Experiencing Ireland
Culture
The culture of the people living on the island of Ireland is far from monolithic. Many notable cultural divides exist between the rural people and city dwellers, between the Catholic and Protestant people of Northern Ireland, between the Irish-speaking people inside and outside the Gaeltacht regions and the English-speaking majority population, and increasingly between new immigrants and the native population.
Much of the Irish calendar still today reflects the old pagan customs, with later Christian traditions also having significant influence. As in other countries, the date for observing Christmas was deliberately chosen to coincide with the winter solstice. Christmas in Ireland has several local traditions, some in no way connected with Christianity. On 26 December (St. Stephen's Day), there is a custom of "Wrenboys" who call door to door with an arrangement of assorted material (which changes in different localities) to represent a dead wren "caught in the furze", as their rhyme goes. This custom has largely died out.
In the 20th century the usual modern selection of foods common to Western cultures has been adopted in Ireland. Both US fast-food culture and continental European dishes have influenced the country, along with other world dishes introduced in a similar fashion to the rest of the Western world. Common meals include pizza, curry, Chinese food, and lately, some west African dishes have been making an appearance. Supermarket shelves now contain ingredients for, among others, traditional, European, American (Mexican/Tex-Mex), Indian, Polish and Chinese dishes.
The proliferation of fast food has led to increasing public health problems including obesity, and one of the highest rates of heart disease in the world. Traditional Irish food and diet is also somewhat to blame, with a large emphasis on meat. Government efforts to combat this had included television advertisements. In the north, the Ulster Fry has been particularly cited as being a major source for a higher incidence of cardiac problems, quoted as being a "heart attack on a plate". All the ingredients are fried, although more recently the trend is to grill as many of the ingredients as possible.
In tandem with these developments, the last quarter of the century saw the emergence of a new Irish cuisine based on traditional ingredients handled in new ways. This cuisine is based on fresh vegetables, fish, especially salmon and trout, oysters and other shellfish, traditional soda bread, the wide range of hand-made cheeses that are now being made across the country, and, of course, the potato. Traditional dishes, such as the Irish stew, Dublin coddle, the Irish breakfast and potato bread, have enjoyed a resurgence. Schools like the Ballymaloe Cookery School have emerged to cater for the associated increased interest in cooking with traditional ingredients.
Pub culture, as it is termed, pervades Irish society, across all cultural divides. The term refers to the Irish habit of frequenting public houses (pubs) or bars. Traditional pub culture is concerned with more than just drinking, even though Ireland has a recognized problem with over-consumption of alcohol, with the third-highest alcohol consumption in the world according to the OECD Health Data 2005 survey.[2] Per capita alcohol consumption increased by 41% in the period 1989 to 1999. Typically pubs are important meeting places, where people can gather and meet their neighbours and friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Pubs vary widely according to the clientele they serve, and the area they are in. Best known, and loved amongst tourists is the traditional pub, with its traditional Irish music (or "trad music"), tavern-like warmness, and memorabilia filling it. Often such pubs will also serve food, particularly during the day. Many more modern pubs, not necessarily traditional, still emulate these pubs, only perhaps substituting traditional music for a DJ or non-traditional live music.
Some larger pubs in cities eschew such trappings entirely, opting for loud music, and focusing more on the consumption of drinks. Such venues are popular "pre-clubbing" locations. "Clubbing" has become a popular phenomenon amongst young people in Ireland. Clubs usually vary in terms of the type of music played, and the target audience.
The immigrant population in many cases, has not adapted to the Irish pub & club culture, particularly in city areas, where drinking to excess is often the focus of pub and club-goers.
A significant recent change to pub culture in the Republic of Ireland has been the introduction of a smoking ban, in all workplaces, which includes pubs and restaurants. The ban was introduced on March 29, 2004. A majority of the population support the ban, including a significant percentage of smokers. Nevertheless, the atmosphere in pubs has changed greatly as a result, and debate continues on whether it has boosted or lowered sales, although this is often blamed on the ever-increasing prices, or whether it is a "good thing" or a "bad thing". A similar ban, under the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 came into effect in Northern Ireland on the 30th of April, 2007
Sport in Ireland is popular and widespread. Throughout the country a wide variety of sports are played, the most popular being Gaelic football, hurling, rugby union, soccer and hockey. By attendance figures Gaelic football is by far the most popular sport in Ireland.
In Ireland many sports, such as rugby union, Gaelic football and hurling, are organised in an all-island basis, with a single team representing Ireland in international competitions. Other sports, such as soccer, have separate organising bodies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. At the Olympics, a person from Northern Ireland can choose to represent either the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team or the Ireland team.
Business Customs
Given the close economic, political, and cultural relations that exist between Ireland and the United States, business opportunities for U.S. companies are broad based and easily accomplished. In general, Irish business executives are less formal than their European counterparts and the use of first names at an early stage of a business relationship is acceptable. Friendship and mutual trust are highly valued and once an American has earned this trust, a productive working relationship can usually be expected. However, principles of customary business courtesy, especially replying promptly to sales orders and requests for price quotations, are a prerequisite for success and should be practiced.
Conservative business attire is recommended for business meetings and functions. Suits, rather than blazers and slacks, are the norm. Business appointments are also required and visitors are expected to be punctual. Because of the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream, medium-weight clothing may be worn most of the year. A travel umbrella, rainwear, hat, and sturdy walking shoes should also be included in the wardrobe since there is occasional light rain ("liquid sunshine") and many "soft" days.
Travel Advisory
For the latest travel advisories regarding Ireland, Europe or the world see: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1145.html.
Visa Requirements
Every U.S. traveler must have a valid passport. No visa is required of U.S. citizens visiting Ireland for less than three months, but one is required for longer periods. An American citizen entering Ireland for permanent residence must register with the Aliens Office of the Department of Justice, Equality, and Law Reform as soon as possible after entering the country. U.S. citizens planning to work in the country must first obtain a work permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The permit is presented to immigration upon arrival. Such permits must be obtained by the employer and are usually granted only for specialized work. Management and skilled workers have no difficulty in obtaining the required work permits, which are renewable every 12 months.
U.S. companies that require travel of Irish businesspersons to the U.S. should allow sufficient time for visa issuance if required. Irish Visa applicants should go to the following link: http://dublin.usembassy.gov.
Telecommunications
Through the ease of telecommunications, e-mails and international calls are frequently the best method of arranging appointments and maintaining solid commercial relations. The time zone for Ireland is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or 5 hours ahead of the U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST + 5 hours). Cell phones are widely used in Ireland as there are almost 4.4 million cell phone subscribers (equating to over 100% market coverage). Tri-band cell phones can be used to place calls to the United States and other countries from Ireland. Ireland has a relatively sophisticated digital telecommunications system, which includes a direct dialing telephone service connecting every part of Ireland with over 90 percent of the rest of the world. A wide range of business services including point-to-multipoint data transmission, computer-to-computer file transfer networking, text messaging, fax, telex, and video communications are available. U.S. calling cards such as AT&T and Sprint may be used locally for making international calls. Phone cards for local and international calling are widely available in local shops and vending machines.
Transportation
Ireland has four international airports (Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and Knock). Delta Air Lines, US Airways, and Continental Airlines operate scheduled air services between Ireland and the United States. However, Ireland-bound U.S. visitors often utilize United Airlines, American Airlines, and TWA code shares and gateways in the U.K., as Ireland and the U.K. have numerous daily air connections. Rental automobiles are available at numerous locations across Ireland, but rates are usually more expensive than in the U.S. and other parts of Europe. Better rental rates may be secured by booking reservations in the U.S. through one of the U.S. car rental agencies with fleets in Ireland. An international or state driving license is acceptable.
A few notes of caution. It should be noted that rental cars offer a target for petty thieves in Ireland, and are often broken into, and visitors should take care not to leave belongings visible in cars parked at common tourist destinations. Cars in Ireland are “right-hand drive,” traffic moves on and from the left-hand side of the road (like in the United Kingdom), and there are traffic circles (“roundabouts”) in most towns and cities. Also, in relative terms, J-walking is a very common practice for pedestrians in Ireland. Pedestrians, including children, often cross against lights or in the middle of roads, and drivers should use caution. Pubs in Ireland, particularly in Dublin, stay open late and pedestrian traffic can be heavy throughout the night. It may take the visitor some time to adjust to these differences. Most auto accidents for visitors to Ireland happen shortly after departure from the rental car station. While Ireland has more paved road on a per capita basis than any other country in the EU, it lacks an efficient network of highways. Travel times take longer than expected at first glance. Ninety six percent of all inland passenger transport and over 90 percent of inland freight transport are conveyed by road. The balance is carried by rail. A 3,000-kilometer rail system provides passenger and freight services to most cities and main towns, including those in Northern Ireland.
Ireland has a diverse range of accommodations from world-class hotels to the more individualized and economical bed and breakfast (B&B) guesthouses. In view of the large number of visitors to Ireland, business travelers are advised to make their hotel reservations well in advance, especially during the summer months, in order to assure the needed accommodations. Ireland has a wide and excellent range of restaurants. All the major international forms of cuisine are available in addition to local Irish recipes and there is a wide price range to cater for all wallets. The food service sector is well regulated and standards of hygiene in food preparation are high.
Language
There are two official languages in Ireland -- Irish and English. While English is used predominantly, the Irish language (Gaelic) can be heard in the western part of the country, and can be found on signage around the country. English is used for business contracts and correspondence, but some expressions and terms may have different meanings from those in the United States. To assure complete understanding, it is important to define unfamiliar terms. Reference to INCOTERMS, the international set of rules for commercial terms, helps to reduce possible misunderstandings.
Health
Medical services are very good at major hospitals and compare generally with those in the United States. However, there are sometimes not enough available beds to service needs. Private clinics can be found in major cities. Common medical needs are readily obtained, and special supplies are normally available on short notice. An international certificate of vaccination is not required for travelers from the United States. Drinking water is excellent, most pharmaceuticals are available, and sanitation is up to American standards.
Business Hours & Holidays
A 39-hour, 5-day workweek is the norm for offices and factories in Ireland. Customary office working hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Banking hours are from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. Most retail stores are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 (Noon) to 6:00 p.m., Sundays and Public Holidays. Many outlets also have later hours on certain days (Thursday in Dublin) to permit evening shopping. Due to the vacation season in Ireland in July and August, many Irish business executives may not be available except by appointment. Also, appointments may be difficult to schedule on Friday afternoons during the summer months, when extended weekends are often taken. Most businesses are closed from December 24 through January 2, during the Christmas season.
Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings
Simplified procedures are available to traveling U.S. business and professional people for the temporary importation of commercial samples and professional equipment for display or demonstration though the use of a “carnet.” A carnet is a customs document, obtained prior to departure, which facilitates customs clearance for temporary imports. With the carnet, goods may be imported without the payment of duty, tax, or additional security. A carnet is usually valid for one year from the date of issuance. A bond or cash deposit of 40 percent of the value of the goods covered by the carnet is also required. This will be forfeited in the event the products are not re-exported and duties and taxes are not paid. Carnets can be obtained from the U.S. Council for International Business (www.atacarnet.org).
