Leinster is Ireland's eastern province, home to the capital Dublin and encompassing 12 counties stretching from the rolling Wicklow Mountains to the ancient passage tombs of the Boyne Valley. It blends vibrant urban culture with prehistoric monuments, medieval castles, and some of Ireland's most dramatic coastal and mountain scenery.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
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Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people with 'Howya' (how are you?) or simply 'Alright?' — standard Dublin greetings
- Accept an offer of tea — refusing can seem impolite in someone's home
- Buy a round of drinks in a pub when it's your turn — the 'round system' is deeply embedded in Irish pub culture
- Explore beyond Temple Bar — locals rarely drink there; more authentic pubs are on Baggot Street, Stoneybatter, or Rathmines
- Visit a GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) match — hurling or Gaelic football — for an authentic Irish sporting experience (crokpark.ie)
Don't
- Don't call Irish people 'British' — Ireland is an independent republic and distinct from the UK
- Don't use the term 'St Paddy's Day' as 'Patty' (used in the US) — the correct Irish abbreviation is 'Paddy'
- Don't make assumptions about Northern Ireland politics — a sensitive topic best not raised by visitors
- Don't photograph people without permission, especially in traditional music sessions
- Don't expect things to run exactly on time — Irish hospitality culture is warm but relaxed about punctuality
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Go raibh maith agat
Thank you
Guh rev mah ah-gut
Dia dhuit
Hello (lit. 'God be with you')
Dee-ah gwitch
Slán
Goodbye
Slawn
Tá sé go hálainn
It's beautiful
Taw shay guh hawlin
Sláinte!
Cheers! (toast)
Slawn-cha
Grand
Fine, good (Irish English — 'That's grand' = 'That's fine')
Gas
Funny, great fun ('That was gas!' = 'That was hilarious!')
Craic
Fun, good times; news ('What's the craic?' = 'What's going on?/How are you?')
Gobshite
Fool (mildly rude; used affectionately among friends)
Deadly
Excellent ('That film was deadly' = 'That film was great')
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Leinster.
Items:
- Faith
- Roman Catholic
- Percentage
- 69%
- Notes
- Still dominant; major churches (St Patrick's Cathedral is Church of Ireland; Christchurch is Church of Ireland; the Catholic cathedral is Pro-Cathedral on Marlborough Street, Dublin 1)
- Faith
- Church of Ireland (Anglican)
- Percentage
- 4%
- Notes
- St Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church are the main Dublin churches
- Faith
- Islam
- Percentage
- 3%
- Notes
- Mosque at 163 South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Faith
- No religion
- Percentage
- 14%
- Notes
- Secular Ireland has grown rapidly since the 1990s