Irish people avoid chats about religion, politics, and money, research reveals

Eva Osborne

Despite loving gossip and a chat, some topics still stay firmly off the table for Irish people, with the top three being religion, politics, and money.

New research from Lyons Tea has revealed that religion tops the list of most avoided topics, with 43 per cent of people saying they actively avoid it in conversation. Politics follows at 36 per cent, with money and finances close behind at 35 per cent.

When it comes to a chat over a cuppa, it is all about family, friends, and a bit of gossip.

More than half of Irish people (53 per cent) say their favourite thing to talk about over a cup of tea is friends and family, ahead of news and current affairs (30 per cent), travel plans (26 per cent), and hobbies (26 per cent).

Over a quarter also admit their go-to tea time chat is catching up on the latest local gossip (26 per cent).

The research also found that while Irish people are fluent in small talk, they are far less likely to open up when it comes to mental health and personal issues.

Nearly one in three (30 per cent) avoid discussing personal struggles, and 21 per cent steer clear of conversations around mental health altogether.

A nation of talkers

Despite this, Ireland still stands out as a country that prioritises real-world connection.

While people in the UK and US average just 33–35 minutes of face-to-face chat a day, Irish adults clock in at nearly 2.27 hours—almost four times more.

Head of Marketing IRL at Lyons Tea, Fiona Collins, said: “Ireland has always been a nation of talkers—and our research shows we still prefer face-to-face conversation more than most.

"But even so, we’re not talking nearly enough, especially when it comes to the things that really matter. Between busy lives and digital distractions, those meaningful chats are happening less than they should.

“With our ‘Puts the Talk Into Tea’ campaign, we’re on a mission to encourage people to make time for proper chats—topics big and small.

"A cup of tea has always acted as a way to check in, sit down, and say what’s on your mind. We’ve been putting the talk into tea for decades, and we’re proud to continue that legacy.”