There are plenty of things we think are normal, but here are ten things Irish people do that the world thinks are weird.
Irish people are loved around the world for so many things, including the music they’ve shared, the food they’ve exported, and, of course, the beer they’ve brewed. But there are some things Irish people do that the world thinks are weird.
If you have grown up in Ireland, these ten things will seem so normal, but we’ll have you know that apparently, they are not that normal outside our Emerald Isle.
10. Talking to random strangers – the super friendly Irish
So the Irish are a very social bunch, but we have to remember that not everyone in the world is.
Some people may think that chatting to anyone and everyone on a night out, waving to a person on a backcountry road, or saying hello to a passer-by as you walk the dog are all weird things to do, but we just love being friendly.
9. Putting crisps on bread – the best Irish sandwich
A Tayto sandwich is an absolute favourite in Ireland, so much so that it’s almost impossible to recreate outside of the Emerald Isle unless you can somehow get some Tayto and Brennan’s Bread sent to you.
Plus, we still think it needs to be made in Ireland to be authentic.
It may seem so normal to an Irish person to put crisps in bread, but it is one of those things Irish people do that the world thinks are weird. Maybe they need to try it!
8. Sayings that make no sense – I will, yeah
Whether it’s calling a cupboard a press or saying, “I will, yeah”, when you mean no, there are many sayings that we have in Ireland that the world thinks are bizarre, but to us, they are just the Irish way.
7. Responding to a question with a question – we can’t deny this one
When asked a question, Irish people often respond with a question, whether we know it or not.
For example, some might say, “Why do you Irish always answer a question with a question?” and we might respond, “We don’t do that, do we?”
6. Getting excited about the Toy Show at Christmas – we just love it
The world thinks it’s weird that, as a nation, we get so excited to tune into the ‘telly box’ and watch a grown man play with the latest toys.
It sounds weird when we break it down like that, but actually, to the Irish, the Toy Show is just as traditional as our Christmas tree.
5. Putting a ring inside a cake – our favourite Halloween cake
Yet another one of the things Irish people do that the world thinks are weird is putting a ring into a cake… yes, you read that right.
We all know the Barmbrack, and we’ve all wanted to get first dibs on the ring when we cut into the cake, but the world thinks it’s so weird that this even exists. In fact, it is a central Irish Halloween custom.
4. Death – a fascinating subject in Ireland
Irish people always talk about the latest person to die, and it might seem weird to the world that we are so obsessed with death, but it’s such a normal topic amongst people, much like the weather.
Plus, if you tune into a local radio station while in Ireland, you might be surprised to hear the death notices being announced on air!
3. Cursing – F-bombs and Jesus
In Irish culture, using the F-bomb or blasphemy is the norm, despite our religious background.
Most Irish people will use these words casually, and whoever they are talking to won’t take any offence because it’s normal.
In other countries, that’s just completely nuts, and we should watch our Ps and Qs when we travel, just in case.
2. Drink copious amounts of tea – we love the cupán tae
It’s a typical stereotype of the Brits and their tea, but we Irish are actually the ones that rely on tea for almost everything.
We drink copious cups at work to get through the day, only to come home and sit down with a cuppa. The world thinks it’s so weird how obsessed we are with tea, but we love our cuppas!
1. Saying thanks to the bus driver – it’s nice to be nice
Okay, this is a very Irish trait, and you’ll know this when you do it in another country and get the ‘what are you thanking me for, it’s my job’ look. The world most definitely thinks we’re bonkers for doing this.
So, there you have it. Ten things that Irish people do that the world thinks are weird. Can you relate to any?
