Essential Dublin Don’ts: Avoid These Mistakes When Visiting Ireland

Dublin Don’ts – what not to do when planning a trip to Ireland…with tongue planted firmly in cheek I researched deeply the cultural do’s and don’ts in Ireland. I discovered 18 things you shouldn’t do in Dublin (or anywhere in Ireland to be honest) and have written all about my intensive cultural research here.

landscape of Inisheer Island, part of Aran Islands, Ireland.

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When you are a tourist in Ireland, there are some things you should avoid doing to ensure you have a positive experience in this beautiful country. One of the faux pas to avoid is mixing up Ireland and Northern Ireland, as Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom. Another mistake to avoid is assuming that all Irish people believe in leprechauns – this is just a stereotype and not a true representation of Irish culture.

When visiting cities like Dublin or exploring Galway, driving the Ring of Kerry, be sure to respect the local customs and take your garbage back. It is also important to be mindful of the drinking culture in Ireland – while enjoying a pint in an Irish pub is a great experience, it is important to drink responsibly.

Many visitors to Ireland make the mistake of trying to cram too much into their itinerary, and end up missing out on the hidden gems the country has to offer. Take the time to explore lesser-known attractions like the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal rather than the over-touristed Cliffs of Moher or a museum in Dublin to truly appreciate the rich history and culture of Ireland.

A yellow road sign featuring a car plunging into the water, showcasing an amusing example of Irish Slang.

Lastly, when driving in Ireland, remember to drive on the left side of the road and a lot of roundabouts. We don’t have a lot of road rage here so just be polite and shift over on a narrow lane if someone wants to pass.

Do’s and Don’ts when visiting Ireland

Visiting Ireland is a dream come true for many – those who have Irish ancestry or have dreamed for years of visiting the Emerald Isle plan every aspect of their trip. Trying to keep costs down? Here are some great free things to do in Dublin. For those of you who have watched every Irish film ever made, and those who are planning their dream trip here is a list of 18 Dublin Don’ts for you, this is just a little bit of fun or as the Irish say “craic” before you visit.

The Emerald Isle was first named in a poem by Belfast born William Drennan. Drennan did believe in Irish independence but he was also a great pacifist and parted ways when the rebellion became violent. It is a defining characteristic of Ireland that the perennial rainfall and Irish mist give the lush green landscape its 40 shades of green which were sung about by Johnny Cash.

Table Of Contents

Essential Dublin Don’ts: Avoid These Mistakes When Visiting Ireland

A map or ireland showing the border between North and South

Basic Dublin Don’ts – Things not to do in Dublin or Ireland

Don’t Call It “Part of the UK” – Border / Northern Ireland

Don’t assume you can cross into Northern Ireland without documents. While there’s no hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, rules vary depending on your nationality. Irish and UK citizens can travel freely without showing a passport.

However, all other visitors should carry valid photo ID, usually a passport, and from 2025 many travelers will also need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) if they plan to enter Northern Ireland from the Republic. Check the latest advice before you go.

Don’t Expect Irish to be Commonly Spoken

While Irish (Gaelic) is an official language of Ireland and is taught in schools, the majority of daily conversations are in English. Many road signs are bilingual, but don’t expect everyone to speak Irish fluently.

Don’t Forget to Tip Modestly

While tipping is appreciated, it’s not as mandatory or as large as in some other countries. In restaurants, tipping around 10% is common if the service is good. In pubs, tipping is not expected, though leaving some change or buying a drink for the bartender can be a nice gesture.

Don’t Make Inappropriate Comments About the Troubles

Avoid bringing up political issues, especially about The Troubles (the Northern Ireland conflict), unless you’re with people who are comfortable discussing it. It’s a sensitive and complex topic, so it’s best not to approach it lightly. One of the best way to learn about The Troubles is to take a Black Taxi tour in Northern Ireland or take a tour of the political murals in Derry.

A small boy with a gas mask depicted as a petrol bomber during the Derry civil rights march. the mural is painted on the end of a terrace house in black and white.

Don’t expect pubs to stay open all night

In Dublin, most pubs close around 11:30 pm Sunday–Thursday and 12:30 am Friday–Saturday. Clubs and late bars may keep going until about 2:30 am, but you won’t find 24-hour nightlife. If you want a longer night, look for venues with a “late license” — they’ll advertise it. In rural areas you may enjoy what is called a “Lock In” which is where the pub is closed to anyone attempting to enter after last call but patrons inside can stay and drink.

Famous Pubs in Dublin for a pint and some craic

Gogarty's pub in temple bar number on is the 15 Dublin Don'ts for a cheap drink

To truly understand Irish culture, embrace its social heartbeat: the pub. This is where conversation, storytelling, “craic” (fun and good company), and live traditional music thrive. It’s a culture deeply proud of its literary heritage, its historic resilience, and its warm, often self-deprecating sense of humor, where a friendly chat is the quickest way to connect.

Don’t call us British or English

Don’t call an Irish man or woman, British or English this will cause great insult.

The Irish love a party

The Irish love a party and St. Patrick’s Day is a grand event with loads of craic. Enjoy the party but try not to drink too much.

MARCH 17: Saint Patrick's Day parade in Dublin Ireland on March 17, 2014: People dress up Saint Patrick's at The Temple Bar

Finding traditional music

Don’t expect an “authentic” trad music session, these do not spontaneously drop from the skies you will be subjected to a canned version in most pubs. So choose carefully.

Don’t do your Irish accent

Don’t attempt to imitate an Irish accent, unless you have it down you will be thrown out of the pub.

35 of the Coolest & Unique Places To Stay In Ireland

Don’t forget to pay your round

Don’t not pay for a round in the pub when out with a group, this is just downright rude. It doesn’t matter if there are 12 people in the group a round is around. As mentioned by some commenters this may be a bit of an old fashioned thing to do but here in Donegal Town, we do it all the time unless there is an absolutely huge crowd.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - FEB 15, 2014: Pints of beer are served at the Guinness Brewery on Feb 15, 2014. The brewery where 2.5 million pints of stout are brewed daily was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759.

Don’t drive in Dublin

Don’t drive in Dublin the traffic is horrendous and those roundabouts are killers, and of course, they drive on the wrong side of the road. Don’t be afraid of driving in Ireland either – the roads can be narrow but take your time very little road rage here. But rent a car travelling in Ireland by public transport is difficult in many places.

Instead, grab a Leap card for buses, LUAS, and DART

Green Leap card key to things to do in Dublin

Don’t get offended

The Irish will make fun of anyone and anything to your face – so don’t get upset if you are the butt of any jokes it just means they like you.

Dublin's Glasnevin Cemetery celtic crosses marking the graves

Don’t drink in Temple Bar

Don’t go to Temple Bar for an overrated Ireland Tourist “authentic” Irish drinking experiences this is not the place, it is full of young trendy and tourists particularly when the sun goes down, avoid it at night. It’s also crazy expensive.

Don’t assume every museum charges admission

Dublin is packed with incredible free museums — including the National Museum of Ireland’s archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history collections, plus the National Gallery. Others, like EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum or the Guinness Storehouse, charge admission. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the wealth of free culture.

Don’t expect to see the entire Book of Kells

The famous 9th-century manuscript is on display at Trinity College Dublin, but only two pages are shown at a time. These are rotated roughly every 8–12 weeks to protect the delicate vellum — not daily as many think. So if you visit, you’ll only see a tiny part of the manuscript, but the Long Room library exhibition makes the trip worthwhile.

Don’t forget to try some (a lot) Irish food

No trip to Ireland is complete without indulging in a hearty Full Irish Breakfast. This iconic morning meal is a delicious plateful of energy, typically featuring bacon, sausages, eggs, black and white pudding, grilled tomatoes, boxty (Irish potato pancakes) and toast. Don’t stop there—be sure to also seek out other classic Irish fare like tender Irish stew, freshly caught seafood chowder, and a comforting slice of soda bread slathered with butter. It’s a truly satisfying and authentic taste of the country.

Homemade Irish Potato Colcannon with Greens and Pork

Full Irish Breakfast with sausage, eggs, bacon, beans, boxty, mushrooms and tomatoes on a white plate

Don’t cross without looking

Don’t cross the street without looking the right way (or the left way) first, most streets are marked on the road which way to look – pay attention.

Don’t expect a bill in a pub

Don’t expect table service and a bill in the pub, you pay for your drinks, that you order at the bar, one at a time when you order. Pubs with food expect you to go to the bar, grab a menu, when you are ready you go up to the bar, tell them your table number and order.

For a more authentic pint, try these local Dublin pubs instead

Don’t tip in a pub

Don’t tip in a pub, generally speaking, the accepted “tip” is to hand over enough to buy a drink and say “have one yourself”.

Kilkenny-Tradfest visit kilkenny the pub sessions

Don’t forget to swear like the Irish

Don’t be surprised by the use of swear words, you will hear every kind of them around Dublin and a lot of them.

Slow your ass down a road sign in Ireland

The Irish have certain “quirks” that sometimes puzzle North Americans, from the language, which includes many sayings and phrasings that have their roots in both Celtic and colonial history. You will hear a great deal of swearing in Ireland that you don’t run across in North America or the rest of Europe trip itinerary for that matter. The Irish have no filters in that regard.

Study up on the “banter” before you go, the definitive guide to Dublin Patter and Belfast Banter

Don’t forget to enjoy the Craic

The “craic” which is a tenet of Irish society means to search out the good times and enjoy them wholeheartedly. Other phrases you will hear are “yer man” and “yer other” which simply indicate him or her. The Irish are naturally friendly and gregarious people who love to chat and for this reason, you will see that many pubs are not set up with TV’s and loud music, the Irish believe that a visit to the pub is a chance to see what is happening in the community, converse with old friends and new and simply meet people.

Molly Malone statue in Dublin - Dublin Don'ts

Don’t order contentious drinks

I believe in doing your homework before you visit any country, but I simply cannot believe the number of tourists asking in pubs for an Irish Car Bomb – the sheer ignorance of this is mind-blowing all I can say is don’t just don’t and if you need to know why go and look it up. Get yourself a pint of the black stuff.

Pints of beer are served at the Guinness Brewery on Feb 15, 2014. The brewery where 2.5 million pints of stout are brewed daily was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759.

Don’t say this

Oh, and a final word on the subject, as one of my readers says don’t say “top of the morning to you” …..lol…..

FAQs about visiting Dublin

Do I need a passport to go from Dublin to Northern Ireland?
Yes — unless you’re an Irish or UK citizen. Other travelers should carry a passport, and many will also need a UK ETA from 2025.

Is Temple Bar worth visiting?
Temple Bar is lively but touristy and expensive. Expect €8–€9 pints. For a more authentic pint most pubs are in the compact South City Centre, with a few key gems just north of the river in Smithfield and the Liberty area.

Are Dublin museums free?
Many major museums and galleries are free — including the National Museum of Ireland branches and the National Gallery. Specialty museums like EPIC or Guinness Storehouse charge admission.

What time do pubs close in Dublin?
Most pubs close by 11:30 pm on weekdays and 12:30 am on weekends. Late bars and clubs can go until around 2:30 am.

Can I see the whole Book of Kells?
No. Only two pages are on display at any time, rotated every few months to protect the manuscript.

Author

Faith

Irish‑Canadian writer and food entrepreneur based in Donegal, spotlighting women in history from witches to world‑shakers and the cultures that shape them. With a degree in Anthropology and Women’s Studies and 30+ years writing about food and travel alongside running food development businesses and restaurants I seek out what people eat as clues to how they live. A mobility‑challenged traveler who has called ten countries across Europe home, I write candid, practical guides to Ireland, the UK, and Europe; to living abroad; and to accessible travel for those with hidden disabilities and historic women’s places to visit so you can explore confidently and authentically.

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