A guide to customs and dress in Ireland. What to wear, what to do and why.

The Celtic Influence
The Celts settled in Ireland about 300 BC and named the land "Eire". They were originally from Central Europe (France and Germany); and had pale skin, blond-red hair and were taller than their contemporaries. The Celtic Gaels conquered Ireland and divided it into five kingdoms. They mixed their culture with that of the indigenous people, creating a mythology that survived until Christian colonisation led by St.Patrick in 300 AD. After this time their influences remained prevalent in Ireland and Gaelic culture made a strong imprint on the landscape of the country. The Celtic Irish culture has been told through the years in the form of Heroic Tales, such as the Ulster Cycle which tells of the exploits of Cú Chullain, the Hound of Ulster. Celtic art, music and spirituality are still preserved in the hearts and the lives of the Irish people who are very proud of their strong Celtic heritage. If you want to look up some more information about the Irish Celtic heritage try these sites: www.Celtic.com, www.Celt.net, www.celticMusic.com, www.Ancient Ireland.com

Gaelic Games
Ireland is a nation of sports fans that support their national teams with an exuberance that is uniquely Irish. It also crosses into the traditional Irish sports of Hurling and Gaelic football. Hurling is a field game similar to hockey, played with a small ball and a curved wooden stick. It has been played for over 2000 years when Celt's first arrived.

Gaelic Football is a blend of soccer and rugby, though it is older than both of those games. It is a field game played on a pitch 137m long and 82m wide. The goalposts are the same shape as on a rugby pitch. The ball is round like a soccer ball and the object of the game is to get the ball over the cross bar of the opposing teams goal. The ball is passed up the field by bouncing, kicking, passing and running with the ball. During the summer months each town and village is involved in the Gaelic Games which culminates in the All-Ireland Finals in September at Croke Park in Dublin. to trace the history of the sport go to the GAA Museum in Dublin.

DRESS
The best thing to do is bring one set of formal clothes to wear out (literally) for more dressy occasions. For the most part, sensible clothing that is not too skimpy or tight will suffice. Keep yourself tidy and your clothes clean and ensure sufficient body cover, particularly when visiting churches and other religious establishments. However the Irish are not so formal for day to day wear. Bring something smart for church, funerals and formal occasions. Summers are never that hot and you can expect rain at all times of the year. Always bring warm clothes and rain gear.

FOR WOMEN
Ireland is generally a relatively safe country to travel in as a female, even if you are alone. However it is always best to dress sensibly, not to be out late alone and not to visit areas where self-respecting Irish women would be, unless you want to be there!

HOSPITALITY
If you have been invited somewhere for dinner dress smart casual. Try to arrive punctually within 15 minutes of the appointed time or ring to inform your host otherwise. It is polite to bring a small gift or contribution to dinner.

LANGUAGE
English with the wonderful Irish accent is now spoken throughout the Republic and Ireland. However the Celts spoke a Indo-European language called Irish Gaelic. Modern Irish descends from Celtic languages and dialects. After the British colonisation and the institution of english as the official language, Irish Gaelic was almost considered a dead language. In the last decades however, the Irish have set an intensive program for the recovery of Gaelic linguist tradition. Now Irish Gaelic is the second official language after English, and Irish is a compulsory subject in public schools.

APPOINTMENTS
Try to arrive within 15 minutes of the appointed time and ring if you are going to later.