The People

The Irish are interested in people and place great value on the individual. They are naturally courteous, quick-witted and will go out of their way to welcome visitors to their country. Don't rush the Irish. Although they work very hard, the Irish are dedicated to a less stressful lifestyle that allows time for friends and family, a visit to the pub, a cup of tea, or just a bit of a chat on the corner. Families are closely-knit and very important to the Irish.

Meeting and Greeting

• Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women and children -- at a business or social gathering. Shake hands again when leaving.
• A firm handshake with eye contact is expected.

Body Language

• The Irish are not very physically demonstrative and are not comfortable with public displays of affection.
• The Irish are uncomfortable with loud, aggressive, and arrogant behavior.
• A "Reverse V for victory" gesture is considered obscene.

Corporate Culture

• Business is best initiated through a well-connected third party. Who you know may be vital to your business success.
• The Irish are not very time conscious and may not be punctual for business and social meetings. They have a relaxed sense of time and may be a little late for meetings. However, a foreigner should be on time for business meetings.
• Business cards are exchanged, but not necessarily immediately upon meeting.
• Irish people tend to be creative and calm in a crisis. They prefer to improvise rather than follow a rigid plan.
• Outwardly the Irish accept authority but inwardly have strong displeasure in accepting it. They also dislike bureaucracy.
• Planning and strategy are short term. Irish tend to be poor in long-range planning.
• Don't be misled by the easy going and amiable attitudes of the Irish. In negotiations, the Irish are astute and tenacious.
• The golf course is a major venue for conducting business in Ireland.

Dining and Entertainment

• Business entertainment is commonly conducted in restaurants.
• Business dinners are usually considered more of a social occasion and a good way to develop relationships.
• Spouses may or may not be invited to a business dinner.
• The small plate next to a dinner plate is for peelings removed from boiled potatoes.
• It is polite to eat everything served to you in a private home.
• Table manners are the same as in England, only a bit more relaxed.
• Refusing a drink can be perceived as insult in Ireland.
• Always buy your round of drinks.

Dress

• Dress modestly and conservatively. Flashy colors and styles, white pants, nylon running jackets, etc. do not blend into Irish style.
• Tweeds, wools and subdued colors are recommended.
• A raincoat is needed year around.
• For business meetings, men should wear suits or sportcoats and ties; women should wear suits or dresses and blazers (women wear pants less often than in America).

Gifts

• Gift giving and receiving is unusual in a business setting. Small gifts may be exchanged, but are not expected, at the successful conclusion of negotiations.
• When invited to someone's home, always bring a small gift for the hostess. Give flowers (lilies are for religious occasions only; red and white flowers symbolize death), chocolates, a bottle of wine or continental cheeses.
• Do not give expensive or ostentatious gifts.

Helpful Hints

• The Irish respect reserved behavior. Initial meetings should be low key.
• Assume that children will be included in family entertaining.
• Send a thank-you note after receiving a gift or being a dinner guest.
• Always be sincere. The Irish dislike pretentious behavior.
• Remember the Irish want to do things their way. You will not succeed if you insist on doing it "your way."

Especially for Women

• A foreign woman will be accepted easily in the Irish business community.
• The 'Old Boys Club' still exists. Whom you know is vital to getting the job done.
• It is considered more proper for a woman to order a glass of beer or stout rather than a pint.
• It is acceptable, but may be misconstrued for a foreign woman to invite an Irishman to dinner. It is best to stick with lunch.
• If a woman would like to pay for a meal, she should state so at the outset.