Current Time in Dublin
Irish culture regarding time
Irish culture regarding time
The concept of "Irish time"
Irish people have a sense of time called "Irish time", and there is a cultural tolerance that allows for some delays in appointments. It is not uncommon for people to be 15-30 minutes late, especially in social gatherings.
Pub culture and the flow of time
Time flows slowly in Irish pubs, and closing times can be interpreted flexibly. When traditional sessions (music performances) begin, people can lose track of time and continue until late into the night.
Adapting to daylight hours
In winter, the sun sets before 4pm, so people tend to be active earlier. Conversely, in summer, it is light until after 10pm, so social activities become more active in the evenings.
Irish values regarding time
Relationships take priority over time
In Ireland, people tend to place more importance on relationships and conversations in the moment than on being punctual. If you meet an acquaintance on the street, you will often prioritize the conversation over your plans.
Emphasis on work-life balance
Overtime is not popular, and people value time with family and friends after leaving work on time. Friday afternoon is called "early finish", and it is customary to finish work early.
Accept the rhythm of nature
Because the weather often changes suddenly, there is a tolerance to flexibly change plans to match the rhythm of nature. The idea that "tomorrow will blow tomorrow's wind" is deeply rooted.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or moving to Ireland
Be aware of store opening hours
In rural areas, retail stores often have a "lunchtime" that closes from 13:00 to 14:00, and most stores close early on Sundays. Supermarkets are open late on Thursdays and Fridays.
Public transport is infrequent
Buses and trains on local routes are infrequent, and even less frequent on weekends. It is important to check the timetable in advance and act with plenty of time to spare.
Government Efficiency
Government procedures and other things often take longer than expected, so it is wise to complete important matters early. Even if someone says "right away," it is not uncommon for it to take several days.
Interesting trivia about time in Ireland
"Joyce Time" in Dublin
In commemoration of the writer James Joyce, a stopwatch shop in Dublin, "Sweny's," displays a clock that is 20 minutes behind the actual time as "Joyce Time."
Special names for daylight saving time
In Ireland, daylight saving time is called "Irish Summer Time" instead of "Daylight Saving Time," which shows a unique awareness of time.
New Year's "First Foot" Tradition
It is believed that the first person to visit a house in the new year (the first foot) will determine the fortunes of that house for the year, and so the division of time has a special meaning.