Why are the houses so colourful?

Question

Why is it that in the areas of Ireland I visit almost all the houses are rendered and painted in different colours, they look lovely but I wondered is it a tradition or something else, and can you paint your house any colour you want they all seem to be pastel shades,the houses in Kedeau (tidy town) are really something special I suppose they have an image to keep up eh! Its great though I love it.

Answer 1

It's to cheer people up cos the weather is so miserable.

Answer 2

I live in Ireland but I don't think its a tradition, often in small villages the houses will be brightly coloured because it makes the village look nicer. West Cork and Kerry are great for bright coloured houses!

Answer 3

my house is kinda of a peachy cream colour but all the houses on my street are different colours...I've never really noticed it before though, I suppose I'm just used to it :D

Answer 4

because we are happy and go lucky we want pastel shades, to signify our love and happiness.you should try it.

Answer 5

My house was pink!!! It brightens the place up when the sky is grey!!!

Answer 6

Thats just part of the irish tradition! Everybody wants to be different.

Answer 7

Its because all the tight fisted feckers all go straight to the DIY bargain bucket when its time for a l**k of paint. Lol.

Answer 8

Me too. It's usually cloudy there so with different colors it looks better.

Answer 9

Here is my theory: The real estate market is what is really driving the Irish economy right now. I was in Ireland only 4 years ago and then again this summer and I was amazed at the difference. It seems every house has a brand new coat of paint!  (If you want to get rich, I say open a paint factory/store there!) Anyhoo, after some thought and speaking with the locals, we concluded that if you have to pay so much for a house (often as much as $300,000 for a mere starter home) you might as well put on a fresh coat of paint! So, there it is =). I love the colors, too =).