While visitors to Ireland might expect to hear a simple “How are you?” when meeting locals, they’ll quickly discover that Irish people have developed a rich variety of colorful greetings that reflect the country’s warm culture and distinctive humor. From Dublin’s bustling streets to quiet Kerry villages, here’s how the Irish check in on each other.
“What’s the craic?” stands as perhaps the most quintessentially Irish greeting. Though “craic” (borrowed from the English “crack” but made distinctly Irish) literally means fun, news, or gossip, “What’s the craic?” functions as a casual “How are you?” while also asking if anything interesting is happening. You might hear variations like “Any craic?” or “How’s the craic?”
In rural Ireland, particularly in farming communities, “How’s she cuttin’?” remains a common greeting. Originally referring to how well a mower or harvester was cutting, it’s evolved into a general inquiry about wellbeing. Similar rural-originated phrases include “How’s she fallin’?” and “How’s she flowing?”
“How’s the form?” draws from horse racing terminology, where “form” refers to a horse’s condition and past performance. In everyday Irish usage, it’s a friendly way to ask how someone is doing. You might also hear “What’s the form?” or simply “The form?”
“Story?” or “What’s the story?” serves as a particularly Dublin-centric greeting, though it’s spread throughout the country. Often shortened to just “Story?” or “Story, horse?” it’s a casual way to ask what’s happening in someone’s life. The addition of “horse” as a term of endearment is distinctly Dublin.
“How’re you keeping?” represents a more traditional Irish greeting, often used when speaking to older people or in more formal situations. It carries a genuine concern for someone’s wellbeing and might be used after someone has been ill or going through a difficult time.
Regional variations add even more color to Irish greetings. In Cork, you might hear “Well, boy?” or “Well, girl?” while Belfast locals might ask “What about ye?” Up in Donegal, “What’s the crack?” retains the original spelling of “crack” rather than the Irish “craic.”
Some other common variations include:
- “How’s the going?”
- “How’s tricks?”
- “How’s it hanging?”
- “What’s the news?”
- “How’s things with yourself?”
These greetings often come with expected responses. To “What’s the craic?” a common reply might be “Divil a bit” (meaning nothing much) or “Ah sure, you know yourself” – a characteristically Irish non-answer that somehow still communicates meaning.
What makes these Irish greetings special isn’t just their variety but how they’re used. They’re rarely quick exchanges – they’re conversation openers that invite real interaction. When an Irish person asks “How’re you keeping?” they’re usually genuinely interested in the answer.
In modern Ireland, while younger generations might increasingly use more international greetings, these traditional expressions persist, especially in informal situations. They represent more than just ways to say hello – they’re part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, reflecting the country’s emphasis on personal connection and conversation.
Whether you’re walking into a shop in Galway, meeting friends in a Dublin pub, or passing neighbors in a Kerry village, these uniquely Irish greetings continue to oil the wheels of daily social interaction, maintaining the warm, friendly atmosphere for which Ireland is famous worldwide.
