Irish folk are known for their slang, so if you want to stay hip, try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Bang on: Meaning you’re right, accurate; “You are bang on.”
• Black stuff: Guinness; “A pint of the black stuff please!.”
• Brutal: Meaning awful or dreadful; “That was a brutal tackle.”
• Craic: Pronounce like crack; meaning fun, going on’s like “What’s the craic?” “Where’s the craic?”
• Deadly or Savage: Fantastic or great; “That was a deadly joke.”
• Grand: A reply to most questions like how are you, how are you feeling, in response to a statement; “How are you? Grand.” “Meet me here. Grand.”
• Knackered or Shattered: Exhausted
• Langers: Drunk

• The locals in Ireland are known for being friendly. Spark up conversation in the pubs and you may even find a new friend.
• We said it before and we’ll say it again: The weather changes in an instant. Expect the unexpected.
• It’s tempting to take pictures at every corner or of every pint you purchase, but remember that life in Ireland is all about living in the moment. Enjoy it!
• When at the pubs with a group, it’s common for each person to take turns “buying a round” for the rest of the group. Try it out with your new friends!
• Try new foods, we promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.

• Irish Stew: Ireland’s most famous dish of meat, potatoes, onions, and more
• The Full Irish: Or, Irish breakfast, usually consists of soda bread, bacon, eggs, fried sausages, mushrooms or tomatoes. Locals get their fuel for the day with this massive feast
• Salmon: Smoked or Irish, Salmon is a treat in Ireland and always fresh! Especially from April – June
• Galway Oysters: The best oysters are found in the West of Ireland, harvested in Clarinbridge.
• Soda Bread: Every Irish family has their own soda bread recipe, but it’s always good with butter, alongside Irish stew, or on its own
• Coddle: A slow cooked combination of sausage, bacon, onions, and potatoes
• Guinness & Guinness Cake: Why not pair a fresh pint o’ Guinness with a cake made from the dark stout? You’re on vacation, after all.
• Boxty: Essentially a mashed and grated potato in dumpling-form. Try it at Dublin’s Temple Bar!
• Black and white pudding: No, not like a Snack Pack. It’s pudding made from blood and fat mixed with barley, pork meat, oatmeal, and suet in one sausage. Trust us, try it.