until 5:30PM, or 6PM, Monday-Saturday. Many towns have one weeknight for late shopping, usually Thursday or Friday, when shops remain open until 8PM, or 9PM.2 People in Ireland view business appointments very seriously in Ireland. Be prompt, but allow your Irish counterpart the leeway to be late.3 Avoid appointments in June or August (vacations), and around holidays.CLOTHING and FOODIrish clothing is much like that of the United States. Proper business attire consists of a suit and tie while casual clothing is a decision based on ones personal preference. The color of choice is green, which represents the rolling green pastures of Ireland.4 Men wear kilts on special occasions to recognize the dress of their ancestors.5 These kilts are much like skirts that reach to the knees. They are often made of either wool or cotton, and display a plaid pattern. Most men wear their kilts on St. Patricks Day. Attitude towards human body odors is parallel to that of the United States. Irish people eat three meals a day, much like Americans. The food is also much of the same. Contrary to popular belief, corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes are not eaten on a regular basis. However, when you move away from the large cities of Dublin and Galway, the way food is presented is in some ways different. For example, when ordering a tuna salad sandwich, one would anticipate tuna, mayonnaise, and maybe some celery or onions. Actually, what would be served would be some plain tuna on bread with a dinner salad on the side, hence the name Tuna Salad Sandwich. Most business is done in the aforementioned major cities. Most business entertainment is done at large hotels or restaurants. Food and drink is usually decided upon by whoever is planning the engagement. At these gatherings it is a large part of the Irish culture. The seat of honor is at the head of the table or, for larger parties, in the front of the room.POLITICAL PATTERNSThe Irish political system is a stab...
