Northern Ireland is a greap place to visit but you need to know the local customs. This video will show you how to navigate Northern Irelands religious Cultural divide Ireland Travel information from the local perspective #ireland #irelandinview #NorthernIreland #travelvlog #cu8lture #traditions #dublinvlog #Irelandvlog #irelandtravelguide #irelandroadtrip #irelandphotography #giantscauseway #belfast
00:00Welcome back to Ireland in View, the channel where we bring you modern Ireland today.
00:05Visitors to Ireland don't always know the difference between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
00:10and can get themselves into trouble in the North.
00:13Keep watching to avoid the pitfalls.
00:16Here are some things a first-time visitor should never do in the North.
00:211. Never discuss Irish politics or religion unless you know the person's affiliations that you are speaking to.
00:28A short explainer, the population in the North is divided in allegiance.
00:32Just over 50% of Northerners might support a united Ireland currently, ruled from Dublin.
00:39The remainder wish to remain under British rule, from London, and want nothing to do with the Republican government in Dublin.
00:46Into that mix, let's throw you the innocent traveller.
00:50There are two cultures, one based on Irish Gaelic tradition and one based mainly on Scottish planter traditions.
00:58Both cultures are based on Gaelic, but from separate geographic areas.
01:04You might want to research and explore that one on a visit.
01:07The Northern Nationalists support the Irish language while the Northern Unionists hate it.
01:12The Northern Nationalists support the Gaelic Athletic Association based at Croke Park, Dublin.
01:17Commonly known and joked about as the Grab All Association because of its financial needs to fund Gaelic sport.
01:25The Unionists want nothing to do with that.
01:28So the first lesson is keep the peace.
01:30Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion unless you're with close friends who are open to the discussion.
01:37Instead, first focus on the beautiful scenery and the non-political culture.
01:42It's essential to be respectful and avoid making assumptions.
01:46If the topic arises, simply ask people about their preferences rather than labeling them.
01:51We would even suggest avoiding some parts of Northern Ireland in July when sensitivities do run high, particularly around the 12th.
01:59By the way, if you are enjoying our videos where we look at Irish life today, can we ask you to follow, subscribe, and share?
02:05It helps us reach a larger audience.
02:09Up next, the tipping culture.
02:12In restaurants and cafes, a tip of around 5 to 10% is standard if service is not included.
02:19However, if service is exceptional, feel free to tip more.
02:23Conversely, avoid tipping excessively as it may be seen as unnecessary.
02:28Just follow the local customs and you'll be good to go.
02:30We ourselves, because we come from the hospitality industry, tend to tip more to the less well-paid, such as hotel cleaning staff.
02:38But it's entirely your choice.
02:40The next don't do is not so obvious.
02:42While credit cards are widely accepted, some smaller shops, pubs, or rural areas may only accept cash.
02:49It's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for local markets or eateries.
02:54You wouldn't want to miss out on that delicious soda bread just because you can't pay.
02:58Remember, Northern Ireland uses its own currency of British pounds, which you cannot, for some reason, use in England, Scotland, or Wales, if you are traveling over to, say, Scotland.
03:07The Republic, of course, uses the euro.
03:10The next tip is perhaps an obvious one to avoid.
03:14Stereotypes can lead to misunderstandings.
03:17While the Irish are known for their hospitality, avoid assumptions about drinking habits or friendliness.
03:24Not all Irish people, north or south, live all the time in a pub.
03:28Engage people as individuals, and you'll find that everyone has a unique story to share.
03:33Next up, familiarizing yourself with local customs can enrich your experience.
03:38For example, use the local language when having a quiet drink.
03:43Words such as sláinte, cheers, etc.
03:46Observing social cues can help you navigate interactions seamlessly.
03:51Very much like in the Republic, if someone buys you a drink, offer to buy them one back.
03:56They don't like cheap skates in the north any more than in the south.
04:01Depending on which side of the political or religious divide you're in, observe and follow the customs.
04:07They may be the same or completely different.
04:10Look outside and see which flags are flying.
04:13It will be the United Kingdom Union flag or the Irish tricolor and act accordingly.
04:19Next up, don't make the mistake of thinking there are only three things in the north to see.
04:24The Titanic exhibition, the Giant's Causeway, or the Derry stroke Londonderry city walls.
04:31There is so much more.
04:32Northern Ireland is not just about its cities.
04:35The countryside is filled with stunning landscapes such as the Causeway Coast, the Antrim Coast Road, and the Morne Mountains.
04:43Make sure to explore these areas to fully appreciate the beauty of Northern Ireland.
04:49Next up, don't forget to respect personal space.
04:53Cultural norms regarding personal space can differ.
04:56In Northern Ireland, people may prefer a bit more distance than what you might be used to in the, say, the U.S.
05:02Be attentive to body language and respect personal boundaries to ensure comfortable interactions.
05:08Next, don't disregard the weather.
05:11The weather in Northern Ireland can change rapidly.
05:14Expect rain at any time, even in the summer.
05:17Always check the forecast and pack waterproof gear.
05:20A good umbrella can be your best friend.
05:23Layer up to peel off.
05:24Don't miss out on local cuisine.
05:26Don't stick to familiar food.
05:28Northern Ireland has a rich culinary scene.
05:31Try traditional dishes like Irish stew, champ, potato and soda, or wheat and bread.
05:36Visiting local pubs for food is a great way to experience the culture.
05:41Finally, don't forget, from January 2025, you will need an electronic travel authorization
05:47to cross the Irish border into the United Kingdom-controlled Northern Ireland
05:51if you are from outside Ireland and the European Union, which will be included later in 2025.
05:58Links will be in the description.
06:00Finally, finally, don't get caught with this one.
06:04There are no toll roads in the North, and when hiring a car in Dublin,
06:09please make sure your insurance is covered in the higher cost for the North.
06:14Some car hire companies include it, some companies exclude it, and it's an add-on.
06:19Don't worry about driving on the left in Ireland North and South.
06:23If you can drive an American freeway, you can drive anywhere in Ireland.
06:28We hope you enjoy your trip north.
06:31By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can make the most of your visit to Northern Ireland.
06:36If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more travel tips.
06:42Share your own experiences in the comments below.
