One difference between Irish and American culture is when to arrive for arranged events. In American culture, we consider it polite to arrive early, however in Irish culture, arriving early is considered rude. The Irish see it as if someone arrives early, then they are taking time away from the people they are meeting. It is considered polite to arrive exactly on or very close to the time decided.

Another difference is how people speak to each other. In American culture, we speak very directly. But, this method of speaking is considered rude in Irish culture because it is seen as demanding. For example, when ordering food, Americans say, “I’ll have …”. The Irish, however, typically say “Can I please have …” or a similar phrase. The Irish make an effort to not be demanding because they were demanded by the British for generations and they have a very hateful and violent past with the British.