Ireland is a land of traditions: dance, music (Irish bagpipe), storytelling, songs in Gaelic language, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Irish pubs, Celtic tradition, etc. Ireland has several distinct regional cultures, rather than a single national one; moreover, the daily lives of city dwellers are in some ways much different from those living in the countryside. Anyhow, traditions like Christmas and Epiphany are very important for every Irishman… We will summarize some gift giving tips:

BUSINESS GIFTS IN IRELAND

Be conscious that generosity and giving presents in business associates are not standard practice in Irish business culture. Personalize your business gift whenever possible for maximum impact. Use imagination, creativity and customization to make your gift stand out. An office gift or a good bottle of white wine are always appreciated. When sending flower gifts to a business partner in Ireland, be aware it may be considered bad luck to send - in accordance with the old European tradition - an even number of flowers. The Irish are fond of sunny bouquets!

PERSONAL GIFT GIVING IN IRELAND

Ireland is still a Christian nation. Church services play a real part in the celebration of Christmas here. The Irish people really display the Spirit of Christmas with generosity to the street vendors and the less fortunate around the time of Christ’s birth. Irish people will always appreciate a Christmas gift, like high quality chocolates or a gourmet basket. Don’t forget the children, they always candies or a special teddy bear.
In Dublin, Christmas day is only the beginning of celebrating with friends that doesn’t end until the Feast of Epiphany on the 6th of January. If you can’t go in person to Ireland to celebrate those days with your family or friends, sending wine, champagne or a good liqueur will certainly be appreciated!
Food items are among the most popular holiday gifts. If you choose to send a gift basket of gourmet snacks, have it delivered earlier so it’s not lost in the shuffle.

Links to helpful sites about Ireland:

Holiday dates in Ireland
http://www.christmasindublin.com/
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107648.html
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-23045/Ireland

Taxes and Customs for Sending a Gift to Austria
http://www.fedex.com/us/international/irc/profiles/irc_ie_profile.html?gtmcc=us

Irish Personal White Pages for Addresses & Postal Codes
http://www.anpost.ie/
http://www.goldenpages.ie/displayhome.ds;jsessionid=E1BDD9537F797DE44EA8C8DA0103BBF1
http://uk.dir.yahoo.com/Reference/Phone_Numbers_and_Addresses/
http://www.wayp.com/eng/europa3.shtml