The purpose of this post is to help those of you planning on visiting Ireland avoid those potentially awkward situations, and to just provide you with some fabulous advice.
#1. DONT say "Top O' the Mornin'" to an Irish person. Some may take offense, but you will just look ignorant more than anything.
#2. DO remember to look both ways before crossing the street. They obviously drive on the left side here, which can take a second to get used to.
#3. You don't need to tip waiters, bartenders, or taxi drivers unless you would like to, or unless they do an extremely exceptional job. :)))
#4. DO start saving up as much as you can. You will want to be able to do lots of traveling to different cities or even countries during your free time. I have found it to be a little more expensive living over here. Part of it may be due to the exchange rate, but the only things I have really found to be cheaper are clementines and olive oil. Not to discourage any of you, because I absolutely love Ireland. But my "I owe my parents a ton of money" tab is getting a little hefty.
#5. Don't throw up the reverse peace sign. I don't feel the need to elaborate upon this one.
#6. Don't call it "St. Patty's Day." None of the Irish call it that; it's "Paddy's Day" with two D's, not patty like a hamburger. I was mocked for this a couple of times.
#7. Do bring a backpack or a re-usable grocery bag to the store, since most do not provide plastic bags at checkout.
#8. DO try an Irish fry. White and black pudding, rashers, soda bread, baked beans, fried tomatoes, fried eggs, and Irish sausage. Gotta love the traditional Irish breakfast.
#9. Don't take a long shower. You'll figure this out sooner or later if you're living in Plassey. Some houses have this mystical thing called an "immersion" here in Ireland.
#10. DONT forget that umbrella! It's always when you forget it that it rains.
#11. DO have the craic. You're only here for so long, don't spend it in your room! Go to the Sports Arena on campus, the milk market on Saturdays, see a Hurling or Rugby match, try different foods, meet new people and travel the country. Lots to do and so little time. :)
