Family and friends are what people in Galway most enjoy chatting about over a cuppa, while religion and politics are a no-go for many.
New research from Lyons Tea indicates that over half of Galway residents (48%) prefer discussing friends and family over tea, surpassing current affairs (32%), travel plans (30%), or hobbies (24%).
Additionally, more than a quarter (28%) admit their go-to tea time conversation involves catching up on the latest gossip.
Despite our love of a chin-wag, some topics still stay firmly off the table. Religion tops the list, with 43% of Irish people saying they actively avoid it in conversation.
Politics follows at 36%, with money and finances close behind at 35%. The research also found that while we’re fluent in small talk, we’re far less likely to open up when it comes to what’s really going on.
In fact, nearly 1 in 3 people (30%) avoid discussing personal struggles, and 21% steer clear of conversations around mental health altogether.
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.
Fiona Collins, Head of Marketing IRL at Lyons Tea, 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.”
The research is part of Lyons Tea’s new nationwide campaign, “Puts the Talk Into Tea.”
Designed to spark more face-to-face conversation across the country, the campaign is a timely reminder that tea has always played a role in helping us connect, whether the topic is light, heavy, or somewhere in between.
Fiona continued, “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.”
Trusted for generations, Lyons Tea remains a staple in Irish homes today, continuing to serve as a catalyst for conversation and connection.
The new campaign invites everyone to rediscover the power of a proper chat—whether it’s about family updates, awkward topics, or just the latest local gossip.
All Lyons tea bags are made from plant-based materials and are fully sustainably sourced, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and putting the talk into tea.
