Irish people are world famous for their welcoming nature. This friendliness even carryovers to finger gestures and salutes by drivers all over the Emerald Isle.
Here's a little story about driving in Ireland.
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Irish Drivers
When we were back in Ireland last summer, my eldest son was out driving with me in County Cork. A car approached, and the driver lifted his index finger to salute. I automatically returned the gesture.
My son looked at me quizzically, and asked:
“Do you know everyone in Ireland, Mom?”
“No, love,” I replied. “The finger salute is just something people do in Ireland, when they drive past one another on the road. It's a polite way of saying hello to oncoming drivers, even if you have never laid eyes on them before.”
“Oh!” he said in a slightly unsure voice, as if to say: “This sure is a strange country, Mom.”
Saluting While Driving in Ireland
This caused me to think. Tourists must really get startled when they first encounter finger-saluting Irish drivers. I truly hope they realize it is the index or pointer finger, not the middle finger, being wagged towards them.
I can just imagine all those American drivers, checking they are still steering on the left side of the road, thinking they have just received a good, old, gestural telling-off.
I pray these unsuspecting tourists ask questions of the first Irishman they talk to, immediately describing this strange behavior. It won't be long before they learn this finger pointing, wagging, wavering, or whatever form it takes, has developed as a polite way of acknowledging other drivers and saying hello, through a simple method of non-verbal communication.
So let it be known now, for once and for all, the finger used is the index finger or pointer, as it is called in America. The Irish do not use the middle finger for this greeting. They are not “giving you the finger”, in a disrespectful, rude manner, but merely greeting you in the absurd ways of the country.
This is rural hospitality at its finest. On every return visit to Ireland, I am struck by it, as was my son.
But be warned, if the flipped finger is accompanied by a loud, honking horn, you probably are driving on the wrong side of the road.
Hopefully, you won't pass this crew on the road, because who knows what kind of greetings they use!
You may also enjoy reading about the Irish roundabout.
Plus when you're driving in Ireland you will notice some beautiful sculptures and roadside art pieces. They add a little interest to your journeys around the Emerald Isle.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Niall McCusker
These are great, I was explaining this to my girlfriend last time we were home! There's one family in my parish who have a unique road-salute style, so even if I don't know exactly who it is I know their last name!
Irish American Mom
Niall - In parts of Co. Cork one finger is not good enough. The locals salute with both fingers, pointing both index fingers as you pass by. I love the way you know one family by their saluting technique. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
Ada
I live in a corner of the U.S. where we wave at everyone. Probably one reason I felt so at home when I lived in Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Ada - I am so happy to hear you felt at home when you lived in Ireland. There are many similarities and subtle differences between Ireland and America, which I hope to explore over the coming months. I am so glad you found my new blog. Please check it out whenever you get a chance. I will look forward to your comments. You probably have experienced many of the nuances I will talk about, having lived on both sides of the pond. Thanks for visiting and commenting!!!
Imen
Just discovered your blog...thanks for the link..I will link back =) I have written about this very topic in the Farmer's Journal...it really freaked me out at first!!!! Fun to see the reverse experience to me...will follow along! xx
Irish American Mom
Thanks for checking out my blog, Imen. The fact you were freaked out by all the finger waving in Ireland, really confirms tourists must not know what is going on. I love reading about your experiences and interpretations of Irish life. Thanks for commenting and linking back.
Mike Egan
Great to read this. A recent humorous video blog by a guy called Eoin McCabe(OpenHeartLiving) got me thinking again about the Irish rural driving finger salute which was universal in my home area of West Limerick. I suspect it may be sadly a dying custom and in need of a revival campaign! Good to hear that in Ada's part of the US people wave at each other...while driving? Couldn't do it in Ireland because of the potholes....one POINTER finger is usually all one can risk :-))
Irish American Mom
Mike - The finger salute is still going strong in North Cork, where my father is from. I too was surprised and happy to hear that in Ada's part of America waving is still a common practice. A friendly wave really helps to brighten up the day.
All the best,
Mairéad
Talha Mahmud
Great article. I landed in Ireland back in 2014 from a country where unfortunately no road sense exists. I was surprised to see this finger salute. Earlier, I mixed it with the middle finger and understood negatively but I realized my mistake very soon. Indeed it is one of the best gestures I have learnt in Ireland and I love to be the part of it while driving on the road. Living in Cork city at the moment, I enjoy these salutes every time on road. But truly said you experience such courtesy more in country side. I wish and will try to pass on good gestures to my fellow country men here and back home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Talha - I hope you are settling in to your new home in Ireland. It sounds like you are getting to know the Irish way of saluting one another on the roads. I love that friendliness in my home country. Wishing you happiness and success in your new life in Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Robin
We've been doing the finger salute in the south for as long as I can remember.
Irish American Mom
Hi Robin - It sure is a wonderful Irish tradition, so here's hoping finger saluting will continue for generations to come.
All the best,
Mairéad
Dan
The steering wheel wave is alive and well in the Southern US. Heck, if one is really out in the countryside, people in their yard will wave as you drive by. Still trying to figure out who first created pulled pork, Ireland or NC/SC. 🙂