Is it just me or is the whole thing about Ireland and everything Irish being "ooooo amazing" just a big myth?

Question

They're the best self-promoters in the world, that's all. If you want genuine warmth and hospitality go to somewhere like Lebanon (when there's no war on).

Answer 1

sounds like you're talking about american "irish". have you lived in ireland? i was there for the last 7 years. very warm and hospitible.

Answer 2

Like most things in life,there's no black and white answer to this.

I've lived in Ireland since 1985-got married here and raised a family.

The Ireland of 20 years ago was different-but then you must realise so was everywhere else.

The Ireland of the 1980s was poorer,more insular (the E.U was still relatively in its infancy),and the troubles in the North did little to help self confidence and self belief amongst the Irish themselves.In short it was an insular country still largely dependent on agriculture,and unsure of its future.

Yet because of that there were core values that were built on the tenets of church and family.It was pre-globalisation and then,as had been for many years,Ireland had its own distinct character,charm and most important of all-wit.

Today I see Ireland very much the same as I would view other European countries.What indigenous culture remains is vested in the older people and the poorer people who tend to still retain charm,manners and hospitality.As for the rest-Welcome to Corporate Ireland Plc where we chase the dollar as good as the next.

The Irish now work longer hours than any other European nation.We are amongst the richest countries in the World and that has been through a huge influx of E.U capital grants disproportionate to our relatively small population,benign low interest rates and success in attracting foreign investment coupled with a startling property boom which has taken us out of recession with a construction led revival

I do not see you as cynical in your statement.It pays us well in the hospitality sector to dust down and trot out the old Ireland and to join with every American in helping them trace their ancestry real or imagined.But believe me when we wave you off,the sole concern is counting the night's takings.

Much as any New York hotel will do after a visit from the Irish themselves.

Yes,we market ourselves well-we have a great product and it works year after year.But your hotel staff and restaurant waitresses are now more likely to be East European immigrants,your food as cosmopolitan as anywhere else,the check in staff at the airport as rude as all others and all at a price that will empty your wallet faster than you can refill it.

We've grown up-or copped ourselves on' as the expression here goes and in order to pay for our huge mortgages,garden decking and 4x4s that are a 'must' to be seen in the driveway,money rules.

But sure-if we smile and ask you 'How's it goin?"  and nod enthusiastically  when you drone on about your great grandfather hailing from Tipperary- if that's what you translate as a great Irish welcome-why then who are we to argue?

Answer 3

wat leave us irish alone...it is nice...but the weather is bad thats all i have to say thats bad

also we have paddies day

Answer 4

I have not yet made it to Ireland but I have met many Irish (my grandparents being from Meath) and they have all been the absolute most well mannered and well spoken people I have met. Of course they are promoting Ireland, it is their home and they are proud of it and they want others to enjoy it. Personally I cannot wait until May when I will be going. You can go to Lebanon, I will go to Ireland.

Answer 5

Its a lovely country.. Went out in Dublin - had such a laugh. Irish people are pretty friendly too. Its not all about what you see on the news.

Answer 6

i am changing mi answer irland is class!!!! u mst b 1 of the rude people!!!stop tryimg 2 drag irl down wit u!!! they r class at rugby nd everythin except soccer lol haha r u  sayin theres sumtin rong wit the lepracháns as well???

Answer 7

oooooh get you, Lebanon, why don't you go there and try Ireland, we are a friendly bunch and if you come over in the summer you will see everywhere you go is teeming with all nationality's enjoying our hospitality. and excuse me, THERE IS NO WAR HERE.

Answer 8

As an Irishman I don't think Ireland is ''ooooo amazing''. I doubt you ever set foot on this island in your life & if you actually have you would notice that what you call ''self-promotion'', we call Pride.

There have always been undertones of anti-Irish sentiment in the English-speaking world & your question barely conceals the sentiment under it's sharp veneer. We are proud of our nation & culture, I make no apologies for it as I'm sure the Lebanese would be filled with the same pride for their own culture.

Different people are attracted to different cultures for various reasons, don't degrade a nation because you don't understand their pride.

Answer 9

You've obviously never been to Ireland. I don't think anyone is saying they are the only "ooooo amazing" place/people on earth, but they sure are a front runner.

Answer 10

Eire - is a land still still caught in a kind of land time forgot  era. You would have to go to find out . I didnt find it Amazing...after a while the accent the Guinness and the so called Craic becomes annoying.. Northern Ireland is a better place to go..Port Stewart is a nice wee town..better to come to Scotland...bring an Umbrella..

Answer 11

I like some aspects of it but there's a lot of hype too,i mean not all Irish are friendly for example, you must admit there are some pretty amazing sites there though&has a long& fascinating history

Answer 12

I am Irish born & breed and I have to say like all cities and countries around the world and I have travelled alot, their are really nice people & their are people who are rude.

Answer 13

JEALOUSY IS A CURSE

Answer 14

It's called patriotism. Every country is the same. Irish people have alot to be proud of, great poets and playwrites, alot of history and culture. But then Germany, U.S.A, China etc have the same.

Answer 15

Ah, well, perhaps you shouldn't base your opinion of all Irish people on Dubliners alone. Dublin is still very much an English city, and to be honest the people have in recent years gotten a bit too up themselves for their own good.

I live in the West and it's a lot nicer, there's still very much a sense of community here. You should try the cities of Limerick and Cork, Limerick has a largely undeserved bad reputation, and Cork is just lovely, aside from the parking and the irritating one-way street system.

Answer 16

Name me a country that has only friendly people and no rudeness? You can't cuz it doesn't exist. Irish people have a repuation of being very nice and hospitible but OBVIOUSLY that doesn't cover every single Paddy!! What Ireland does have is a passionate people.Ireland is a nation that love their country and take great pride in being Irish.We love sport,music and most of all the sound of our own voices!! I mean just look at Bono and Bob Geldof.If you don't like Ireland and the Irish then don't come here it's that simple.

Answer 17

The Irish are wonderful - but then I am Irish!!

Answer 18

Yes.  The English only really get patriotic about football and cricket.

More insecure nations bang the drum for every little thing they think is brilliant about themselves... and it gives me headache.

Answer 19

Ireland is a beautiful country and the people are friendly, warm and welcoming - it is definitely not a myth

Answer 20

Dublin as been spoiled with all the stag/hen nights,you may as well be in manchester or any other city. Get up Donegal way,peaceful and friendly,with great beaches.

Answer 21

No, it's not a myth. I lived in Cork for two years (I'm American) and it was the best experience of my life.

Answer 22

it just goes to show,

blarney, all things being equal, will always win out over the facts.

BUT, gotta love em anyway.

b'gosh n b'gora!

;)

Answer 23

Hello Levi Tosh,

                      Yes actually Everything about my country is totally amazing and then comes the Oooooo's, why do you think they chose an Irish man to play Thermo man, because he amazingly Irish, correct, and what about Yesterdays rugby game against the English, fifteen more amazing Irishmen doing their best to amaze us, It doesn't matter where you go to in Ireland, the warmth and jovialty of the population will amaze you always, and would never see one of their own upset, hungry or in an unfortunate position as to seriously need help.

             Of course we are amongst the worlds best self-promoters too, we have such a lot to promote, it's just another reason we are so amazing at what we do best, so there you have it then, we are good at what we do, to such a degree, that we even make people smile at our antics, and I hope thisa is making you smile too. So my new freind, I will make a point of mentioning your very self, next time I am in my local Irish club in the north of England where I live and amaze people, and I will honestly ask a few of them would they ever like to take a holiday in Lebanon, and This Irishman will definitely be amazed if any of them say yes! or what time is the next bus...OK Levi Tosh, my new friend, I hope I have amazed you with my answer and I solemnly promise you, I loved to answer your query for you, and that it finds you with a warm smile..... Bye Tony M