Does Anyone Else Feel They Don't Belong In Ireland?

HavingCrack

speedboatchase wrote: »

Yeah, sometimes. I hate the power of unions, proportional representation, socialism, GAA, Supermacs, the arrogance of people on nights out, Irish people's obsession with Palestinians, begrudgery and over-reliance on alcohol.

Anyway, I don't live in Ireland at the moment. I mainly miss the crisps, my family, girlfriend and dog. The rest is fine

I'm always suprised by the hatred of Supermacs. I think it's a good thing to see an Irish owned fast food franchise as opposed to the McDonalds and Burger Kings of the world.

gufnork

It's much the same for me but in reverse. I've lived here for more than five years now, eight if you count the first time I was here but whenever I go back to England I really do feel like a complete stranger. Even worse, I don't truly feel at home here either and I know I never Will after all this time. Still, at the moment it's still a little cheaper to live here than in England.

speedboatchase

HavingCrack wrote: »

I'm always suprised by the hatred of Supermacs. I think it's a good thing to see an Irish owned fast food franchise as opposed to the McDonalds and Burger Kings of the world.

I think it's nice to see an Irish success story too but I've never been too fond of it because it's not like Ryanair or Baileys or anything that carved out its own niche. It's basically just a fast food place that tastes ok, has non-descript decor and does everything (pizzas, burgers, ice cream) ok.

The One Who Knocks

HavingCrack wrote: »

Inner city Dublin, bad as it is in patches is absolutely nowhere near the level of urban decay that you'll find in most US cities.

Here's the catch with the US, very, very few people there ever get anywhere near the money to live the American Dream these days, the middle class is the most squeezed there by miles, far worse than in Europe.

Shrug, I'm not a fan of sunny weather really so I actually hated the constant sunshine when I lived in California.

Again, my opinion of Ireland is greatly affected by the weather, but in general, I don't like any cities in Ireland, whereas in the US, at least there's a few main one's that are absolutely beautiful...even if there are far more ugly ones. Then there's the countryside....absolutely beautiful in the US...deserts, snowy fields, lush green forests...and SUNSHINE

I'm sure the Irish countryside is beatiful too,..but I can't take the dull skies.

Da Shins Kelly

J0urneyman wrote: »

That's an extremely defeatists attitude.

It's like saying, "yeah, I live in sh!te and squaller but it could be worse....I could have to eat the sh!te and squaller". Don't sell yourself so short. I always aim for the best, not settle on mediocrity. If something about Ireland pleases you, then you are at liberty to explain that. But a statement such as Ireland being one of the best places in the world is so broad it doesn't make much sense.

Except living in Ireland is not like living in sh*e and squalor.

If there's one thing I don't like about Ireland, it's its peoples self-loathing.

monkeysnapper

Same as previous, I'm from Wales and been living here over 10 years, I love the place. There's country's in the world that their own government will have you killed for not agreeing with them, there's places in the world where they have no food or water.

And I hear the pathetic people on here giving out . If you don't like it here move out . Go find yourself a new home .

I think goat and camel are leaving shortly so you can catch a ride with them. Just one last thing ....... Are we there yet.....

Don't Chute!

Jamez735 wrote: »

Again, my opinion of Ireland is greatly affected by the weather, but in general, I don't like any cities in Ireland, whereas in the US, at least there's a few main one's that are absolutely beautiful...even if there are far more ugly ones. Then there's the countryside....absolutely beautiful in the US...deserts, snowy fields, lush green forests...and SUNSHINE

I'm sure the Irish countryside is beatiful too,..but I can't take the dull skies.

Countries that have very harsh winters tend to have high rates of suicide so i think you should really stop complaining about a few clouds.Its the 17th of November and today was gorgeous was out on my mountain bike in Wicklow and have to say it could'nt have been any better!

Scanlas The 2nd

J0urneyman wrote: »

That's an extremely defeatists attitude.

It's like saying, "yeah, I live in sh!te and squaller but it could be worse....I could have to eat the sh!te and squaller". Don't sell yourself so short. I always aim for the best, not settle on mediocrity. If something about Ireland pleases you, then you are at liberty to explain that. But a statement such as Ireland being one of the best places in the world is so broad it doesn't make much sense.

It's not a defeatist attitude, it's realistic. We live in one of the best times and places the Earth has ever scene, we are astronomically lucky.

9959

SwanEater wrote: »

What a beautiful post.

It outlines everything (except for the sun part, of course) I've read about on this forum about the other hunters from the canals I know of. And there are 200.000 of them here, in search of better life and looking for an easy catch bragging to their relatives about how well they've ended up...

I often give them all a thought or two when I'm plucking the bird on the canal bank. Forced into hunting, kicked around by the natives, yet having to keep up the appearances to they poor relatives back home, where swans are not too popular as the meat of choice.

So, maybe we're not so different after all? Obviously our tastes in birds meat differ a fair bit...

Before moving there permanently, why not partake of a sunshine holiday in Sub-Saharan Africa, where I'm led to believe the delicious Secretary Bird is plentiful in supply. Harder to grapple with than the dopey Canal bank Swan, but once captured and swiftly killed, this elegant symbol of Africa makes for a sumptuous luncheon or even an invigorating high-tea.
Apparently the best method of capture is to crawl snake-like towards the bird on one's belly - a bit like a stag night in Temple Bar - before placing your face as close as possible to the feet of your prey, once the prone position is established then there's nothing to it but to wait for the bird's reaction, remember you must place your face almost underneath the Secretary Bird's talons for maximum effect.
Good Luck Hunting!

The One Who Knocks

black and amber wrote: »

Countries that have very harsh winters tend to have high rates of suicide so i think you should really stop complaining about a few clouds.Its the 17th of November and today was gorgeous was out on my mountain bike in Wicklow and have to say it could'nt have been any better!

It's not so much temperature as it is "brightness"

What may seem like "a few clouds" to you, is actually something much worse to people like me. I'm pretty sure I have some form of seasonal affective disorder, although I do love hot summers and harsh winters...just hate being stuck in the middle, with dull, grey skies & pure darkness at 5.30pm

number10a

questionmark? wrote: »

I got frustrated with the state of the country and tried to hang on for as long as possible with living between both the UK and Ireland but took the plunge two years ago and moved to the UK to work full time.

It is similar in some ways but yet so different.

I love the Irish sense of humor i.e we can laugh at anything because its life and the fact when I'm in Ireland I'm not merely a number.

I'm proud to be Irish and I want to move home when the opportunity is right. I've spoken to a few Irish people who moved over here in the 70's and 80's who are now stuck here due to family commitments and dream of going home but never will get the chance to do so.

This is what I miss about home. Even though I'm from Cork, I can be walking down Grafton Street and meet someone I know. Here in Poland, I'm just one of 38 million. At times, Ireland feels like one huge family. A very dysfunctional family, granted, but the fact that you can find a mutual accquaintance with virtually everyone you meet illustrates it over and over again. The other things I miss are chippers (even though I'd usually go about once a year) and not having to speak bland international English. You won't believe it but it's so hard trying to find an alternative phrase to "giving out".

What I don't miss is the drink culture and the aforementioned Stockholm Syndrome towards the Church. I'm a primary school teacher who happens to be gay, so working in Ireland would not exactly be the ideal option for me because of the Church's stranglehold. It's unlikely I could lead an open life if I had gotten a job back home. No one stands up to it and this sickens me. This submission towards the Church in schools leads on to communions and confirmations sadly becoming the rites of passage that all children *must* go through so they aren't singled out.

That brings me to the other point of the drinking. As a nation, we cannot celebrate anything without going on the sauce. A seven year old's "big day" gets transformed into a piss up. So do christenings, Halloween, St Patrick's Day, Christmas, any long weekend, any match, any reason really. People aim to go on a holiday just to drink. My three weeks in the Gaeltacht as a trainee teacher was a three week drinking session for most of the other students. I'm not a big drinker, partly because I'm an absolute lightweight and I get woeful hangovers even after two pints, but I've always felt left out as a result. Moving to Poland, I expected a big drink culture similar to Ireland, but it's just like the rest of Europe really. It'll never be 100% home, but I still love it here.

The One Who Knocks

number10a wrote: »

This is what I miss about home. Even though I'm from Cork, I can be walking down Grafton Street and meet someone I know. Here in Poland, I'm just one of 38 million. At times, Ireland feels like one huge family. A very dysfunctional family, granted, but the fact that you can find a mutual accquaintance with virtually everyone you meet illustrates it over and over again.

What I don't miss is the drink culture and the aforementioned Stockholm Syndrome towards the Church. I'm a primary school teacher who happens to be gay, so working in Ireland would not exactly be the ideal option for me because of the Church's stranglehold. It's unlikely I could lead an open life if I had gotten a job back home. No one stands up to it and this sickens me. This submission towards the Church in schools leads on to communions and confirmations sadly becoming the rites of passage that all children *must* go through so they aren't singled out.

That brings me to the other point of the drinking. As a nation, we cannot celebrate anything without going on the sauce. A seven year old's "big day" gets transformed into a piss up. So do christenings, Halloween, St Patrick's Day, Christmas, any long weekend, any match, any reason really. People aim to go on a holiday just to drink. My three weeks in the Gaeltacht as a trainee teacher was a three week drinking session for most of the other students. I'm not a big drinker, partly because I'm an absolute lightweight and I get woeful hangovers even after two pints, but I've always felt left out as a result. Moving to Poland, I expected a big drink culture similar to Ireland, but it's just like the rest of Europe really. It'll never be 100% home, but I still love it here.

Yup, you can't beat the people..

Daniel S

We're not allowed have anything nice. It either gets stolen, taxed or prohibited.

Love Clare, Galway and a few other counties but that's about it.

As soon as I graduate, I'm fúcking off to Switzerland (or England if I get a job in F1).

Don't Chute!

Jamez735 wrote: »

It's not so much temperature as it is "brightness"

What may seem like "a few clouds" to you, is actually something much worse to people like me. I'm pretty sure I have some form of seasonal affective disorder, although I do love hot summers and harsh winters...just hate being stuck in the middle, with dull, grey skies & pure darkness at 5.30pm

Self diagnosed then.

Real Life

yea i do feel a bit like that sometimes but then again like someone else said i dont really feel like i would belong anywhere. but the only reason im still here is because of family, i find it hard to leave them for long periods of time

The One Who Knocks

black and amber wrote: »

Self diagnosed then.

Yup, pretty much...all I know is that dark, dull & damp weather is depressing..

I like it when it's lashing rain...love it when it's sunny....but can't can't the constant dull skies. Sure, there's the odd nice day here, and it's beautiful..but that's once in a blue moon, especially around winter time.

Don't Chute!

Daniel S wrote: »

We're not allowed have anything nice. It either gets stolen, taxed or prohibited.

Love Clare, Galway and a few other counties but that's about it.

As soon as I graduate, I'm fúcking off to Switzerland (or England if I get a job in F1).

1-I have lots of nice things.
2-Other countries have thieves.
3-Other countries have taxes and most of them a hell of a lot more than us.
4-Whats prohibited that you think should'nt be?
5-By all means fcuk off to Switzerland today.I was there last year and its frighteningly expensive but don't mention that because it doesn't fit with your agenda.

J0urneyman

Jamez735 wrote: »

Yup, pretty much...all I know is that dark, dull & damp weather is depressing..

I like it when it's lashing rain...love it when it's sunny....but can't can't the constant dull skies. Sure, there's the odd nice day here, and it's beautiful..but that's once in a blue moon, especially around winter time.

I agree with you 100%.

Most people don't understand just how depressed a person with this disorder can get during the winter months. It's the sunlight...go to a tan shop a couple of days a week or something.

J0urneyman

black and amber wrote: »

1-I have lots of nice things.
2-Other countries have thieves.
3-Other countries have taxes and most of them a hell of a lot more than us.
4-Whats prohibited that you think should'nt be?
5-By all means fcuk off to Switzerland today.I was there last year and its frighteningly expensive but don't mention that because it doesn't fit with your agenda.

Marijuana, prostitution, gambling, nightclubs....

zenno

Jamez735 wrote: »

It's not so much temperature as it is "brightness"

What may seem like "a few clouds" to you, is actually something much worse to people like me. I'm pretty sure I have some form of seasonal affective disorder, although I do love hot summers and harsh winters...just hate being stuck in the middle, with dull, grey skies & pure darkness at 5.30pm

Have you any hobbies or interests ? if you do then it should take your mind off the cloudy weather. The last thing i care about is whether it's sunny raining or dull weather-wise as like most people i am preoccupied with my interests as such and don't care what the weather is like. Even if was stormy outside i'd still do my thing. Try to ignore the weather aspect of it if you can and focus on what you really like doing.

Also, take a daily dose of Vitamin B12 as this will make you feel better after a while. Helps when you get into the winter and dark early days. From lack of sunlight as well.

Don't Chute!

J0urneyman wrote: »

Marijuana, prostitution, gambling, nightclubs....

Nightclubs?

The One Who Knocks

J0urneyman wrote: »

I agree with you 100%.

Most people don't understand just how depressed a person with this disorder can get during the winter months. It's the sunlight...go to a tan shop a couple of days a week or something.

Yeah exactly.. I don't mind the cold, love the snow, and kinda like rain too...it's just the sunlight

It's dark when I get up at 7, it's dark when I come home at 5, and I pretty much spend my whole day inside. The last thing I want to do is spend another 6 hours indoors. I wasn't as bothered about this before, but I've become more active lately, and all I want to do is go for a long jog, but the weathers miserable, and gyms suck.

Thank god for Christmas in the winter, that's all I can say.

The One Who Knocks

zenno wrote: »

Have you any hobbies or interests ? if you do then it should take your mind off the cloudy weather. The last thing i care about is whether it's sunny raining or dull weather-wise as like most people i am preoccupied with my interests as such and don't care what the weather is like. Even if was stormy outside i'd still do my thing. Try to ignore the weather aspect of it if you can and focus on what you really like doing.

Also, take a daily dose of Vitamin B12 as this will make you feel better after a while. Helps when you get into the winter and dark early days. From lack of sunlight as well.

Yup, love exercise & running...but can't really do that outdoors in the winter. Don't worry though, as soon as December 1st hits, I go into "christmas mode" - gaming, tv, and hot coffee by the fireplace..can't wait!

I don't really get that depressed, it just annoys me sometimes....one of the reasons I dislike Ireland I guess

Oh and the B12's a great tip, thanks!

Jamsiek

Scanlas The 2nd wrote: »

It's not a defeatist attitude, it's realistic. We live in one of the best times and places the Earth has ever scene, we are astronomically lucky.

Tell that to the 1,000 that leave the country every week.
Ireland has a lot to be proud of but no opportunities for people like me

Daniel S

black and amber wrote: »

1-I have lots of nice things.
2-Other countries have thieves.
3-Other countries have taxes and most of them a hell of a lot more than us.
4-Whats prohibited that you think should'nt be?
5-By all means fcuk off to Switzerland today.I was there last year and its frighteningly expensive but don't mention that because it doesn't fit with your agenda.

1-So do I, but I worry about them being stolen so much I almost wish I didn't have them.
2-No... really? News to me. I thought we were the only ones...
3-We have ridiculously high taxes and very little to show for it. €660 for a 2.0 liter car here, about €250 there for example.
4-^^ What Jamez said. I can't carry even a small pocket knife/multi-tool for example.
5-Why would I fcuk off to Switzerland today? Didn't you read my post? I've lived in Switzerland and it's not half as expensive as people make it out to be.

9959

Jamez735 wrote: »

It's not so much temperature as it is "brightness"

What may seem like "a few clouds" to you, is actually something much worse to people like me. I'm pretty sure I have some form of seasonal affective disorder, although I do love hot summers and harsh winters...just hate being stuck in the middle, with dull, grey skies & pure darkness at 5.30pm

As a bar-stool psychologist it appears to me that the 'few clouds' of which you speak might well be symbolic of a much deeper malaise within your soul.
Have you tried golf, (weather permitting)?
Better still, why not a recuperative break in sunny Kilmuckridge, I guarantee that this will either kill you, or miraculously cure you of your existential ennui, sending you running back to wherever you call home with a new found sense of relief and a lust for life hitherto unknown.

What ever you choose to do, try at least to do it with a smile, and don't be such a whinger.
Chin up lad.

keithclancy

Daniel S wrote: »

3-We have ridiculously high taxes and very little to show for it. €660 for a 2.0 liter car here, about €250 there for example.

Grass is not always greener, I'm paying 1280 / year for a 2 Liter Diesel here in the Netherlands never mind the indirect 'tax' for Safety Cameras :pac:

I would say the Taxes here are much higher than Ireland.

I work in Germany and the Income tax is slightly lower than in NL.

Don't Chute!

Daniel S wrote: »

1-So do I, but I worry about them being stolen so much I almost wish I didn't have them.
2-No... really? News to me. I thought we were the only ones...
3-We have ridiculously high taxes and very little to show for it. €660 for a 2.0 liter car here, about €250 there for example.
4-^^ What Jamez said. I can't carry even a small pocket knife/multi-tool for example.
5-Why would I fcuk off to Switzerland today? Didn't you read my post? I've lived in Switzerland and it's not half as expensive as people make it out to be.

1-I can't even begin to understand that logic!
2-It certainly seems like news to you.
3-I pay roughly 15 percent effective tax, in Sweden you can pay 33 to 80 percent, i'll let you work out which is ridiculously high.
4-Just nonsense.
5-I said today because if all you are going to do is whinge and moan whilst getting an education you may aswell fcuk off now.

Daniel S

black and amber wrote: »

1-I can't even begin to understand that logic!
2-It certainly seems like news to you.
3-I pay roughly 15 percent effective tax, in Sweden you can pay 33 to 80 percent, i'll let you work out which is ridiculously high.
4-Just nonsense.
5-I said today because if all you are going to do is whinge and moan whilst getting an education you may aswell fcuk off now.

Perfect logic there.

80% tax? I'm calling bull.

15% is all well and good, but what would an a person/couple earning €60/100+k pay?

Not being able to carry a pocket knife for convenience is nonsense?

keithclancy

Daniel S wrote: »

Perfect logic there.

80% tax? I'm calling bull.

15% is all well and good, but what would an a person/couple earning €60/100+k pay?

Not being able to carry a pocket knife for convenience is nonsense?

They did have a 102% tax rate there for a while:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomperipossa_in_Monismania

On 100k I believe your effective tax rate would be 48.3%

speedboatchase

keithclancy wrote: »

Grass is not always greener, I'm paying 1280 / year for a 2 Liter Diesel here in the Netherlands never mind the indirect 'tax' for Safety Cameras :pac:

I would say the Taxes here are much higher than Ireland.

I work in Germany and the Income tax is slightly lower than in NL.

Sometimes it is though. I'm not paying any tax where I live and water is actually more expensive than petrol. Good oul Qatar :cool:

J0urneyman

black and amber wrote: »

Nightclubs?

Nightclubs are illegal under Irish law don't you know....

Have you ever thought to yourself why they were so sh!te compared with the party spots abroad?

J0urneyman

keithclancy wrote: »

Grass is not always greener, I'm paying 1280 / year for a 2 Liter Diesel here in the Netherlands never mind the indirect 'tax' for Safety Cameras :pac:

I would say the Taxes here are much higher than Ireland.

I work in Germany and the Income tax is slightly lower than in NL.

Yes, but look what you're getting in the Netherlands and Germany compared to Ireland!

Big Bottom

Anybody whinging about the weather in Ireland needs to bugger off somewhere else and stop complaining!

keithclancy

J0urneyman wrote: »

Yes, but look what you're getting in the Netherlands and Germany compared to Ireland!

Ah yeh ... sure they just handed me the keys to a Merc when we arrived.

Don't Chute!

Daniel S wrote: »

Perfect logic there.

80% tax? I'm calling bull.

15% is all well and good, but what would an a person/couple earning €60/100+k pay?

Not being able to carry a pocket knife for convenience is nonsense?

And saying one of the reasons you want to leave the country is because you can't carry a knife around is logical?

Daniel S

black and amber wrote: »

And saying one of the reasons you want to leave the country is because you can't carry a knife around is logical?

It's the principle of it. Big difference between a 91mm pocket knife/multitool and a normal knife as you said also.

BTW, you said 80% tax in Sweden, link?

Don't Chute!

J0urneyman wrote: »

Yes, but look what you're getting in the Netherlands and Germany compared to Ireland!

But do you not get that its because they pay more taxes?!? Irish people want everything but will pay for nothing!

Sound of Silence

Daniel S wrote: »

Not being able to carry a pocket knife for convenience is nonsense?

What exactly do you mean by convenience?

You do understand that almost every Joiner and Carpenter in Ireland carries some kind of utility blade around with them. Just buy one of those and stick it on a key chain.

Then again, I hope your not referring to an actual blade for self-defense.

Daniel S

Sound of Silence wrote: »

What exactly do you mean by convenience?

You do understand that almost every Joiner and Carpenter in Ireland carries some kind of utility blade around with them. Just buy one of those and stick it on a key chain.

Then again, I hope your not referring to an actual blade for self-defense.

I do carry a Victorinox on my kegs, but we're not allowed to.

I've been attacked in Limerick before, the two scumbags/would be robbers didn't have a knife (I don't think so anyway). Even if they did I wouldn't have used mine.

Daniel S

black and amber wrote: »

But do you not get that its because they pay more taxes?!? Irish people want everything but will pay for nothing!

The problem we have is we're halfway between both. We don't pay enough to have decent healthcare etc, but we pay too much for what we have.

keithclancy

Daniel S wrote: »

I do carry a Victorinox on my kegs, but we're not allowed to.

I've been attacked in Limerick before, the two scumbags/would be robbers didn't have a knife (I don't think so anyway). Even if they did I wouldn't have used mine.

You can carry a knife as long as you can prove you have a purpose for it.

Same offence as having a hurley for 'protection'

Daniel S

keithclancy wrote: »

You can carry a knife as long as you can prove you have a purpose for it.

Same offence as having a hurley for 'protection'

Obviously self-defense is not an acceptable purpose (which I completely understand), but surely a Victorinox is fairly self-explanatory?

Cienciano

coonecb1 wrote: »

Definitely don't feel like a typical Irish person even though I'm born and raised and didn't do much travelling apart from J1 Visa and inter-rail trips and holdiays etc.

Example:

In my house, I get scoffed and laughed at by my male Irish housemates because I apparently "have notions" about myself because:

- I clean the bathroom and kitchen every coupld of weeks
- Eat things like fruit and veg, and couscous (not together!)
- Have a slice of lemon when I'm drinking Coke in a glass at home
- Buy things like kitchen roll and floor cleaner for the kitchen

I'm 31 years old and don't enjoy living in mine and other people's filth is all

Hold on, this is a bit extreme. You reckon you don't feel Irish because of that? You never thought that you might just have dirty lazy housemates?

BTW, lemon in your coke at home? Oh, well pardon me your majesty

ToddyDoody

Don't feel I do, don't feel I don't.

J0urneyman

J0urneyman wrote: »

gambling....

Your having a laugh right? No where in the world apart from the UK is gambling so accepted as an everyday thing than Ireland. I have seen people from other countries shocked when I said I regularly walk into a shop and place bets and these shops are on every street in the towns and cities, never mind that its one of our national pass times done by everyone from children to pensioners.

Princess Peach

I feel like this. Last time I returned home from an extended trip I found it very difficult to settle back in, I was only gone 6 months too!

Now I've been away for a year and am moving back in a month, for possibly another year. I feel like I have very few friends left in Ireland. A lot of my old friends were bad at staying in touch with me and I don't feel close to them anymore. The few good friends I have from Ireland are all off travelling themselves! I love my family dearly, but sometimes an ocean between us isn't far enough :pac:

I just feel there's nothing much for me in Ireland career wise, and friends wise. I'm moving back now to sort out my finances and for my boyfriend to sort out his work situation so hopefully we can move abroad again together. Maybe if the economy was better, the healthcare system was better and I had friends in Ireland I would think differently.

EdenHazard

En otra vida, soy espanol

I'm both American and Irish but culturally I'm Irish. Not the biggest fan of the country tho tbh.

I consider myself American first, I wish I had stayed there because I imagine I'd have liked my Irish roots more.

maninasia

coonecb1 wrote: »

Yeah but based on the different nationalities I've lived with I have to say Irish people aren't not great on the whole cleanliness side of things.

Don't get me wrong I'm far from being perfectly clean myself, but just think as a nation we're nowhere near the likes of the Swedes even though we think we are because we shop in Ikea!

Not taking shoes off when entering the house is a big thing. After you get used to it, it's hard not to notice people tracking in the dirt and muck on their shoes!

Princess Peach

maninasia wrote: »

Not taking shoes off when entering the house is a big thing. After you get used to it, it's hard not to notice people tracking in the dirt and muck on their shoes!

I will never allow shoes inside my house again!

And Irish visitors are just gonna have to deal with it!