Time to dispel, or for that matter affirm, certain urban myths about Ireland and the Irish. Up to you to decide what you think.
Ireland is full of redheads.
Of course it is, and most people are covered in freckles as well. It's like saying that most Scandinavians have blond hair and blue eyes. You can investigate that one for yourself if you have the curiosity.
Irish people are mad about potatoes.
Ah beejaysus there's nothing like a delicious spud. There are so many things you can do with potatoes that the list is as long as your arm.
Irish cooking is boring.
Maybe that used to be the case decades ago, but Irish people have become a lot more modern and health conscious when it comes to cooking.
Irish people love tea.
Ah Jaysus you can't beat a good cuppa. Apparently when Napoleon was in power he interrupted the export of coffee to the north of Europe and the best and most refreshing alternative was tea, which made it the beverage of choice, so maybe the tradition originated from then.
Irish people are heavy drinkers.
Mmm....A bit of a controversial topic this one. You may be a bit shocked by some of the information in this interview. Also it would be interesting to know the statistics from other countries to be able to compare.
Irish people love a good fight.
Please also see these links to "Hooligans" and "Paddywagon". Unfortunately this is quite a bone of contention and probably a fallacy now, but if a country has been occupied and oppressed for centuries, do you expect the people to take it lying down?
Irish people are deeply religious.
Maybe this was the case with previous generations but if you look at the number of masses you can go to on a Sunday nowadays, and the number of people becoming priests, all due respect I think the numbers speak for themselves.
Irish people are very friendly.
We're so friendly and we know it, so we think the sun shines out our arses....
Ireland is part of the UK.
Just a second, Ireland WAS part of the UK, though some people from distant shores still think this is true. Let's leave the question of Northern Ireland for another day, shall we?
Irish people are lucky.
Yes you heard it right. For example there are more lottery winners per capita in Ireland than any other country in the world, and that's no coincidence, and more Irish people have become very wealthy by catching leprechauns who were forced to lead these lucky hunters to a crock of gold.
Of course it is, and most people are covered in freckles as well. It's like saying that most Scandinavians have blond hair and blue eyes. You can investigate that one for yourself if you have the curiosity.
Irish people are mad about potatoes.
Ah beejaysus there's nothing like a delicious spud. There are so many things you can do with potatoes that the list is as long as your arm.
Irish cooking is boring.
Maybe that used to be the case decades ago, but Irish people have become a lot more modern and health conscious when it comes to cooking.
Irish people love tea.
Ah Jaysus you can't beat a good cuppa. Apparently when Napoleon was in power he interrupted the export of coffee to the north of Europe and the best and most refreshing alternative was tea, which made it the beverage of choice, so maybe the tradition originated from then.
Irish people are heavy drinkers.
Mmm....A bit of a controversial topic this one. You may be a bit shocked by some of the information in this interview. Also it would be interesting to know the statistics from other countries to be able to compare.
Irish people love a good fight.
Please also see these links to "Hooligans" and "Paddywagon". Unfortunately this is quite a bone of contention and probably a fallacy now, but if a country has been occupied and oppressed for centuries, do you expect the people to take it lying down?
Irish people are deeply religious.
Maybe this was the case with previous generations but if you look at the number of masses you can go to on a Sunday nowadays, and the number of people becoming priests, all due respect I think the numbers speak for themselves.
Irish people are very friendly.
We're so friendly and we know it, so we think the sun shines out our arses....
Ireland is part of the UK.
Just a second, Ireland WAS part of the UK, though some people from distant shores still think this is true. Let's leave the question of Northern Ireland for another day, shall we?
Irish people are lucky.
Yes you heard it right. For example there are more lottery winners per capita in Ireland than any other country in the world, and that's no coincidence, and more Irish people have become very wealthy by catching leprechauns who were forced to lead these lucky hunters to a crock of gold.