Pub Etiquette in Ireland: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Pint

Irish pubs are more than just places to grab a drink – they’re the heart of Ireland’s social scene, where locals and visitors come together to catch up, share stories, enjoy music, and have the craic. 

From how to order a drink to joining in on rounds, this guide will cover the essentials to ensure your visit to The Temple Bar Pub (or any Irish pub) is smooth and enjoyable. Understanding a few key pub etiquette rules in Ireland will help you make the most of your experience.

Ordering Drinks Like a Local

In Irish pubs, ordering your drink is a bit of an art. Instead of waiting for a server to take your order, it’s standard in a pub setting to approach the bar and ask for your drink directly. Once you’ve got the bartender’s attention, it’s best to know what you want. But, if you want a recommendation – just ask! Irish bartenders are known for being friendly and will be happy to help.

Buying Rounds in an Irish Pub

One of the cornerstones of Irish pub culture is the ‘round system’, and it’s something you’ll want to get familiar with quickly if you’re visiting an Irish pub. The tradition is simple: when you’re out with a group, one person buys drinks for everyone, and then the next person takes their turn to get the next round. It’s an unspoken rule that if you’re in rounds, you’ll be expected to buy a round at some point, so be sure to take your turn when it comes around.

If you’re not up for buying rounds, that’s perfectly fine! It’s good pub etiquette to let your group know ahead of time – the main thing is to avoid skipping your turn without saying anything. At The Temple Bar Pub, this tradition is alive and well, and participating is a great way to experience true Irish pub experience.

Should you Tip in Pubs in Ireland

Tipping in Irish pubs can be a bit different from what you might be used to in other countries. Unlike restaurants, tipping bartenders for a drink in Irish pubs isn’t as common, but it’s always appreciated for top service. If you do decide to leave a tip, a small amount or rounding up the bill will be more than enough. In tourist-heavy areas like The Temple Bar Pub, it’s not unusual for visitors to leave a tip, especially if they’re having food too, and they’ve received great service or if a staff member has gone the extra mile.

That said, there’s no pressure to tip for every round you order. If you’ve had a few pints and want to show your appreciation, leaving a tip at the end of your visit is a nice gesture. The main thing to remember is that while tipping isn’t expected, it’s always welcomed with a smile.

Respecting the Space in an Irish Pub

Pubs in Ireland can get busy, especially in popular spots like The Temple Bar Pub, and it’s important to respect the space around you. When ordering at a busy bar, don’t linger too long after getting your drink. Step back to let others in so others can get a drink. It’s a simple but key part of pub etiquette that keeps things moving smoothly.

If you’re sitting at a table, try not to hog seats if you’re not using them – especially during peak times when the pub is packed. Sharing tables with other patrons is common in Irish pubs, and it’s a great way to meet new people and strike up a conversation. The atmosphere in Dublin’s pubs is social and welcoming, and giving others space only adds to that friendliness.

Know the Lingo

When you walk into an Irish pub, especially one as lively as The Temple Bar Pub, it helps to know a bit of the local pub lingo. First up: “What’ll you have?” This is what bartenders will often ask when it’s your turn to order. Don’t be shy, they’re ready to serve.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try asking for a “pint” of something local. And, of course, when it’s time to raise your glass, you’ll hear the familiar “Cheers!” or the Irish version, “Sláinte!” (pronounced slawn-cha), meaning “good health.” Getting the hang of these simple phrases will help you feel right at home in any pub.

Handling Live Music and Sessions

Live music is one of the many things that makes Irish pubs, especially places like The Temple Bar Pub, so special. Whether it’s a full band or a trad session, you’ll often find yourself enjoying a live performance during your visit. When the music starts, it’s considered respectful to give the musicians your attention – after all, they’re there to enhance the atmosphere and share a bit of Irish culture with you.

Feel free to tap your feet or sing along, but keep conversations at a lower volume so everyone can enjoy the performance. Applauding after each song is always appreciated by the musicians. And don’t be surprised if the vibe turns social – sometimes, in smaller pubs, you might even be invited to join in a singalong! Just remember to keep the spirit of the music alive by being respectful and joining the fun in the right moments.

Closing Time in Irish Pubs

When the night’s drawing to a close, Irish pubs have a system for signalling last orders. You see the bartender flash the lights, or hear them ringing a bell to let everyone know it’s time for their final drink. This gives you a chance to grab one last pint before the night officially wraps up. Be aware that once last orders are called, the pub will close shortly after, so it’s best to settle up your tab and finish your drink in good time.

At The Temple Bar Pub, as in many pubs across Dublin, closing times can vary depending on the day of the week or special occasions. We close at 1am from Sunday – Thursday, and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Whatever the hour, at closing time in Irish pubs patrons are expected to head out respectfully when the time comes.

Navigating Irish pub culture is all part of the experience when you visit Dublin, and knowing these few key etiquette tips can make your night even more enjoyable. At The Temple Bar Pub, you’re in for an authentic Irish pub experience – so grab a pint, join in the fun, and enjoy! 

Thank you for reading our blog ‘Pub Etiquette in Ireland: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Pint’. We hope to see you at The Temple Bar Pub soon.