Irish pubs, known locally as “Irish pubs”, are more than just a place to enjoy a pint. They are the beating heart of communities, a gathering place where Irish traditions, culture and history are celebrated daily. But to fully appreciate the Irish pub experience, it’s essential to understand its centuries-old traditions. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Ordering is compulsory at the counter in an Irish pub in Ireland – © James Fennell
First important rule: in an Irish pub, you order at the counter. Don’t expect to sit at a table quietly and have a waiter come and take your order! In Ireland, everything happens at the counter.
Before you go, it’s crucial to know what you want to order. Firstly, because Irish pubs can be incredibly lively, especially during rush hour.
The bartenders, with their skill and efficiency, juggle several requests at once. In this whirlwind of activity, knowing what you want to order before you get to the counter makes their job much easier. It’s a sign of respect for them and for other customers waiting their turn.
Repeatedly hesitating or changing your mind can slow down the pace and create an unnecessary traffic jam… and that can even annoy the bartender quite a bit!
What’s more, in the tradition of Irish Pubs, the interaction between customer and bartender is often brief but meaningful. A simple nod, a smile and a clear command can be all it takes to make a connection. Irish bartenders are renowned for their impressive memory and ability to recognize a familiar face. Ordering with confidence and clarity can therefore lay the foundations for a friendly relationship on subsequent visits.
Sláinte – © Failte Ireland
“Sláinte” is the Gaelic word for “health”. When the Irish raise their glasses, it’s a symbol of friendship, goodwill and camaraderie.
In an Irish pub, this tradition serves not only to celebrate the drink in hand, but also the company with whom it is shared. If you’re in an Irish pub and you hear this word, raise your glass as a sign of respect and participation.
Its pronunciation may seem a little tricky for those unfamiliar with the language, but here’s a simple guide: Sláinte is roughly pronounced SLAWN-cha.
It’s helpful to listen to native speakers pronounce the word, or search for audio clips online to get a better idea of pronunciation. But in general, if you say “SLAWN-cha” in a pub in Ireland, the locals will understand what you mean and appreciate your effort to use their language!
A traditional music session in Belfast’s Sunirish pub – © 2023 Rob Durston, All Rights Reserved
Music is the soul of Ireland. In many pubs, Trad Sessions are not just performances, but informal gatherings.
Musicians can come spontaneously with their traditional instruments and start playing. These sessions embody the very heart of Irish culture, where old melodies and new improvisations meet.
This is your chance to discover traditional Irish tunes: “Dirty Old Town”, “Whiskey in the Jar” and many more! They’re usually performed by musicians seated at the pub, who play while sipping a pint of dark beer.
This is an opportunity to discover typical instruments: bodhràn, uilleann pipe, Irish bouzouki, fiddle, tin whistle… So many instruments that make up the soul of Irish music!
Beer and cider pumps – Gina – cc
Offering a tour is not only a gesture of generosity in Ireland, it’s also a sign of belonging to a group. This reinforces the sense of community, one of the fundamental values of Irish culture.
Refusing a tour is not simply a rejection: it can be interpreted as a rejection of that community.
But beware: there are rules to follow for pub crawls.
To begin with, everyone must participate! Don’t run off just before your turn – it would be frowned upon!
It would be unfair for you to order a pint of Guinness when it’s your turn to pay, and to choose a more expensive spirit when it’s the others’ turn! It would inspire contempt among the other Irish in the pub!
Pouring a Guinness is a ceremony in itself. According to the experts, it would take more than 119.5 seconds for a bartender to serve you a Guinness in the purest tradition!
So you’ll have to be patient before you can dip your lips in the froth of a Guinness.
The first step is to tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and fill it to about three-quarters full. Next, let the beer rest to allow the foam to settle.
Finally, the glass is completely filled, creating the perfect foam, and the Guinness Cascade phenomenon occurs: the bubbles seem to rise to the surface along the sides of the pint. Your beer then changes color, swapping its light brown hues for a deep black.
This ritual isn’t just for show: it ensures that every pint is as delicious as possible.
So be patient: the Irish take a dim view of foreign travellers rushing for their pint!
A traditional Irish music session in an Irish pub – © Stephen Power – Tourism Ireland
One of the charms of Irish pubs is their ability to be refuges from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Calm is appreciated, and conversation is king.
In these spaces, people can reconnect with each other without the ubiquitous distractions of modern technology.
It’s not unusual to see an Irishman strike up a conversation with a foreigner. It’s a chance to forge unforgettable bonds, discover Irish wit, humor and wisdom, and get tips on secret places unknown to tourists.
There’s no better way to get to know Ireland than to meet its people!
Hurling – Johnno100 – cc
Many Irish pubs have retained traditional games as a way of strengthening community and adding a playful touch to the evening. Ring board, similar to darts, is an example where players throw rubber rings at hooks.
It’s a fun way to compete in the good-natured spirit of the pub.
You can also learn the secrets of typical Irish sports, as many pubs broadcast live Gaelic sports matches…
Hurling, camogie, Gaelic soccer…
Feel free to sit down and ask for a few tips on the rules. You’ll see: it’s easy to get hooked!
An Irish pub is a place of history and encounters – © Failte Ireland
Every Irish pub is a storybook. The walls, often adorned with photos, articles and memorabilia, tell the story of decades, even centuries, of history.
Chatting to regulars or the owner can often reveal fascinating anecdotes, links to the Irish Revolution, ghost stories or tales of famous personalities who once passed through their doors.
The Irish are excellent storytellers and love to perpetuate history. So don’t be afraid to take an interest, to ask questions: if an Irishman starts a story, you can be sure it will be fascinating!
A Guinness and its coaster – © DenisMArt
The situation is quite common: you walk into a pub and the place is packed! Before turning on your heels, you see, oh joy, a table with no occupants… But strangely enough, there are a few full pints in there, covered by a coaster…
Don’t even think about moving there! The table is nice and busy, although the customers are temporarily gone.
Because in Ireland, tradition dictates that a coaster covering a full pint is a sign that the table is already occupied… Its occupants have simply left for a cigarette outside, or a trip to the toilet.
So you’ll have to find another table… without pints or coasters!
A bartender serving a drink in an Irish pub – Nejron
In Ireland’s Irish pubs, tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated. Unlike other cultures where tipping is almost compulsory, in Ireland it’s generally considered a bonus. If you’ve received exceptional service, a small tip is a great way to show your appreciation.
But how much to give?
If you decide to leave a tip, between 10% and 15% of your bill is generally considered generous. However, in many pubs, especially outside the big cities, a simple extra round for the staff or a small amount left on the table will suffice.
So don’t leave your tip when you order. When you order directly at the counter in an Irish pub, you’re generally not expected to leave a tip. In fact, if you try to tip the bartender after ordering your pint of Guinness, you might end up with a confused smile or a polite declination.
In some pubs, especially those that also offer a culinary experience, a “service charge” may already be included in your bill. In this case, there’s no need to leave an extra tip, unless you really want to.
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