After spending a full day in Dublin, Ireland, I found that I absolutely adore this city! Together, the scenery, the people, and the history create a lively atmosphere. I was shocked to see that most people tend to dress up in nicer clothes, no matter the occasion. In the U.S. I am used to seeing lots of athleisure, sweatpants, and hoodies, especially when it is cold. In Ireland, I see tons of blouses, blazers, trench coats, and nice pants. Also, I thought it was silly that double-decker buses were such a popular mode of transportation, but I now realize it is more efficient than the super long Port Authority buses we have in Pittsburgh.

Learning about the history of Ireland has allowed me to better understand the country’s modern society. Understanding Ireland’s historical context will allow me to become a better business consultant. The culture of your client will dictate how you do business with them. For instance, what is the typical communication style in that country? Are they assertive? Passive? The Irish tend to be naturally talkative and personable; thus, it is better to mimic this communication style when doing business. Additionally, history provides people with a sense of identity. After attending the tours today, I can tell that Irish people are very proud to be Irish. By recognizing their rich history as a consultant, you can connect with a client on a deeper level and spark engaging conversations. Hopefully, this will lead to valuable relationships.

The most interesting thing that I learned today is that only recently, Ireland has adopted some progressive laws. Just 3 or 4 years ago, abortion was legalized. Only 5 years ago, same-sex marriage was allowed. And 20 years was when divorce was finally permissible. I am happy that Ireland is shifting their views, but disappointed it took this long!