Rules of the Irish Pub
Regardless if you’re about to head on a Galways Stag Party weekend, following the 12 pubs rules with the lads or just heading out on another Saturday night in town, there are a couple of rules you should follow whenever you set foot into an Irish pub. Some Irish pub etiquette, if you will. Without further ado, here are the Rules of the Irish Pub you should all know!
Essential Irish Pub Etiquette
From pub crisps to etiquette for that inevitable visit to the jacks, these are your essential Irish pub etiquette.
The Splitting Open a Bag of Crisps for Sharing
Pub crisps are a staple in the Irish pub. Pub crisps are essentially Ireland’s version of Spanish tapas and should be treated as such. Whenever you pick up a packet of crisps at the bar, the golden rule in an Irish Pub is to split the bag wide open and share them with everyone at the table. This is to be done regardless of whether the person purchasing said crisps is starving or not. And to make the crisp purchasing decision process that much easier, Tayto Cheese & Onion are always a crowd-pleaser. That’s one of the things we love about Tayto; even if you’re crossing the border for a Derry Stag Party, you’re still sure to find a packet of Tayto behind the bar.
The Rounds Rule
Should someone get a round in while in the pub and/or gets you a pint, it’s absolutely essential you get a round back. Also, if for some bizarre reason you have to leave early, you can jump the queue in the rounds, so you can buy your round to get out essentially. This is a gentleman’s courtesy.
Urinal Etiquette
Very simple, lads, and an essential piece of Irish pub etiquette. There should be one urinal between you and the other person where possible. If it’s a busy bar, then you just take the first available. But if there is only 2 of ye in there. Make sure you keep your distance. No one wants to be in the splash zone. Eyes forward at all times also.
Also, talking is kept to a minimum. Even if this is one of your best mates. This rule tends to diminish as the night wears on, the increase in volume of alcohol and when the seal is well and truly broken.
Respect the Bar Staff
The bar staff should be respected, for they hold the key to pouring you another pint or serving up another whiskey. You should never whip out a note and start tapping the bar or waving it in the air. (Which I’ve seen been done). Instead, you may beckon the bar man with the head tilt, raising of the eyebrows or the raising of fingers to indicate the number of drinks followed by mouthing the name of drink!
Irish Pub Rules
Now that you’ve got an idea as to the essential pub etiquette in Ireland, check out these Irish pub rules that are good to know and key to an enjoyable visit at just about any respectable Irish pub.
Conversation length vs Number of Pints
We love to talk in this country. And there is nothing better when the conversation flows over pints. However, the story length is linked to the number of pints or time spent in the pub. The longer you spend in a pub, the longer anyone’s drunk story becomes.
Seating
You should always ask before taking a stool from a table in a pub. Those who don’t have awful pub manners. If they don’t do the slightly awkward ‘is it ok to take the stool?’ moment then they shouldn’t be allowed to have it. Be prepared to stand though depending on where you’re heading. If you’re out for a stag in Killarney, good luck finding a seat!
Also, on a side note with seating in a pub, you should never sit in front of someone’s view of the TV for the match.
That Guy
This is another essential Irish pub rule. Simply put, don’t be That Guy in the pub. You know who he is. Falling all over the place, bumping into people on his way to the jacks and shouting random stuff at the TV. Don’t be him.
Shots
If you’ve been on an all-day session, at some point, someone will mention shots. This is very true on a stag party weekend! In my opinion, there are a few guidelines for shots in a pub.
- If you’re about to order your 3rd shot, you should be heading to a club or the late bar section.
- Jager Bombs have a ratio of 3 Jagermeister to one Red Bull.
Old Man Should Not Be Bothered
Of all the Rules of the Irish Pub, this is in my opinion is the rule that should never be broken. Do not bother the local old man of the pub.
Every pub has one. They are held in high regard in their local watering hole and have probably been drinking there long before you were even born. They have their own seat, which should be vacated if they show up. Also, they can be rude to everyone and get served before you. And never interrupt an Old Irish Man telling a story.
So, there you have it, lads. The simple Rules of the Irish Pub you should keep in mind on your next night out or Stag Party weekend!
Finally, if you’re looking to book your stag party weekend. Drop us a line on info@stagparty.ie for more details!
So lads, don’t forget to check out our website and also follow us on Facebook if you’re looking for more information for your Stag Party. Whether it’s activities, locations, ideas or tips, we’ve got it all!
