Ireland is a country located in Western Europe. It is often talked about for its beauty, its rich history, and its culture. Ireland lies to the west of Great Britain and is divided into two main parts. The first part is the Republic of Ireland, which occupies most of the island. The second part is Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. When people talk about Ireland, they often mention its lush green landscapes, stunning coastlines, and majestic mountains. Every country has its own characteristics, customs, and culture— and Ireland is no exception! Today, we will explore the cultural differences between Ireland and France. Although these two countries are not very far from each other geographically, significant cultural differences exist between them. However, as both are European nations, they also share some similarities.
- the kitchen
Loving good food and enjoying discovering local specialties in every country I visit, it seems obvious to start discussing the cultural differences between France and Ireland by talking about food. In general, Irish cuisine consists of hearty and comforting dishes. Some typical examples include colcannon, a traditional dish made of potatoes and cabbage, and Irish stew. Irish cuisine differs greatly from French cuisine, which is known for its sophistication and variety. French gastronomy is famous worldwide, and when foreigners think of French food, they often mention baguettes, cheese, crêpes, or foie gras, which are considered refined dishes. One of the biggest cultural differences between Ireland and France is breakfast and its composition. In Ireland, you won’t find the typical French breakfast, which mainly consists of sweet ingredients. Say goodbye to pastries, toasted bread with jam, chocolate spread, or cereal! Instead, Irish breakfast is a mix of sweet and savory and, like most Irish meals, is very filling. In fact, an Irish breakfast can be so hearty that you might not even need lunch afterward! A traditional full Irish breakfast typically includes eggs, black pudding (Irish blood sausage), sausages, bacon, baked beans, porridge (a cereal-based dish), toast with orange marmalade, and more! There are so many options! This rich and generous meal perfectly reflects Irish hospitality. If you want to try it yourself, you can visit a traditional Irish pub.
- Irish Pub
Let’s talk about Irish pubs! The Irish pub, or as it’s called in Irish, “Irish Pub”, is quite different from the bars you typically find in France. While some people in France enjoy going to bars, it’s not necessarily a habit shared by the majority of the population. For those who do, bars are often a place to meet friends, socialize, chat, and have a drink after work before heading home. In Ireland, however, people go out to an Irish pub, a type of bar that is much warmer and more inviting than the traditional bars found in France. Music is a key element in every Irish pub, allowing customers to dance and sing along. Some pubs also serve food, though not all of them do, so if you’re planning to have a meal in an Irish pub, it’s best to check in advance whether they have a kitchen. Most Irish pubs also broadcast Gaelic sports matches, which adds to the lively atmosphere. The Irish pub is truly a cultural institution, a place where locals love to gather, making it a fundamental part of Irish culture. So, as you can see, bars and pubs are a major cultural difference between France and Ireland. If you ever visit Ireland, going to an Irish pub is an experience you won’t want to miss!
- Lifestyle, Pace of Life, and Social Interactions
Continuing our discussion on the cultural differences between France and Ireland, let’s now talk about lifestyle and pace of life. When you go to Ireland, you will quickly notice that people generally have a more relaxed attitude than in other European countries. The Irish see life more positively than we French do. People tend to take their time much more in Ireland than in France, and they truly enjoy moments of relaxation with friends. This once again reflects the conviviality of the Irish island. Sociability clearly holds a major place for the Irish, who enjoy taking life as it comes and sharing a drink in a pub with their friends. Ireland is particularly influenced by music and Celtic culture, so traditional Irish music is very present, and it’s not uncommon to see live music performances in the streets. There are also many festivals in Ireland. In France, the pace of life can be much more fast-paced, especially in big cities, although it is just as important for the French to have moments with friends and family.
- The culture
In Ireland, culture is deeply rooted in folklore traditions, and traditional music is widely played. Many Irish people play instruments such as the violin or the Celtic harp. During Saint Patrick’s Day, numerous festivals take place all over Ireland. Visiting Ireland during this period can be a great experience, as it shows how important Saint Patrick’s Day is to the country. France, on the other hand, is famous for its artistic and cultural heritage, but the difference lies in the diversity of cultural fields. France has produced many renowned writers, painters, and musicians. The country is also home to some of the world’s most famous festivals, such as the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, La Fête de la Musique is an essential part of French culture, perfectly illustrating the country’s rich artistic scene, with musicians from various backgrounds performing a wide range of music styles.
- The religion
Historically, Ireland is a Catholic country. Many Irish people are still practicing today, and society maintains strong ties with the Church. Catholicism remains deeply present, particularly in many aspects of Irish social and political life. In contrast, France follows the principle of secularism, which has led to a strict separation between the State and religious organizations. Historically, Catholicism was the dominant religion in France, but the country has long adopted a strictly secular approach to public affairs. This is reflected in the religious diversity found in France today.
- Spoken languages
It may seem simple, but another cultural difference between France and Ireland is language. In France, there is only one official language, which is French. In Ireland, however, there are two official languages: English and Irish Gaelic (Gaelige). English is the most commonly used language in the country, but Gaelic still holds cultural importance, especially in certain regions. Another difference is driving. In Ireland, people drive on the left-hand side of the road, unlike in France, where driving is on the right-hand side.
- The driving
French roads are known for being of high quality, but as a result, tolls are often quite expensive to maintain these roads. In contrast, in Ireland, the situation is quite different. The roads are narrow and winding, and it is not uncommon to see sheep along the roadside. The road infrastructure in Ireland is significantly different from that in France, and the budget allocated to road maintenance in Ireland is much lower compared to France.
As you can see, each country has its own specificities, culture, and customs. From one country to another, there are notable differences. This is true across all European countries. Even though both France and Ireland are part of Europe, the history and past of each country have influenced the lifestyles of their populations, resulting in cultural differences. This is why there are so many cultural differences between France and Ireland. If you’re interested in learning about the cultural differences between France and another English-speaking country, you can read about the differences between France and Malta. You’ll find that there are several differences there too. Contact us if you want to do your internship in Ireland. Before you leave, test your English level right here. If you have any questions in the meantime, we might answer them here!