Ireland has long been known as a land of myth and legend, but there are some modern day myths that you should be aware of before you travel there – or you may be in for a surprise!
1. People in Ireland wear green
Just because they everyone does it on St. Patrick’s Day, doesn’t mean they do it on every other day.
Indeed, even on the national holiday, the Irish themselves typically DON’T wear green – this tradition is today observed more by visitors to Ireland, or by Irish descendants and friends abroad.
2. People in Ireland wear Aran sweaters
Don’t make the mistake of packing your back full of chunky, creamy woollens. There’s no other way to say “I’m a tourist” in Ireland, than to wear an Aran sweater.
You’ll still be able to buy Aran sweaters in gift shops, of course – but Irish people wouldn’t be seen dead wearing them!
As it happens, Aran sweaters don’t even originate from Ireland.
While made on the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast, similar thick, water-resistant woollens had long been worn by fishermen from Britain. Indeed, the Irish word for sweater, “geansai”, means “Guernsey”, one of the Channel Islands.
3. Leprechauns live in Ireland
In places like the US, the words “Ireland” and “leprechaun” are synonymous. In Ireland, however, leprechauns are nowhere to be seen. Not just in the flesh – there are no leprechaun dolls, leprechauns toys, or leprechauns cartoon characters on cereals boxes.
The only place you will find such things are in gift shops – because Irish people find the association with leprechauns frivolous, even offensive. Some call this view of Ireland “Paddywhackery”, and they are at pains to move away from this image.
4. Irish people are poor
On the contrary, Irish people are among the wealthiest in Europe, and the cost of living is quite high. Take a look at some restaurant menus and prices online, before coming, to get an idea of what you’ll need to budget.
While at the time of writing (April 2009), Ireland is experiencing a severe recession; it is doing so on the back of fifteen years of tremendous economic growth. During that time the country’s infrastructure has greatly improved, and Ireland has become the European base of choice for many of the leading US technology companies, such as Intel, Microsoft, Google and Ebay.
5. Northern Ireland is dangerous
The “troubles” in Northern Ireland – the low-level guerrilla war between (mainly) the IRA and the British government – are more or less over. A power-sharing local government (called the Executive) has been established in Northern Ireland, with mandatory representation from both sides (Protestant/Unionist and Catholic/Nationalist) of the community.
While there is still hurt and distrust between the two communities, there seems to be a general consensus that no-one wants to return to the “bad old days”.
Relationships between the Irish Government, the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are strong and cordial.
Meanwhile, travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is unrestricted. There are no border checkpoints.
North/South Tips:
- In the Republic of Ireland, the currency is the Euro, while road signs/speed limits are displayed in kilometres.
- In Northern Ireland, the currency is British pounds (sterling), while road signs/speed limits are displayed in miles.