Doing Business in Ireland

If you plan on doing business in Ireland, you can look forward to a welcoming and friendly work environment.

An active member of the European Union, Ireland is viewed by many foreign companies as a gateway to the European market. Numerous multinational firms have offices in Ireland, particularly in Dublin, the country’s commercial and economic centre.

Most expats work in one of the major industries in Ireland, which include business services, finance, IT, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry.

Fast facts

Business hours

The workweek in Ireland is Monday to Friday, and office hours are generally from 9am to 5.30pm, with an hour-long lunch break.

Business language

English is the main language of business in Ireland.

Dress

Traditional corporate environments like finance and law typically require dark suits and formal attire, while creative industries such as media and tech often embrace smart casual dress codes. The public sector typically leans towards business casual, especially for non-client-facing roles.

Gifts

Gifts are not usually part of Irish business, but flowers, chocolates, or a good bottle of wine or spirits are appropriate if invited to an Irish associate's house.

Greeting

A firm handshake and direct eye contact are appropriate greetings with Irish associates.

Gender equality

While men still dominate the business arena in terms of senior positions, women are treated equally, and many women hold high positions in Irish business and political circles.

Business culture in Ireland

Humour

Although the business culture in Ireland is generally conservative, the Irish are known for being modest and having a good sense of humour. Jokes and teasing are a part of general conversation, and this can extend to business meetings as a way to build rapport and avoid conflict. Expats may struggle to reconcile Irish humour with the professional environment but should take it in the good spirit in which it is intended.

Hierarchy

Business structures in Ireland are hierarchical. Decisions are usually made at the top, but the division between managers and subordinates can sometimes be blurred. Irish businesspeople are often less formal and more friendly than their European counterparts.

Meetings

Business meetings can be unstructured, and it’s not unusual to conduct them outside the office – in a coffee shop or even over a pint of Guinness at the pub. Many business interactions also take place on the golf course.

Networking and establishing good rapport is important in Irish business, and expats should allow for small talk before negotiations officially begin. Polite conversation can centre on Irish culture and sport, but politics and religion should be avoided. Once negotiations start, the meeting should be focused on business, and the conversation should be direct and to the point.

Avoid being loud or arrogant in your interactions, as this may be met with suspicion. Professional titles are not prevalent in Irish business culture, and titles will not automatically command respect. It’s not unusual to move to a first-name basis with Irish associates fairly soon, but you should wait for your Irish colleagues to invite you to do so first.

Time

The Irish have a reputation for being shrewd negotiators. They prefer systematic procedures and a relaxed sense of time, meaning that decision-making can be a slow process. While an expat’s hosts may be late for business or social engagements, they should always be punctual out of respect.

Family and religion

Family forms an integral part of Irish culture. Many businesses are family-owned and business in Ireland is often based on whom a person knows, making relationships integral to success in the workplace. Although much less than it used to, religion also plays an important role in Irish culture. Most of the population grew up in a Catholic home, deeply influencing Ireland’s cultural values and social norms.

Dos and don’ts of business in Ireland

• Don’t refer to the Republic of Ireland as part of the United Kingdom, and don’t refer to Northern Ireland as part of the Republic of Ireland. These are two completely different political entities, and this is a sensitive subject.
• Don’t talk about religious matters
• Do exchange business cards when meeting with Irish associates
• Do maintain eye contact when speaking to Irish associates. This is seen as a sign of respect, and avoiding eye contact may be viewed with suspicion.