Ireland: First Name or Title?

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Addressing others with respect

For initial written greetings, last names preceded by 'Mr.', 'Mrs.', or 'Ms.' should be used. In conversation, the Irish tend to move on quickly to a first-name basis. Terms such as 'sir' and 'madam' are rarely used.

Among even relatively new acquaintances, first names are used both in personal greetings and business correspondence.

When using titles, follow the lead of others. In Ireland, professional or academic titles do not necessarily command respect. It's up to the individual to win the favour and esteem of others.

Professional titles are not prominent in Irish business culture, and are usually dismissed as pretentious. Consequently, do not go around 'advertising' your title. Announcing your title when meeting an Irish person may be perceived as a form of boasting.

There are also some commonly used slang words for referring to people. For example 'yer wan' [pronounced 'yer one'] is a popular term of reference. It refers to anyone of the female sex. 'yer man' would be the male equivalent.

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