Do you want to study abroad and live in a beautiful country filled with so much greenery? Maybe you might want to consider Ireland and see why it’s one of the top destinations for international students. In addition to its beautiful landscapes, there are also fascinating customs and traditions of Ireland.
Life in Ireland has many opportunities not only to excel academically but also to grow as a person. The environment you live in affects your well-being, so you have to decide which is ideal for you. Thus, never settle for less because you deserve the best, so choose the best country to study abroad.
In this guide, we’ll help you determine if the customs and traditions of Ireland match your personality and aspirations. We’re here to share some Irish ways of living on ordinary days and even holidays. So, if you’re interested to know what it’s like to study in Ireland, please continue reading!
Irish Traditions | Take a Look at The Ireland Ways of Living
According to a new study by the United Nations, Ireland has the second-highest quality of life in the world. If you take this opportunity to study in Ireland, you’ll have a higher chance of getting a brighter future. Nevertheless, know that life in Ireland is more than just being successful.
If you want to experience a journey worth remembering, explore some landscapes and discover the customs and traditions of Ireland. You could visit The Ring of Kerry, The Rock of Cashel, or St. Stephen’s Garden. Also, if you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast, Trinity College is the best place for you to stop by.
Language and Communication in Ireland | Keep in Touch with Irish
Ireland has two official languages: English and Irish Gaelic. However, English remains the primary language in the country, but they developed a twist known as Hiberno-English. It blends the grammatical styling of Irish into the English language.
Here are a few phrases you might hear on your travels:
- “C’mere till I tell you” – “Come here until I tell you.”
- “You never asked if I’d a mouth on me” – “You did not ask whether I was hungry
- “Top of the morning to ye.” – “Good morning.”
- “Get yer laughing gear around this.” – “Taste this.”
- “Sleep with yer good eye open.” – “Be careful.”
Irish people are fond of telling stories or jokes, and they tend to display emotions in public. One of the customs and traditions of Ireland when conversing is consistent eye contact. This gesture matters to them as it reflects trust and engagement.
Moreover, they prefer personal distance, whether when talking or in queues. They would also nod or jerk their head instead of pointing fingers. Life in Ireland is simple, but it’ll teach you to enjoy life for what it is.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Gaelic language in Ireland – Gaeilge or Irish is a Celtic language. It’s one of the oldest and most historic written languages globally. You can hear its poetic flow in schools around the country and throughout the shops, pubs, streets, fairs, and festivals.
Irish Traditions During Holidays | Mark Your Calendar
Along with religion, holidays have a significant part of Irish society. These notable celebrations would bring fun and honor to the customs and traditions of Ireland. Moreover, knowing these holidays is helpful to learn about Irish ancestors and their lifestyle.
Holidays are a time to relax and forget about responsibilities for a moment. It gives space for the mind to breathe and enjoy life to the fullest. It may be for a day only, but the memories will remain forever.
So, here are some holidays and Irish traditions you should know:
- St. Patrick’s Day commemorates St. Patrick and the coming of Christianity in Ireland. Irish folks celebrate it by drinking heavily, wearing green, and eating traditional Irish food.
- Christmas is one of the year’s largest celebrations, and there will be decorations everywhere. But the most traditional one is the Christmas Early Morning Swim, diving into the freezing sea.
- New Year’s Eve celebration in Ireland focuses more on a small gathering of family and friends. They would exchange gifts and sip some whiskey instead of partying all night.
- All Hallows Eve, also known as Portal Day, is the Irish equivalent of Halloween, celebrated on October 31. People would dress up in costumes and lit huge bonfires to ward off ghosts.
- May Day, also known as Labor Day, celebrates the workers’ rights and commemorates the beginning of spring. Larger cities would have parades, while smaller villages would have local fairs.
DID YOU KNOW?
Irish people display Christmas candles in the window as a symbol of hospitality. It means that the homeowner would welcome the Holy Family. During intolerance for Catholicism, window candles also were meant to announce that it’s safe to say mass in a home.
Irish Life and Style | What you Should Know About
Life in Ireland offers a variety of things you can explore, such as its vast greeneries and landscapes. State museums are open for free, and you can visit different heritage sites to know Ireland deeper. Also, you can enjoy the many outdoor activities, including horse riding, golf, sailing, and more.
It’s not only the wonders of Ireland that make it beautiful, but it’s the Irish people themselves. They are friendly and hospitable, and they value family like a gem. Moreover, other customs and traditions of Ireland that are worth trying are the Irish foods and drinks.
If you’ll study and work in Ireland or at least travel the country, these food are a must-try:
- Irish stew (mutton, onions, and potatoes, with stock and herbs)
- Colcannon and champ (mash potatoes, cabbage, and butter)
- Boxty (potato mixed with flour and salt and fried in butter)
- Black and white pudding (pork meat, fat, and blood mixed with barley, suet, and oatmeal)
- Barmbrack (a fruity tea loaf in butter with a cup of tea)
Drinking is a big part of Irish traditions, and much of their socializing focuses on live music and a couple of pints. Irish whiskey and Guinness are the famous drinks in the country. However, there are other local beverages you can try:
- Black ‘n black (Guinness with a shot of blackcurrant)
- Baby Guinness (shot and Kahlua topped with Bailey’s Irish Cream)
- Fat frog (Wicked Blue, Bicardi Orange, and Smirnoff Ice)
- Bailey’s (enjoy its sweetness on the rocks)
- Smithwick’s (an Irish red ale-style beer)
DID YOU KNOW?
The Irish Potato Famine is an event that stands out in the history of Irish foods. Once the potato came along in the late 16th century, that began to change. By the 18th century, potatoes were the mainstay of the Irish diet.
Irish Traditions in Spring | Get Amazed with the Vastness of Green
Ireland is as beautiful as an emerald during spring. It’s by far the most favorite time of the year among locals. Well, Irish people love St. Patrick’s Day, and this holiday falls in springtime.
Irish people learned to appreciate short spring moments as the warm sunny day could turn into a cold and rainy time. Well, that’s how should things go, right? It’s about giving value to the small things and embracing them with contentment.
But regardless of how small these things are, it’s genuine happiness that makes it big. Well, here are some of the Irish traditions you can do in Spring:
- visit a sheep farm in County Tyrone
- take a trip to Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum
- enjoy kitesurfing on Achill Island
- explore the Wild Atlantic Way
- attend spring festivals like the West Waterford Food Festival
Irish Traditions in Summer | Enjoy the Breathtaking Purple
Ireland is the best place for people who can’t take too much heat during summer. The average temperature in this season doesn’t exceed more than 20 °C (68 °F). Also, this season brings a different transition as the heather blooms at its best purple color.
Summer is for long romantic evening walks in parks with lots of fun as festivals are around the corner. It’s indeed the perfect time to explore destinations and discover Irish traditions that are worth trying. So, stop holding to your what-ifs and start living with what is.
Well, here are some of the things you can do in summer as you enjoy Ireland life:
- witness the artistic sight of the magnificent Cliffs of Moher
- spend a night underneath the sky in the Ring Fort
- experience the Voya seaweed bath in Slingo County
- go for kayaking in Lough Hyne
- visit the Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo
Irish Traditions in Autumn | Explore Under the Glowing Skies
Autumn in Ireland is the season of harvest. One of the Irish traditions is to take a break from work and enjoy numerous events and festivals. The contrast of the remaining purple heather, summer greens, and autumn colors creates a lovely scenery for photography.
The clear skies make the environment look even lovelier. You can, for sure, relax and take a minute to meditate and ask yourself how you are. Because as the season changes, so are the things and feelings in your life.
Always give your time some space to breathe and enjoy life to the fullest. So, here’s what you can do during autumn in Ireland:
- celebrate the harvest season and visit farms
- visit the world-famous Cape Byron Lighthouse
- discover Westeros
- experience fall walking festivals
- enjoy a castle stay
Irish Traditions in Winter | Have Fun in Winter Wonderland
It might seem strange, but winter in Ireland is the driest season of the year. It isn’t as cold as you think it would, and snow rarely falls. You can enjoy the crunchy snow underneath your boots, the sparkly fields, and the beautiful night skies.
Irish people love winter, and they have this exceptional Irish tradition that they do during New Year’s Day. They open the doors of their houses to all passers-by and offer everybody a cup of hot mulled wine. And the best part is the sincere wishes to the owners for their hospitality.
There’s nothing brighter than starting the year with wisdom. And we’re pretty sure that you would love to experience that. But of course, we won’t end this without giving you some Irish traditions you can do during winter:
- take a city break in Belfast
- get back to nature in Killarney National Park
- enjoy the Christmas market in Galway
- witness the Northern Lights in County Donegal
- Look for Wild Ponies in Connemara National Park
DID YOU KNOW?
In May 2007, Rihanna released Umbrella, and it went on the top charts for eight weeks in Ireland. In June 2007, parts of the country had the wettest summer for 49 straight days. Some blame it on St. Swithin, some said it was the typical Irish summer, and others blame it on Rihanna.
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Study abroad with GrowPro Experience | We Got You
So we have shared with you some of the customs and traditions of Ireland. We can feel your interest and excitement as you have reached this far already. Well, lucky you, because you’re definitely at the right place and at the right time.
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To start with your adventure, let’s share with you the most requested experience in Ireland. Afterward, you can complete the form and wait for a call for further assistance. We also give tips on finding the best accommodation, transportation options, and more.
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