The Irish are extremely friendly
Although it’s a positive stereotype, the belief that the Irish are innately friendly and welcoming is still a generalisation, and arguably not an entirely accurate one. Condé Nast Traveller surveyed hundreds of thousands of tourists about the most friendly and unfriendly cities in 2015 and two Irish cities – Galway and Dublin – did make it into the ‘friendly’ category. But at numbers 15 and 18 respectively, they were far below the European city deemed the friendliest – Reykjavik, Iceland.
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The Irish are liars
This one was apparently espoused by former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who supposedly told a Labour minister for Northern Ireland that ‘you can’t trust the Irish, they are all liars’. A variation on the idea that they have the ‘gift for the gab’, some think the Irish are more inclined than the people of other nations to tell tall tales. It becomes discriminatory in contexts like a 2012 Australian job advert, in which the employer advised ‘No Irish’, because of his belief that Irish applicants were more likely to exaggerate their qualifications.
The Irish don’t speak English
Though not as widespread as the other stereotypes on this list, there are some that still believe that Ireland is an Irish-speaking nation. Urban legends abound of Irish J-1 visa students being applauded for their command of English while working in US restaurants. Also, an unfortunate Australian news anchor is reported as having commented on the death of British-Irish actor Peter O’Toole in 2013 that they were surprised to hear he was Irish, since ‘He has such a great command of the English language.’
Ireland is a Backwater
The romantic idea of Ireland as a remote, tranquil place is certainly true of some areas – indeed, it’s a major selling point for many residents and visitors. But Irish people do tire of being asked whether or not they have internet access, or electricity, or cars out there on the edge of Europe – even in jest.
The Irish are lucky
What with all the leprechaun pot-of-gold imagery, there is a misconception out there that the Irish are luckier than other populations. Actually, according to Edward T. O’Donnell, historian and author of 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History, ‘the luck of the Irish’ was a sarcastic phrase adopted during the 19th century to refer to successful Irish miners, intended to deride their accomplishments as mere luck.
Planning a visit to Ireland? Avoid these stereotypes and you’re sure to have some great craic with the locals. Immerse yourself further into the culture by allowing a local guide to show you around on one of these trips, tours and experiences in Ireland.
About the author 
From Irish cuisine to the best gallery shows, Kate covers everything Ireland has to offer. She has bylines in numerous publications including IMAGE Interiors & Living.
Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/europe/ireland/articles/10-stereotypes-all-irish-people-hate
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Publish date : 2024-10-02 07:00:00
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