5. Every Conversation Starting With Mention Of The Weather
Maybe because there is a lot of farmers in Ulster, the weather is the number one thing that people talk about. And also because the weather is usually woeful and an even slightly sunny day puts Northern Irish people in a good mood. Plenty of talk about the weather occurs when you are out walking the dog. You will pass a total stranger and they will say something like "it's a brave coul' day isn't it?" or "It would give you a foundering that day, wouldn't it?" (Both meaning "It's a cold day"). It is obligatory to start every conversation in Northern Ireland with reference to the weather, even between people who have lived together 50 years.