Irish people. What do foreign people think of us?

Elenxor · 02-05-2010 03:39PM #1

Seriously, please tell us of your experiences in this country.

msg11 · 02-05-2010 03:41PM

It's a load of me houp . It's Summer! And more clouds in the sky than winter.

kraggy · 02-05-2010 03:42PM

We're not as well liked as we like to think.

From my experience travelling, one of the reasons we are not liked is because, we think we're great craic. The truth is, that many Irish folk make absolute tits of themselves when backpacking.

It's embarassing sometimes.

Biggins · 02-05-2010 03:45PM

I know some others outside our state are scratching their heads and asking "How the hell did we fcuk things up so badly?"
Some are amazed at how we went perhaps from one extreme to another.

LiGhTz OuT · 02-05-2010 03:46PM

Americans think were alcoholics and leprachauns lol

arybvtcw0eolkf · 02-05-2010 03:49PM

From my travels, most people are of the opinion that we're drunkards and violent.

Also whenever I told people I was in the army they asked me about Gerry Adams, so they probably think we're terrorists too.

rossie1977 · 02-05-2010 03:51PM

LiGhTz OuT wrote: »

Americans think were alcoholics and leprachauns lol

who get into fights all the time and only eat potatoes

Elenxor · 02-05-2010 03:51PM

kraggy wrote: »

We're not as well liked as we like to think.

From my experience travelling, one of the reasons we are not liked is because, we think we're great craic. The truth is, that many Irish folk make absolute tits of themselves when backpacking.

It's embarassing sometimes.

Amen to that!.

Rud · 02-05-2010 03:52PM

who gives a fcuk what they think of us??

rossie1977 · 02-05-2010 03:52PM

from my experience many people get the irish and scots confused for some reason

Alias G · 02-05-2010 03:52PM

kraggy wrote: »

We're not as well liked as we like to think.

From my experience travelling, one of the reasons we are not liked is because, we think we're great craic.

I wouldn't agree with that. I remember from my days travelling getting plenty of positive attention on account of my Irish nationality despite the fact that I'm a cúnt.

Certain sections of the globe mind you - Oz, North America, Continental Europe.

Irishness is unlikely to make any significant impression on the locals in Africa or South America in my experience.

Rabies · 02-05-2010 03:53PM

people over here think we're always great fun, love the drink and the girls think we all sound like Gerard Butler in P.S. I Love You

MitchKoobski · 02-05-2010 04:02PM

Was speaking to a nice american girl online recently and her entire view of Ireland was based on the film Leap Year.

Yeah.

OutlawPete · 02-05-2010 04:02PM

Rabies wrote: »

people over here think we're always great fun, love the drink and the girls think we all sound like Gerard Butler in P.S. I Love You

Ah, New Zealand .. where men are men and the sheep are nervous

ordinary_girl · 02-05-2010 04:02PM

rossie1977 wrote: »

from my experience many people get the irish and scots confused for some reason

It's because they're both Celts. Or, for instance, thinking Ireland and Scotland are pretty much the same place but in different areas.

the keen edge · 02-05-2010 04:03PM

Malcolm Hollow Rock wrote: »

From my travels, most people are of the opinion that we're drunkards and violent.

Also whenever I told people I was in the army they asked me about Gerry Adams, so they probably think we're terrorists too.

Wht the fcuk are youd saying!, oUStide now and I'll kick the head of ya@?, just give me a mi1nute to finish me pinteen and I'll be out to ya.... ya cnUT,ya........zzzzzzzzzzz

arybvtcw0eolkf · 02-05-2010 04:08PM

the keen edge wrote: »

Wht the fcuk are youd saying!, oUStide now and I'll kick the head of ya@?, just give me a mi1nute to finish me pinteen and I'll be out to ya.... ya cnUT,ya........zzzzzzzzzzz

Just gimme a minute to grab me lil' ol armalite, I'll sing ye a wee rebel song while I'm at it..

:P

ejmaztec · 02-05-2010 04:15PM

Rest_Energy wrote: »

It's because they're both Celts. Or, for instance, thinking Ireland and Scotland are pretty much the same place but in different areas.

I think that it's down to it not being the winning, but the taking part that's important.:pac:

Rabies · 02-05-2010 04:28PM

OutlawPete wrote: »

Ah, New Zealand .. where men are men and the sheep are nervous

winter is here. i need to stay warm some how

Seloth · 02-05-2010 04:45PM

I've just heard numerouse times I've a sexy/hot accent

Irish accents ftw

SugarHigh · 02-05-2010 05:09PM

Irish people get more attention in foreign countries than they do back home and they attribute this to being like but they fail to realise that all foreigners in all countries get more attention.

kraggy · 02-05-2010 05:15PM

Seloth wrote: »

I've just heard numerouse times I've a sexy/hot accent

Irish accents ftw

Pity you have a face like a bag of spanners.

Seloth · 02-05-2010 05:18PM

kraggy wrote: »

Pity you have a face like a bag of spanners.

Ah well yer mother dosent complain

Krieg · 02-05-2010 05:19PM

Biggest compliant ive heard is the cliquishness of Irish people
I wouldn't disagree in the slightest, im personally guilty as well

ToniTuddle · 02-05-2010 05:21PM

OutlawPete wrote: »

Ah, New Zealand .. where men are men and the sheep are nervous

There seems to be more cows than sheep in the areas I was in!

NZ folk like the Irish as there isn't too many of them in the country, unlike Oz.

We are a novelty to the Americans. All wee, cute, drunk and talk funny :pac:

karlog · 02-05-2010 05:29PM

Were basically ruined now that crystal swing is famous.

Realtine · 02-05-2010 05:36PM

Many people abroad seem to believe we are still part of Britain.
I think English people seem to think the same.

gagomes · 02-05-2010 05:38PM

It's kinda difficult to form an opinion about Irish people without neglecting that the cutlure in Dublin is substantially different than, say, Galway. In general, let's just say that there is, at the very least, a lack of environment-friendliness all across the border. If Dublin, in particular, is taken into consideration Education.IE could also be considered an oxymoron - I am not refering to crude words here and there and it sure might be extended to other counties.

Atlantic Dawn · 02-05-2010 05:40PM

I think people have time for us because we have never invaded or occupied any other countries.

Kasabian · 02-05-2010 05:40PM

Rabies wrote: »

people over here think we're always great fun, love the drink and the girls think we all sound like Gerard Butler in P.S. I Love You

Oh those Hobbits they really don't understand us :pac:

2ygb4cmqetsjhx · 02-05-2010 05:43PM

I'm Irish and I think everybody in Ireland needs a good nuking. I can't look at anything Irish without cringing!

Fallen Buckshot · 02-05-2010 05:44PM

We would like to Make sweet love to you all by a Bog with a nice romantic smokey peat fire

AckwelFoley · 02-05-2010 05:44PM

I lived in Denmark in the late 90's. I was there for a few months and before my time was up to come home i was asked to meet up with an irish guy and show him the town. I couldnt fathom how one person could be such a fcuking idiot all at one time, he was a national disgrace.

Complaining about the price of the food in the chip shop and trying to bargin with the lady. It wouldnt ber seen as to unusual here where a lad bakes a bollix of himself a 2am, but this was 8pm and he was sobre...

Horse_box · 02-05-2010 05:56PM

If I was visiting Ireland and went on a night out in Galway, Cork, Dublin or any other city or town for that matter, I would be very shocked at the amount of drunken idiots falling around the place

We are a nation who live up to our sterotypes

cooperguy · 02-05-2010 06:01PM

I spent three months in California on a J1 a couple of years ago. Alot of the Californians were really interested in talking to us when they realised we were Irish (some were actually excited!).

Having said that there was plenty more who were no more interested in us than any other nationality.

Azhrei · 02-05-2010 06:13PM

Ancient Ireland made incredibly works of art like the Tara Brooch, Book of Kells, Ardagh Chalice, Newgrange, etc. Amazing music begat achingly beautiful songs, original styles of dance, a culture we've become famous for. The friendliest, most innocent people in the world.

Modern Ireland has the spire in Dublin and Crystal Swing. People with an inflated sense of self-worth because of the works of our ancestors. I don't know what people outside the country see and think of us, but I hope it's close to the truth.

Latchy · 02-05-2010 07:57PM

Malcolm Hollow Rock wrote: »

From my travels, most people are of the opinion that we're drunkards and violent.

Also whenever I told people I was in the army they asked me about Gerry Adams, so they probably think we're terrorists too.

Being my expierence to on a few occasions although uk based ex- Irish servicemens associations who attend military functions throughout the year have managed over the years to make some of those who didn't understand , know the difference between Terrorists and Irish Defence Forces .

Realtine wrote: »

Many people abroad seem to believe we are still part of Britain.
I think English people seem to think the same.

I think some English people are very clued in and know the difference ,with many others it's just plain indifference than anything else .
There will always be that association with Britain simply because of the former Empire , history between and closeness of the two Islands

starbelgrade · 02-05-2010 08:00PM

Jayda Embarrassed Autograph wrote: »

I'm Irish and I think everybody in Ireland needs a good nuking. I can't look at anything Irish without cringing!

How do you avoid your own reflection?

Goldenquick · 02-05-2010 08:01PM

They think we drink all the time, are very holy when not in the pub, speak with funny accents and are very backward......:rolleyes:

Dudess · 02-05-2010 08:02PM

kraggy wrote: »

We're not as well liked as we like to think.

From my experience travelling, one of the reasons we are not liked is because, we think we're great craic. The truth is, that many Irish folk make absolute tits of themselves when backpacking.

It's embarassing sometimes.

Elenxor wrote: »

Amen to that!.

Jayda Embarrassed Autograph wrote: »

I'm Irish and I think everybody in Ireland needs a good nuking. I can't look at anything Irish without cringing!

I'd imagine foreign people are quite bemused by the strong undercurrent of self loathing and the worrying about what other nationalities think of us...

starbelgrade · 02-05-2010 08:06PM

All backpackers are embarrasing.

Krusader · 02-05-2010 08:07PM

Goldenquick wrote: »

They think we drink all the time, are very holy when not in the pub, speak with funny accents and are very backward......:rolleyes:

They're not half wrong then :pac:

i57dwun4yb1pt8 · 02-05-2010 08:14PM

well, the roiting / protesting soon to be bust greeks think we are a bunch of cowardly bastards

http://www.politics.ie/current-affairs/123685-greek-working-class-greece-not-ireland-we-fight-back.html

.... and they would be dead right .

Scarinae · 02-05-2010 08:46PM

I'm embarrassed by Irish people abroad.

Ever been to the south of Spain? I was there a few years ago to stay with a friend and her family, the whole place is just full of Irish and English people who have second houses (well, it was in 2004 anyway) The people over there want to go to Irish pubs, socialise with Irish people, watch Irish sports, and they complain about stuff that's different to Ireland: "I don't like Spanish butter" or "The meat just isn't the same as it is at home". Well, go back to Ireland then if it's so great! I avoid Irish pubs like the plague when I'm in other countries

gagomes · 02-05-2010 08:49PM

Goldenquick wrote: »

They think we drink all the time, are very holy when not in the pub, speak with funny accents and are very backward......:rolleyes:

Them fools

Scarinae · 02-05-2010 08:57PM

Realtine wrote: »

Many people abroad seem to believe we are still part of Britain.
I think English people seem to think the same.

I think you're right! I'm in London doing a Masters at the moment, and people seem to be a bit confused about the whole thing. For example, a postgrad was doing a survey of British students, which I obviously couldn't do because I'm Irish. One of the girls in my class helpfully said "They probably don't just mean Britain, you can probably do it since you're part of the UK" Er, what? She knows I'm from Dublin!

I can vote in the election on Thursday because I'm Irish... All other EU countries can only vote in the locals, but Irish people and qualifying Commonwealth citizens can vote for parliament. I'm sure other people heard about Nick Griffin, the leader of the BNP, talking earlier this week about how he'd kick out all the foreigners except the Irish since we "as far as we are concerned are part of Britain"

starbelgrade · 02-05-2010 09:04PM

Fishie wrote: »

I'm embarrassed by Irish people abroad.

Ever been to the south of Spain? I was there a few years ago to stay with a friend and her family, the whole place is just full of Irish and English people who have second houses (well, it was in 2004 anyway) The people over there want to go to Irish pubs, socialise with Irish people, watch Irish sports, and they complain about stuff that's different to Ireland: "I don't like Spanish butter" or "The meat just isn't the same as it is at home". Well, go back to Ireland then if it's so great! I avoid Irish pubs like the plague when I'm in other countries

The south of Spain is not full of Irish & English people with 2nd homes. Parts of it are - but for the most part, southern Spain is predominantly Spanish. The islands, Las Canarias & Palma, are quite touristy, but neither of them are in the south of Spain.

The people you speak of can be embarrasing, but so can those who either don't know their geography or make sweeping generalisations about the entire coastline of a foreign country.

xoixo · 02-05-2010 09:05PM

From my experiences, we're not hugely like - my age group anyway would just be considered drunk and violent.

But, also noticed the tone and attitude of the person improves a lot after we exchange this:

"You English?"
"No I'm Irish"
"Oooh.. in that case..."

PK2008 · 02-05-2010 09:21PM

Rest_Energy wrote: »

It's because they're both Celts. Or, for instance, thinking Ireland and Scotland are pretty much the same place but in different areas.

Scotland is Ireland Junior

Scarinae · 02-05-2010 09:33PM

starbelgrade wrote: »

The south of Spain is not full of Irish & English people with 2nd homes. Parts of it are - but for the most part, southern Spain is predominantly Spanish. The islands, Las Canarias & Palma, are quite touristy, but neither of them are in the south of Spain.

The people you speak of can be embarrasing, but so can those who either don't know their geography or make sweeping generalisations about the entire coastline of a foreign country.

:rolleyes: Ok, I was specifically referring to some of the coast of Andalusia -Marbella, Puerto Banus, etc, I believe it's called the Costa del Sol. Happy now? I have been to other parts of southern Spain, like Sorbas, which are predominantly Spanish and I liked them a lot better. My original point is still valid though, despite your nitpicking

pickarooney · 02-05-2010 09:42PM

Most non-English-speaking foreigners can't or don't care enough to distinguish us from the English.

Irish people. What do foreign people think of us?

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