How to Greet People in Ireland: Handshakes, Hugs, and Etiquette

Irish greetings blend warmth with respect for personal space. The appropriate form depends on familiarity:

Common Greetings

• Handshake: Standard for business, acquaintances, and first meetings. Firm grip, eye contact, smile.
• Hug: Common among friends and family. Usually brief; one or two arms.
• Kiss on the Cheek: Close friends/family (often one kiss, sometimes two). Women kiss women; men kiss women; men usually handshake/hug.
• Nod / Smile / "Alright?": Casual, for neighbors, coworkers, or passing acquaintances.

Verbal Etiquette

• Use titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) + surname until invited to use first names.
• First names are standard among peers, friends, and youth.
• "How are you?" / "How's things?" / "What's the story?" are ritual greetings, not literal inquiries.

Non-Verbal Nuances

• Irish people often stand closer than Northern Europeans/North Americans; don't step back abruptly.
• Maintain eye contact—it signals honesty and engagement.
• Avoid overly effusive or invasive gestures with strangers.

When in doubt, a friendly handshake with eye contact and a smile is never wrong.