meeting new people.

As much as you can generalise about a nation of people we tend to be much more modest than our American cousins.

We have a bit of an 'off beat' sense of humour and tend to take the piss a little more (although normally in affectionate way of course).

If you offer us something and we say 'no' it doesn't necessarily mean no until you ask 'are you sure?' and we reply 'Aw sure go on.'

An example;

Paul: Joe would you like a cup of tea?

Joe: No Paul 'I'm grand.'

Paul: 'Are you sure?'

Joe: 'Aw sure go on then.'

And finally it's very important to say thank you to the Bus Driver.

Also keeping your voice at a normal level in public would be much appreciated. Not that I'm insinuating (great Norn Iron word there) you shout in public of course, but it's an unfortunate habit some of your fellow Americans have when they're abroad.

Priscilla Duck

Give a strong handshake when you're introduced to business people (people with weak handshakes are a bit odd).

We don't mind doing the whole informal chat thing - expect to be asked a bit about where you're from etc, but keep it light - no one wants to know about the problems with the annual grits production in Buttsquat, Iowa (unless, of course, that is what you are there to discuss).Small talk can be anything about family, hobbies, sport, travel etc. It is not polite ask someone how much they earn, what religion they are, or to get into a discussion about Irish politics. You may be asked about the US election etc, as we get lots of US news here. Double standard I know.

We are often late, don't take it as an insult. Time is relative and anything up to half an hour late is common in some companies. Of course, many of our bigger companies are American owned and will run pretty much the same as the ones you are used to.

Business is quite informal, first names are common, and we hate pretentiousness of any kind. Don't brag about yourself or your company. Don't list off all your academic qualifications and achievements - we judge people for who they are and how they perform, not by pieces of paper.

Make lots of eye-contact - people who don't are shifty.

People vary on this but comfortable personal space is about an arm's length distance.

Give your opinion freely - we like to debate - but don't come across as arrogant or loud.

If you don't drink and an informal business meeting is taking place in a pub, it is perfectly acceptable to have a non-alcoholic drink, contrary to what every foreigner will tell you about Ireland. Many business people drive to work and so cannot drink, others choose not to, so although you might get people saying 'go on, will you have a drink', it is perfectly fine to order a diet coke rather than a double whiskey and a pint. If someone buys you a drink, you should always offer to buy them one back before you leave.

Depending on where you visit, you may find it hard to understand some of the local accents. Don't be afraid to tell people (nicely) if you're having problems.

Can't think of any more!

Pyro

I think you'll be grand were not really THAT different from other countries. Although when greeting someone its customary to give them ten euro and ask how 'their ma' is.
And when saying goodbye you give them half an onion, stand on one foot and shout 'TÃ¡ mÃ© ar meisce'

is mise lisa

irish people are very welcoming and were very laid back about most things. personal questions will probably be asked like where your from etc. and you might even go for a pint afterwards. don't ask questions about politics....can be a sore subject. dont tip unless you want to...we dont expect it but its a nice gesture. hope i helped.

o0pippa0o11

You have to tip alot, 20% of the bill which is super annoying and TV is almost impossible to watch because of the the ads and the news(on TV) contains hardly any news, it's all just human interest stories or at least it was when i was there

gennesis z

they drink alot.well more than youve probably see here.

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