What Not to Do in Ireland: 20 Mistakes American Tourists Make

If you’re wondering what not to do in Ireland before your trip, you’ve come to the right place. Trust me, I learned most of these the hard way.

I’ve visited Ireland multiple times now, starting back in 2015, and the early trips came with a fair share of accidental tourist mistakes. Embarrassingly, I made quite a few of them before my Irish friends took pity on me and started gently correcting me. Gently, because they’re Irish and far too polite to say it directly, which, as you’ll see, is itself one of the things you’ll need to understand about this country.

What can you not do in Ireland? Some of it is legal. There are actual rules around drinking in public and smoking indoors that will catch Americans off guard. Some of it is cultural: pub etiquette, road etiquette, and a whole lot of unwritten social rules that locals just know and visitors absolutely don’t. And some of it is just stuff you really shouldn’t say unless you want to watch a room go quiet.

This guide covers 20 things not to do in Ireland as a tourist, written partly in jest but mostly in earnest. Get these right, and you’ll spend a lot less time apologizing and a lot more time actually enjoying one of the best countries in the world to visit.

1. Don’t Drive on the Wrong (AKA Right) Side of the Road

Are you going on an Ireland road trip? Make sure you understand the Ireland laws to know before you go!

This is a big one because if you’ve never driven in Ireland before and you’re used to driving on the right side of the road, it could cause havoc. In fact, it’s one of the most important things to know before going to Ireland.

Ireland is one of the countries that drive on the left side of the road, and they also drive cars with right-side driver’s seats. Even if you’re not driving, it’s good to remember this because you need to look in the right (and left) direction as a pedestrian before crossing any road.

If you need tips on driving, I wrote a thorough article based on my experience driving in Ireland. And if you don’t feel brave enough to drive, you can easily visit Ireland without a car.

2. Don’t Smoke Inside

Ireland banned smoking in all enclosed public spaces back in 2004, one of the first countries in the world to do so. That includes pubs around Dublin, which was a genuine shock to visitors at the time. Anyone caught smoking indoors faces a hefty fine, which is not the kind of expense you want added to your trip.

So the only places people can now smoke indoors are their own homes or the houses of friends and family. To be safe, take your cigarettes outdoors, wherever you are.

3. Don’t Drink in Public

One of the most essential Ireland laws for tourists that brings down hefty fines for anyone who dares to disobey is drinking in public spaces. Of course, pubs and restaurants are fine, but no drinking is allowed on beaches, parks, or other areas shared with the public.

The law isn’t enforced as strictly in the Republic as it is in Northern Ireland, but it’s still best to keep your drinks inside the pub where they belong. Underage drinking (under 18) and being visibly drunk and disorderly in public can result in a fine or worse, so pace yourself.

4. Don’t Say That Ireland is Part of the British Isles

What should you not say in Ireland? The Irish are generally very warm and welcoming, but they do not tolerate disrespect kindly, even if it wasn’t entirely on purpose.

This one matters more than you might think. Ireland is an island and has a complicated, hard-won history of independence from British rule. Calling it part of the British Isles or mistaking an Irish person for British will land badly, even if you didn’t mean anything by it. When in doubt, just don’t bring up anything British at all.

Also, don’t mistake an Irish person for a British person – they are as different as an Italian and a Portuguese. When in doubt, don’t bring up anything ‘British,’ just to be on the safe side. This is a big rule for what not to do in Ireland.

5. Don’t Call It St. Patty’s Day

Because it’s not. It’s ‘St. Patrick’s Day,‘ or if you really don’t have the energy to use the full name, you can shorten it to ‘St. Paddy’s Day.‘ There is a difference, and it may very well be pointed out to you if you get it wrong, as it’s one of the cultural dos and don’ts in Ireland.

Oh, and while we’re on this topic – St. Paddy’s Day celebrations are the best! But be warned that it can be an entire day of drinking. Try to pace yourself and enjoy the parades and festivities during the day, rather than at night, when things can get quite rowdy.

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6. Don’t Claim to Be Irish

Not that you can’t be proud to have bloodlines leading back to this fascinating country, but according to the Irish, if you weren’t born and bred in Ireland, you are not Irish. So just don’t come out and say, “Oh, I’m Irish because my great-great-grandparents were born in Ireland.”

You’re American, then, at least while you’re visiting. You can go back to bragging about your Irishness once you’re back home.

I’ll be honest: I heard this and was hesitant because my grandfather was actually born in Donegal, and sure enough, when I tried telling a few locals I was Irish, I could see them holding back from rolling their eyes. However, when I mentioned the very small town my grandfather was from, they only then wanted to have a conversation about it.

Make sure to check out this Ireland packing list so you have everything you need.

7. Don’t Talk About the Civil War

The Civil War in Ireland was heartbreaking for those who lived through it, and it’s still very much a sore topic. Bringing it up will only result in very lengthy (and sometimes heated) conversations, which no one will enjoy.

It’s generally best to make a note not to be insensitive about the country’s shaky past. Ireland has gone through many troubles, and they remain somewhat sensitive topics. This includes saying you work at a bank or in finance, thanks to the terrible economic crash.

While we’re at it, don’t make any potato jokes to an Irish person, either.

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8. Don’t Take Offense to the Banter or Swearing

The Irish like to “take the piss,” which really isn’t as disturbing as it sounds, and it’s simply their way of “making fun” of each other amicably. This includes a clever combination of humor, sarcasm, wit, and a pretty thick skin if you’re on the receiving end.

This banter is often found in pubs and gatherings, so if you find yourself on the receiving end of what seems like a roast, it’s probably not. You can give it straight back, too; just keep your tone lighthearted. You’ll make tons of friends with this attitude instead of starting a fight about it, so keep in mind one of the essential dos and don’ts in Ireland.

And another thing that is considered natural in Ireland, but perhaps not where you come from, is the amount of swearing you’ll hear in conversation. Again, this is not meant to offend anyone, and it’s best not to take it personally; instead, enjoy the Irish ways and know the things not to say in Ireland.

9. Don’t Leave a Tip at the Pub

The pubs are great places to relax, laugh, and enjoy a meal with new friends. Although they are probably different from what you’re used to back home. However, it’s essential to know one of the most important things not to do in Ireland.

Pubs in Ireland don’t offer table service, so you’ll need to order everything at the bar, food included.

Irish pub etiquette is different from what Americans are used to. You order at the bar, you pay at the bar, and you don’t tip at the bar. If you really want to show appreciation, telling the bartender they pour a good pint will go down much better than leaving coins on the counter.

10. Don’t Confuse the Use of the Word ‘Sorry’ and Its Many Meanings

In Ireland, the word “sorry” means more than just “I apologize.” It’s also used to indicate that the person you’re speaking to has not heard or understood what you’re saying. One of the do’s and don’ts in Ireland includes understanding how to use this correctly.

For example:

You: “I left a 10% tip for our bartender last night.”

New Irish friend: “Sorry?”

Translation: “I don’t understand; what did you do that for?”

11. Don’t Travel the Typical Tourist Route

Most first-time visitors go straight to Dublin and call it done, which is a shame because Ireland has so much more to offer. There’s a day in Dublin, and then there’s actually seeing Ireland, and they’re very different things. If you never go off the beaten track after visiting Dublin for 3 days, you’ll miss out on most of what makes this country worth visiting (though feel free to read all the Dublin fun trivia while you’re there).

Make sure your itinerary includes places like the Cliffs of Moher, Belfast, and Galway. Spend some time finding things to do in Donegal and definitely work out what to do in Dingle – and book your Dingle hotel well in advance if you’re visiting in summer.

12. Don’t Have Bad Road Etiquette

Irish road etiquette has its own unwritten rules and the most important one is the acknowledgment. Drivers on rural roads will almost always give a small wave or finger lift to oncoming cars. It sounds minor, but if you barrel past without any acknowledgment, you’ll stand out immediately as someone who doesn’t know the local ways.

There is a lot to know about a beautiful drive around Ireland, beyond which side of the road to stay on. Don’t bring your road rage from home, share the road politely, and wave at people. It costs nothing and will make your whole driving experience more enjoyable.

13. Don’t Mock or Make Fun of the Irish Language

The Irish language (Gaelic) is a source of actual pride, and it’s taught in schools across the country. Don’t try to imitate an Irish accent, don’t butcher Irish place names for a laugh, and definitely don’t do your best movie impression of what you think Irish people sound like. Nobody wants to hear it, and it will not go down well.

Nobody is actually saying “Top of the mornin’ to ya” either. Those phrases that Hollywood made popular are not things real people say, so know what not to do in Dublin or any other Irish city before you arrive.

14. Don’t Miss Your Chance to Buy a Round

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to join a group of locals at a pub, pay attention to this. In Ireland, everyone uses a round-buying system. When you’re out drinking with friends, everyone takes a turn buying the whole round, whether it’s 3 people or 13. Make sure you know your Irish drinks before you head to the bar.

Going up to the bar and buying a drink for yourself and nobody else is considered rude. I did this the first time I visited friends in Ireland and didn’t realize my mistake. I came back from the bar with one beer, and my Irish friends’ jaws dropped. To be fair, in America, I’m used to all my friends ordering completely different drinks and mixing it up each time they do another round, not everyone continuously drinking Guinesss all night. Lesson learned quickly.

If you’ve had drinks bought for you all night and never make an effort to buy at least one round, you’ll look rude and cheap. This is one of the most important rules of Irish etiquette to get right.

15. Don’t Make Fun of Irish Sports

One of the most crucial things to know about Ireland is that the country loves its sports. There are many types of sports, including horse racing, basketball, and boxing. But some of the games that the Irish play will seem extremely foreign to someone who has never played them before. 

One of these is hurling, which is of ancient Gaelic Irish origin and a very popular sport. It may not appeal to anyone who doesn’t live in Ireland, but it’s important not to mock the sport. The Irish take pride in their heritage, and they don’t want to hear you compare their hurling games to primitive hockey and other awkward conversation starters. 

Since sports are such a big part of Irish culture, you should definitely try to catch one of the Gaelic games while you’re visiting. I did this during my 10-day Ireland trip and had so much fun drinking beer with the locals and then cheering on the home team.

This is an Irish bucket list experience, for sure. Just make sure that if you step out in sporting colors, you’ve chosen the right ones to be seen in (otherwise, you’ll make one of the embarrassing tourist mistakes in Ireland you want to avoid).

16. Don’t Expect Everyone to Be Obsessed with Leprechauns

Leprechauns have become something of a mascot for Ireland internationally, but plenty of Irish people find the whole thing more embarrassing than charming at this point. Don’t be surprised if your leprechaun questions get a polite but firm redirect. Ireland has rich folklore and mythology that goes far beyond the little green men, so it’s not the best conversation starter.

That said, if you’re traveling in Ireland with kids, the leprechaun thing can still be a fun story to keep going.

17. Don’t Order Corned Beef and Cabbage

This is another Hollywood thing: everyone eats corned beef and hash. It’s often depicted as Ireland’s traditional dish, but if you ask an Irish person if they’ve had this, the answer is likely to be no. It’s not something that is eaten as a staple in Irish culture, and many restaurants and pubs won’t actually make it. 

Order an Irish stew if you really want to try Ireland’s national dish. Or better yet, find a friendly local who is willing to make it for you – there is no beating homemade.

18. Don’t Underestimate How Long Things Take to Get To

Ireland looks small on a map, but the roads outside the main cities are narrow, winding, and often single-lane in each direction. What looks like a 40-mile drive can easily take 90 minutes. Google Maps will consistently lie to you about this.

I learned this the hard way on my first road trip, confidently planning to drive from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and back in a day with several stops along the way. It worked, but only because we barely got out of the car. Build in far more time than you think you need and treat the journey itself as part of the experience.

19. Don’t Make Assumptions About Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, not the Republic of Ireland. They use sterling, not euros. The politics and history are complex and sensitive. Don’t assume everyone in Belfast feels the same way about identity as someone from Dublin, and don’t casually bring up the Troubles as a conversation starter.

I drove through Northern Ireland on one of my visits, and the shift is noticeable the moment you cross the border – different road signs, different currency, different flags on display. It’s worth knowing before you go rather than putting your foot in it when you arrive.

20. Don’t Rush

This might be the most important one on the list. Ireland does not run at the American pace, and that’s entirely the point. Meals take longer. Conversations go on past the point you’d normally wrap them up. Pubs have no interest in turning tables.

My best moments in Ireland have never been at the famous landmarks. They’ve had an accidental two-hour lunch and a wrong turn that led them to a pub where a session started at 3 pm on a Tuesday. You can’t plan for those things. You just have to be moving slowly enough to let them happen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ireland

Here are some common questions summed up.

What should you not do in Ireland?

Avoid smoking indoors, drinking in public spaces, skipping your round at the pub, calling it St. Patty’s Day, claiming to be Irish based on distant ancestry, and making jokes about sensitive historical events like the Famine or the Troubles. Also, don’t underestimate driving times – Irish roads are much narrower and slower than they look on a map.

What is considered rude in Ireland?

Not buying a round at the pub is probably the biggest one. Beyond that, being impolite in shops and restaurants, mocking the Irish language or accent, rushing through conversations, and pulling out your phone instead of engaging with the people around you. The Irish are warm and social, and they notice when visitors aren’t making an effort.

Is it rude to tip in Ireland?

It depends on where you are. Tipping at a pub bar is not expected and can seem out of place. In restaurants, a 10 to 15 percent tip is appreciated for good service, but it is not mandatory the way it is in the US. In taxis, a small tip is common. The Irish service industry does not rely on tips the way American service workers do.

Is Ireland friendly to American tourists?

Very. There’s a long cultural connection between Ireland and the US, given the history of Irish emigration, and most Irish people are genuinely warm and welcoming to American visitors. Show basic respect for the culture and history, and you’ll have no problems at all.

What should I know before visiting Ireland for the first time?

Drive on the left, bring a rain jacket regardless of the forecast, budget more time than you think for road trips, learn the rounds system before you go to a pub, and don’t call it St. Patty’s Day. Beyond the practical stuff — slow down, talk to people, and get off the tourist trail as much as you can.

Have you made any of these mistakes of things not to do in Ireland if you’ve visited before? Let me know in the comments!