Pubs, rounds and "the craic"

Pubs are one of the places where people in Ireland meet friends and colleagues, and newcomers commonly find that a few customs are not obvious at first:

• Rounds. In a group it is common to buy drinks in rounds: one person buys for everyone, then the next person does. If you accept a drink, you are part of the round and are expected to buy one in turn.
• "The craic". Friends ask each other "What's the craic?" when they meet, and a good night out is one where "the craic is mighty". Tourism Ireland describes craic as fun, news or gossip, and above all a good time shared with other people: you cannot have the craic on your own.
• Polite refusals. People sometimes politely decline food or drink even when they would like it, so hosts may ask twice.

The round system is about sharing and taking turns. You can skip a drink in between, as long as you buy a round before it is the first person's turn again. If you cannot get your round in before you leave, it is considered kind to buy a round on your way out or to leave money for the next one.

The craic is about shared moments with other people: Tourism Ireland describes it as something you are as likely to find in a chance conversation or a music session as at a big festival.

Customs vary between groups, ages and places, and pubs are only one way to socialise; local clubs, for example, are another (see the topic on the GAA and local clubs). Drinking little or no alcohol is fine: an answer on Tourism Ireland's community forum notes that it is perfectly acceptable not to join a round if you do not intend to drink much, to ask for a half-pint instead of a pint, or to choose a non-alcoholic drink.