From typical Irish snacks that are simple but strict to everyday topics of conversation, these little quirks and behaviours make being Irish instantly recognisable.
Let’s face it, there are a few things in life that are a dead giveaway of where you are from, and that is certainly the case if you’re Irish.
Often, Irish people are so accustomed to these typical Irish things that they don’t even realise they’re doing them and even when they do, it can be hard to stop.
For Irish people, it’s not just the accent, it’s the habits, the phrases and the little everyday behaviours that can even follow you across the globe.
From delicious Irish snacks we drool over daily to the random topics of conversation, here are the ten most Irish things ever that just make sense. If you know, you know.
10. Thanking the bus driver – because manners aren’t optional
Anyone who has tried this abroad and been met with strange looks will know that this is one of the most Irish things ever.
Not only that, but it is practically a social rule – getting off a bus without saying “Thank you” feels borderline illegal and evokes a sense of guilt among us all, not to mention the dirty looks you will encounter if you forget those two key words.
9. Talking about the weather… constantly – the national pastime
Talking about the weather at any time of year is something we can all relate to, and if you do, you are definitely Irish.
The weather is not just small talk in Ireland; it’s the main topic, and people are genuinely interested in chatting about the forecast, whether it’s in person or over the phone while you’re on holiday.
To add to this, one of the most annoying things for Irish people is travelling abroad only to realise the weather was better at home.
8. Whispering “now” before doing something – a hidden habit we all do
Interestingly, this Irish quirk is something many Irish people don’t notice themselves doing until they are paying attention.
Irish people tend to use the word as a personal signal that they are about to begin a new task, leave the house or even just get up off the couch.
You could say it is a little whisper of motivation or encouragement and comes out without us noticing.
7. Wearing a GAA Jersey Abroad – county pride never takes a holiday
While there are plenty of people who do not do this, we all know someone proud as punch to sport their local GAA jersey at the beach in Gran Canaria or on a night out in Benidorm.
No matter where in the world you go, you will almost always spot an Irish county jersey, and more often than not, it’s a great conversation starter.
6. Sunbathing at 12 degrees – a hint of sun means it’s summer in Ireland
Apart from loving to discuss the weather, one of the most Irish things ever is to sunbathe in temperatures others would consider freezing.
In Ireland, however, 12 degrees and above with a bit of sun and blue skies calls for a shirtless barbecue, a few cans and almost always – a sunburn. Elsewhere in the world, locals would be wrapped up in layers of warm clothes, but not in the Emerald Isle.
5. Refusing to accept a compliment – the time to deflect and be dismissive
If you have ever refused a compliment and instead offered up a reason why it’s not true, then you are truly Irish.
This is a typical Irish trait that comes as a reflex and is often followed by phrases like “ah stop”, “No, the state of me”, or “Ah, it’s just a cheap thing I got in Penneys”.
4. Chatting with strangers – the gift of the gab
They say the Irish have the gift of the gab, and nothing is truer. Irish people certainly have a way with words, but they love nothing more than getting to know the ins and outs of strangers’ lives.
It is because of this that Ireland is regarded as such a warm and welcoming country, since strangers always have random yet positive interactions with the locals throughout the country.
3. Saying “goodbye” for 45 minutes – a long-winded process
There is no such thing as a quick goodbye in Ireland. In fact, there is either the “Irish Goodbye”, which involves just disappearing without saying anything or the long process of saying goodbye, which could take up to 45 minutes.
This is a truly Irish behaviour that can occur in person and on the phone, often leading to three new conversations while trying to leave.
2. Believing that tea solves everything – it’s better than medicine
Going through a breakup? Have a cup of tea. Lost your job? Have a cup of tea. Got a hangover? Have a cup of tea. Is the world ending?
Have a cup of tea. Irish people rely on tea so much that they will not travel abroad without a box of the good stuff to tide them over for the duration of the trip. Barry’s, Lyons, Bewleys, there is no shortage of delicious brews ready for any situation.
1. A fresh Tayto sandwich – a beloved Irish snack
One of the most Irish things ever has to be a fresh Tayto sandwich. This is no ordinary sandwich; in fact, Irish people take this simple but strict recipe very seriously.
The freshness comes from two slices of soft Brennans bread, while the crunch and the flavour come from Kerrygold butter and a packet of cheese and onion Tayto. Irish people are obsessed with Tayto crisps, so nothing else will do!
