Tips for travel to Ireland?

Question

I'm going to be studying in Ireland for a month in May. Any ideas about not looking like an ignorant American while I'm over there?

I'm Irish, but I've never been there. I know tons about the culture, but there's still the undeniable fact...I am an American.

I'll be staying for a week and a half in Allihies, which I don't know much about. Any advice or fun places to go is appreciated!

Answer 1

It's been quite a while (12 years?) since I have been to Allihies, but it's a small town with not much to do in terms of night life.  Great scenery around there though.

Be careful about drinking alcohol there. Irish people can drink a lot, and you may end up in a bad situation if you try to match it.

Don't be surprised or upset to find that many Irish think of Americans as stupid. When you see the exams they go through at the end of high school and compare it with the SATs, you will see why. That said, they tend not to judge individual people by their stereotypes.

The worst complaint I have heard about Americans from Irish people is that they are loud and obnoxious. The majority of tourists that went there 20+ years ago were exactly that, and the image stuck.

Don't expect/demand service like you get here in America. Things work differently there. Be polite. And enjoy yourself.

Answer 2

Visit:

Heritage Park, Co. Wexford, Clonmacnoise (ancient monastic ruins), Newgrange (Co.Meath) ancient burial mound 5,000 yrs old, Bunratty Castle (Co.Cork), Johnstown Castle (Co.Waterford), Jeanie Johnston (replica famine-ship in New Ross, Co.Wexford), Temple Bar (pubs and nightclubs) etc.

Answer 3

Heads up:You'll be eating alot of patatoes. Hope you like them. There's no denying you're a tourist but just think that these are your people. I'm also part Irish.  Don't let culture or race intimidate you.

Answer 4

I swear the Irish are the friendliest people, and having been there 6 times, they tend to like Americans in general.  Once they hear your accent, they will be asking where you're from, etc.  Take the opporutunity to learn about the area you're staying in as well.

As someone said, don't expect the same things you get here, even something as simple as ice cubes.  They've gotten better and more cosmopolitan, but so many towns are really just villages.

Answer 5

Ireland is gorgeous!  I traveled there this past summer, and make sure you bring your rain gear.  It rained a few nights, but the other days had perfect weather.

Talk to the locals about good places to eat, shop, things to do in your free time, etc.  As the first person said, there are a ton of potatoes, but they were the best potatoes I've had in my life :)

The Irish are used to tourists, including Americans.  They're unfortunately going to judge you, but just be yourself.  You're dedicated and committed enough to study over there, so I'm sure you won't be causing them any problems.  Have lots of fun and good luck! :)

Answer 6

Hi

The only problem you might encounter as an American is the war in Iraq, most Irish people don't support it so if you do make sure you don't tell anyone! Read this posting: http://www.newtotown.ie/boards/viewtopic...