One more thing to mention - the obsession with talking about the weather or other small talk! Again, something I was not used to up to my arrival in Ireland. Since the weather does change every five minutes, I guess it makes a rather convenient topic for small talk. Other questions such as “Are you parents still alive?” or “Are you a Catholic?” are also quiet a shock to a newcomer. On the other hand, Irish people will never ask you how much you earn, so I guess they do have some taboo topics (besides sex).