This post is also available in: polski (Polish)

Today is Paddy’s Day – the biggest Irish holiday which the whole world like to celebrate. If you have ever been to Ireland, even in the worst weather, you will leave thrilled. Well, what exactly happened? What is the phenomenon of this small island where the wind ruffles your hair every day, and the rain drips on your face? I asked different people. Irish who live here or abroad, and people of other nationalities to whom Ireland became home.

What do you love the most about Ireland?

There three Things I would miss about Ireland if I ever left.

–Saying hello to people I don’t know and more often than not they will  say hello back.

–That we actually have  a complete set of seasons, even though they can often all be grey and wet.

–That we can be proud to be Irish and but it doesn’t stop us giving a warm welcome to people from across the world.

–Hugh Murphy – Irish artist lives in Ireland.

1.People with friendly attitude

– I like in Ireland ordinary people – smiling on the street, simply and pleasantly glad that it rains or it does not rain, that it windy or does not blow, that they are alive. The drivers pedestrian letting go, kind ladies and gentlemen in the shop – such every day and very natural “taking care of needs” of other persons. Pride of being Irish – here and abroad, this a special thing and relation – but such a peaceful pride, without pomposity and martyrdom.

– Agnieszka – Polish woman, lives in Ireland.

–Teachers – they are cheerful and do not make artificial problems, treat the pupils in a friendly manner, they are open-minded and interested in what the pupil wants to say.

– Anka – Polish girl, student of secondary school in Ireland.

–Irish people are generally polite and try to help. As a Brazilian I never suffered or witnessed any prejudice. Of course, I know they exist, but it never happened to me. I feel that a country welcomes foreigners who decide to live here.

– Bianca Freitas – Brasilian woman lives in Ireland.

– I like the characteristics of people in Ireland, their favour with foreigners, kindness on almost every occasion, and good spirit.

– Jack Luszczkiewicz – Polish with Irish citizenship.

2. Wild and magic nature

–The Irish landscape enchanting of both the beaches and the mountains always have the feeling of being in a magical land. – Bianca.

–The landscapes of the West of Ireland – Connemara, the ocean, even ordinary bushes and green grass all year round, rawness, naturalness, no stands with Chinese crap, no advertising banners and rumbling music on every inch of the earth – but peace and power of nature respected by the inhabitants. – Agnieszka.

–Yes, sometimes I am delighted with the landscapes: cliffs, beaches, scattered hills, wide open spaces not polluted by human presence. – Jack.

-I like Irish nature – natural and raw. – Jarek – Polish lives in Ireland.

3. Unique pub atmosphere and taste of Guiness

–You don’t realise how special Irish pubs are till you spend time in a country without such a good pub culture. I once lived near Dominick Street in Galway, so I guess I was particularly spoiled for choice. I miss the feeling of the comfort, the smells, even the stale ones. The series of bar taps. The high standard of Guinness compared to what you get abroad. The live music. Special stuff.

—Trevor Conway – Irish poet lives in Spain.

4.Evergreen and dense grass

–The abundance of grass is not to be looked on lightly. Yes, I mean the kind of grass you walk on. Run on. Roll on. Mow. Sniff. Lick, if you’re so inclined. It’s not so common in warmer places, and it usually comes patchy, like pubescent facial hair. I like to go for a run on grass – much more sensible than running on concrete. In many countries, you have to travel far or pay to be able to go for a run on grass. In Ireland, close your eyes and you’re likely gonna be stumbling onto a fairly liberal dose of it pretty soon. – Trevor.

5. Relax and sense of humour

-The sense of humour is something that takes time to get used to in any country, especially when it’s one that primarily functions via a language you aren’t fluent in. Not having that yet with the locals abroad, you come to appreciate that access to the phrases, the character that comes across in how things are said, in your home country. Irish humour isn’t easy to define, I think, but here are some adjectives I’d attach to it: daft, eccentric, minimalising, acceptably abusive, even funnier in a Cork accent. – Trevor.

-The chill out mood of people, no tension, no stress, and no nerves without reason. – Jarek.

6. Simplicity

–I have a feeling that everything is possible in Ireland. Since I have moved here, I have achieved my dreams/goals. And every day I accomplish myself as a woman. 

– Maoulida Ibouroi, moved to Ireland from France.

Indeed, anything seems possible in Ireland. In my opinion not because there are extraordinary opportunities, but because people have a straightforward approach. You don’t have to be perfect to play a music with others musicians in the pub. People will be glad you joined and share something of yourself. Although there are so many very talented musicians in Ireland. Or when sometimes your parcel was lost at the post office, although you do not have any confirmation, no tracking number, the post office is able to help you

7. Food

Irish cuisine seems very simple. But you can find good quality products so often.

–I like meat and eggs – says the child of a fussy eater, so it must be a gigantic advantage. – so smiles Anka

I like the quality of Irish food, especially the meat, cheese and eggs always smell appetizing. – Jarek.

I have to add that I have never eaten better fries (which are always cut by hand) outside of Ireland. And, now I have started to make the popular butter cookies.

8. The weather

It seems Irish weather is not to be liked. However, that there is something positive about it:

– It’s never really cold. – says Anka.

When the weather is changeable, the sky has various amazing colours. Also the rainbow is very popular in Ireland, and double rainbow is homely, My mother said: where there is no rain Ireland seems like a fairy tale. I think because the light in Ireland can be wonderful. Many people who moved to Ireland from hot countries say that they love daily breeze and the lack of sweltering heat.

9. Celtic heritage

–I like Irish folklore the most, that is Celtic music, stories about Leprechaun, shamrocks and Celtic ornaments. – Jack.

Celtic traditions are still very popular and they beautiful interact with diffrent customs in the country.

10. Poetry

You can discover poetry in wild landscapes and various alleys of the little towns, like Irish poets. The poetry in Ireland is important. It is not something addition. People write poems on the streets or sing the song in the queue. It happens to me, that somebody wrote a poem for me after a short conversation at the bar. So, never be afraid to tell people that you are a poet. 🙂

What do you like about Ireland? Please, share your perceptions in the comments if you like. I am very curious about it. Those spontaneous interviews I made through e-mails or text messages, two days before St. Patrick’s Day became a beautiful gift for me from my friends.

Thank you very much to all my speakers!