Leaving Without a Word

The "Irish Goodbye" at end-of-life.

Most of us know the Irish goodbye as the act of leaving a social gathering without saying goodbye to anyone. Instead of the long, drawn-out farewells that often come with parties or gatherings, it’s a quiet, unannounced departure.

At its heart, an Irish goodbye is efficient, drama-free, and often done to avoid interrupting the vibe, or simply to dodge the exhaustion of saying goodbye a dozen times.

What about a permanent, final Irish goodbye? For some of my clients, it’s an ideal ending indeed.

How An Irish Goodbye Began

The origins of the Irish goodbye are likely a blend of cultural tendencies, historical necessity, and social habits, all rooted in Ireland’s unique history.

Irish Social Norms

In traditional Irish culture, especially in rural areas, there was a tendency to avoid unnecessary displays of emotion or attention. My Nana used to say goodbye quietly and quickly walk away so no one would see her crying.

I’ve often heard family members say that goodbyes sometimes feel overly formal, …