Why don't Irish people befriend foreigners?

Main thing for me is even if someone has perfect English if they aren't Irish it's hard to bond as a lot of the little things like in jokes etc aren't the same and at times it gets draining explaining things.

Outside of Ireland I'd say English, Scottish, Welsh and Aussie tend to be the easiest to form friendships with from what I've seen and experienced. Even a lot of Americans who even when lovely have trouble getting a lot

As you can see from the above I'd say the close links between Ireland, Britain and Australia is what gives more in common. In saying that it can even depend on where someone is from even in those countries. E.g. cockneys, magpies seem to be the best craic from who've I met

From what I've seen they do, my father is a fisherman and sells fish to them and he even used to visit a man from the Philippines. My uncle also befriended his Lithuanian secretary and had an affair with her.

In my case though being non NT they have bullied me relentlessly in the workplace (even the women) so I have no time for them and I made sure to vote for Brexit. Imagine being so arrogant that you would come to another country and bully a local.

We like to have the craic but in general are uncomfortable with deep or meaningful conversations when sober. I have heard a foreigner describe the Irish personality as soft and friendly on the outside but deep down the true personality is hard and vindictive.

I don't think that's a fair assessment to be honest. As others have mentioned, it's simply a combination of being busy, have existing relationships, and the result of the fast-paced society in which we live today. Most people can scarcely maintain existing friendships, without extending themselves to get acquainted with people passing through Ireland for a few years.

Having said that, I have a foreign colleague who really wants to settle here but has had a torrid time trying to make Irish friends. I do like him, but I'm married with young kids, have a large extended family, plus a few close friends, and just do not have time to realistically become friends with him. I suspect many Irish people are the same.

I am Irish and I moved about 150 miles within Ireland over 40 years ago. I live in a rural area. i have acquired a few acquaintances but no friends in all that time. Irish people are very clannish and distrustful of foreigners and 'blow-ins' unfortunately.

My neighbours have never invited me into their homes, although a few have visited me in mine. I would say to stay in Dublin as there is a better social mix there and better opportunities to meet people.

I'll befriend anyone who wants to befriend me. I have loads of "foreigner" friends.

Lots of reasons OP, I’d say the main one which has been pointed out here already which is adults tend not to naturally become good friends with each other unless they spend a huge amount of time together, Ive a feeling that is worldwide. I would be surprised this day in age that this happens with people in their college years, but if it it does, its likely because Irish people are more focused on socialising in the pub/club at that age and foreigners arent as into getting wasted. Irish people also probably assume (unfairly) that the foreigner has their own life going on with their own friends.

The whole thing doesnt happen out of any badness, I think saying we're clannish etc is simplifying things and also being hard on Irish culture.We are probably shyer than we care to admit.

Again though, I would say the primary reason is that adults after college years are really not that good at making friends with each other.

is there such a thing as close friends at 27, an acquaintance perhaps but that's it. Close friends are a thing for the very young

Mad there's still talk about this, when the answer was given early on in the thread.

In general it's difficult in Ireland - especially as a man - to make new friends once you've left college. People have their friend groups from school and college and tend to stick with them. Work colleagues are work colleagues, you see them in work and for after-work parties, but you don't text them randomly on a Saturday to go out for beers.

Any new friends tend to be made through existing friends rather than out of entirely new groups.

And since most people over 30 have few "foreign" friends from school or college, this makes it appear like they're inaccessible to foreigners. When the reality is that they're just as inaccessible to other Irish people too.

Even when you get to the point of having kids, it's rare to get past the "our kids are friends, and we'll talk superficially but that's about it" level.

Birds of a feather, flock together.

The OP could offer to take both of them. I'm sure both your friends would be delighted. They'd still have you over for birthdays and celebrations etc.

I suppose they'd have to keep contact with you anyways even if they befriended the OP, what with you being their only child and all