I have two recommendations: 1 for pirates, 1 for traders.
Pirates: Don't demand all cargo. It's a dick move.
Traders: Don't shoot until you've RP'd a bit. It pisses pirates off.
A way a lone a last a loved a long the riverrun, past Eve and Adam's, from swerve of shore to bend of bay,
brings us by a commodius vicus of recirculation back to Howth Castle and Environs.