Not totally uncommon in Ireland for people to visit friends or family without prior notice, especially in small close knit towns. Basically just going to their home and knocking (or just walking in depending on the area/ relationship with the person). Generally they'd be welcomed in and offered a cup of tea. Traditionally, there would be a hearth in the house and the room with the hearth was the heart or centre of the house. Everything important happens in that room. So when the odd traveller or friend came to visit, they would be offered the seats right next to the hearth. This is when the news of the last few weeks would be exchanged since there was no Internet to spread information quickly. Newer houses don't have hearths so people just stand around and chat in either the kitchen or sitting room.
