i live in america and am planning on visiting London later this year. i might be meeting someone who is orginally from Ireland and i was wondering if there was a special greeting from Ireland that i could use when meeting someone for the first time? i know many Europeans will kiss one or both cheeks but is there a greeting i don't know about? thank you so much for your help!
2007-09-02 21:43:07 · 13 answers · asked by hugglebugger 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
i LOVE the answers! thank you so much!
2007-09-02 22:06:26 · update #1
the irish, being an island nation on the outskirts of Europe don't generally do the kissing thing. Males will shake hands, while women will generally just greet each other verbally (traditionally). With the advent of Sex and the City, etc. people are slightly more likely to give pecks on the cheek, but this is in no way an Irish proper tradition. Irish people are very relaxed, and won't take offence if you don't shake their hand, or whatever - it's quite acceptable just to give a little wave if introduced as part of a group.
If you want to make a special impression, say something like "dia dhuit" - which means hello (literally, God to you, or with you) - prounounced... "dee-a gwit"
good luck!
2007-09-02 21:53:59 · answer #1 · answered by billibette 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A firm handshake for greeting a man and a kiss on the cheek and handshake for a lady. As a previous answer stated "Dia dhuit" is how we say hello and God be with you in our language. You could also ask how are you by saying "Conas a ta tu?" (Kunis a taw two?) Steer clear of the 'How are things in Clochameary' dialogue until you know the person for about five minutes, once an irishperson knows you're ok it's pretty hard to offend us. And don't mind too much if we make a witty remark about you or your culture, it's a sign of affection. Hope you enjoy your holiday! Slan.
2007-09-02 22:12:30 · answer #2 · answered by zorrosblade 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do, do not kiss an irishman when you meet him for a first time.
When I first came over here, I actually thought that the greetings here were a little rude. It's normally just "Hello" then stare at the ground or divert the conversation. There's no High 5's, hugs, or even a lot of handshakes to be honest.
So I suppose my suggestion is "Hello, nice to meet you"
2007-09-02 22:00:19 · answer #3 · answered by Mike S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Handshake will do it. Although the kiss on the cheek is starting to come into vogue in Ireland also ...
2007-09-02 21:54:53 · answer #4 · answered by Orla C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most irish greet with 'no i wasnt drinking ossifer'
irish like americans, because americans dont look down on the irish as much as the rest of europe does
woking that point into a conversation with them i think would be pleasing for them
2007-09-03 18:29:35 · answer #5 · answered by Bill N 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just be yourself, in Ireland we are really no different to the rest of the British Isles, as far as etiquette is concerned.
And a word of warning..... please don't say Top-of the morning, that expression originated in Hollywood.
And a further word of warning.........we don't keep pigs under the bed, we keep them in the lounge !
2007-09-02 21:59:02 · answer #6 · answered by xenon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you greet them in Gaelic, they will think you speak the language, and reply to you in Gaelic and go on and on.
2007-09-02 22:26:27 · answer #7 · answered by Bibs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No i would say a firm handshake would be adequate.
2007-09-02 21:52:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
why not dress up as a leprechaun. The irish usually go for that.
2007-09-02 23:21:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
good firm hand shake.
2007-09-03 06:40:10 · answer #10 · answered by Little miss naughty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋