More than a passion, a religion
If you have just moved to Ireland, you might be first taken aback by its mild climate with frequent rainfall and the driving on the right, but what will impress you is the number or Irish people who love their favourite sports team and their country's national team. They don't hesitate to show their preferences and support by wearing the jersey with the colours of their team – even to go to work. You can compare the Irish to the Brazilian who share a similar passion for football, or to the Thai for their love for Thai boxing.
The Irish are big fans of MMA fights with Conor McGregor who is the current world champion in his category. Gaelic football, on the other hand, is a typical Irish sport mixing American football and rugby involving a lot of physical contact. Rugby, of course, is equally popular with people of all ages. After work, they will get together in a pub to watch a live match, have a beer and hopefully celebrate the victory by singing and dancing in the streets. The Irish are actually proud of their national team just like the Americans, as they say.
Interact with people
The most popular area in Dublin, the Temple Bar, is the reference for the arts and a vibrant nightlife in its bars, pubs, and restaurants. As you walk along the streets, you will come across talented singers and street musicians who greatly contribute to the neighbourhood's lively ambience. Each pub is a universe in its own, where among other types of sounds and entertainment, you can enjoy folk music by local groups giving a live concert.
Pubs are Irish's favourite after work places for a good chat with colleagues and friends or – why not – for meeting new people. It's not uncommon to find yourself into a serious or thought-provoking conversation with someone you have just met while ordering a beer. In Ireland, you don't have to be accompanied to fit in – the Irish are so warm and welcoming that you will always be part of a group, as long as you are friendly and open to interaction. Pubs are without a doubt what makes Dublin, and Ireland as a whole, so charming and socially appealing. So, next time you head to the pub in Ireland, remember that people are there to meet others, have a chat, and exchange views. It's possible that in the background there will be live sports showing on a big screen.
A meeting place for everyone
Most pubs in Ireland are very open to the public, regardless of their age, provided they are adults of course. In some cases, children are also allowed into pubs, even though some restrictions apply. Children younger than 15 years old, can stay in the pub between 10.30 am and 9 pm (or 10 pm in summer) when accompanied by an adult. Over 15 years old minors can stay till late if accompanied by an adult. And if you are thinking about pubs as a men's spot, you are wrong – women enjoy going to the pub as much as the men do!
