After Business Socializing
Here, we will discuss on how you should behave if you are invited to join your coworkers outside the company and what they will expect from you.
Drinking is a large part of the Irish way of life. Many Monday morning conversations usually involve how much liquor was consumed the night before and how brutal the ensuing hangover was. Chances are then that you will be invited out to go drinking sooner, rather than later. When ordering a drink, men should ask for a pint. Anything less is considered unmanly and will result in you being teased a lot. Women may ask for a glass or a half pint if they so choose. During the summer months, cider is a popular alternative to the traditional Guinness. All of your drinks should be ordered from the bar as waiters and waitresses are unusual in most pubs. You also need to be aware that when you are drinking with a group, you are expected to pay for a round of drinks for you group. Neglecting to pay for a round of drinks will leave your group with a bad impression of you.
If you are taken out to a business lunch or dinner wine is usually consumed instead of Guinness or tea and most people will not have any alcohol with their meal at lunch. If you are invited to dinner the host usually picks up the tab, however this may not always be the case so be prepared to pick up your own tab. Most meals usually consist of the standard meat with two sides of vegetables. Although Thai, Italian, and other cultural foods have been increasing in popularity. It is customary to tip at restaurants.
You may also be invited to an Irish persons home, even after only a little time. It is customary to bring a gift to your host. Traditional gifts include bringing wine or chocolates. Flowers may be brought, however you should stay away from red and white flowers as these colors are associated with death in the Irish culture.
When socializing, do not bring up any topics dealing with business, the Catholic Church, the English, and immigrants unless your host brings it up themselves. If you do happen to bring up an uncomfortable conversation topic, your companions will be quick to let you know so you can switch to a better topic. You should be polite when holding conversations, but your Irish counter parts do enjoy having arguments and opinionated conversations so don't be afraid to voice your opinions as long as they are informed and sincere. Finally, be sure that you don't boast about yourself or your company's accomplishments. Your Irish counterparts will judge you on your actions and not on what you have done.