Are there any Irish People in Adelaide :) ?

elle

Moved to Adelaide 3 weeks ago to do my regional work. Before I got here I had heard all about the hoardes of Irish here working in construction etc. and I am yet to meet a single person from Ireland Any Irish people here in Adelaide? Where is good to go? Have been working flat out since I got here so not met many people yet really!

zweton

elle, can I ask what type of regional work you are doing there,is work plentiful?

susy

Hey,

There's definitely a couple of us knocking around - I hear a good few accents as I wander about and know of a few folk working in bars/cafes just because I hear their accents, but I don't go looking for them either. I live pretty near PJ O'Briens in the city and often enough hear the accents as I walk past - I don't know what it's like inside, not really one for Irish pubs abroad, but it depends on your cup of tea. I like dark pubs where the focus is on conversation and a craic rather than loud current trendy music. So if you like that type of place I can recommend the Exeter, Belgian Beer Cafe, the Gov, but Im usually in a minority in my tastes.

I'm also compiling a list of favourite coffee spots if that's interesting to you! Give me an idea what sort of stuff you like and I'll try recommend stuff - also what part of Adelaide do you live in?

Susy

zweton

Elle,

Forgot to mention www.pomsinadelaide.com maybe your familiar with it already though. The forum section will give you a good feel for what the place is like and has some useful info. Seems to be plenty of irish on there too.

MikeMacca

am i the only person that is going to oz to avoid the irish? i make it my business to avoid the irish anywhere i go abroad. its probably why we're so insular as a nation, our inability to make friends with different nationalities and our habitual nature of drinking in the local McGintys or whatever pub that has a tricolour draped across its window

elle

Thanks for replies! I'm living in Norwood so have been out in a couple of bars along the Parade & been in that PJ O'Brien's bar too, it was actually ok, good craic with the barmen in there the night I was there. There was no Irish music or anything just loads of cheesy 80s stuff!! Was in the Exeter too, nice spot.

I think MikeMacca misunderstand my thread as I am not looking to only socialise with Irish people and certainly not looking for a bar sporting the tricolour ... I'm open to socialising with anyone I just thought it would be nice to meet a few people who are in similar situation, i.e. away from home, in a foreign country, etc. I am living with an Aussie and since arriving have only socialised with Aussies so am not out to avoid other nationalities just thought it be bit of craic to catch up with some Irish people while I'm here!

Was just wondering where the Irish were hiding since the Aussies keep telling me Adelaide is riddled with Irish and I haven't heard a single accent

In fairness I probably haven't been out enough to meet people as I started working pretty much straight away and we've been flat out.

hussey

MikeMacca wrote: »

am i the only person that is going to oz to avoid the irish? i make it my business to avoid the irish anywhere i go abroad. its probably why we're so insular as a nation, our inability to make friends with different nationalities and our habitual nature of drinking in the local McGintys or whatever pub that has a tricolour draped across its window

Irish people are extremely friendly and always help others out, especially in a new country. It can be difficult in a new country if you don't know anyone at all, so nothing wrong with socialising with people you know or who know a friend of yours etc.

Locals can often be hard to make friends with, especially in a big city, with big city attitudes. If I meet someone who's just came over I'd happily offer to invite them to next BBQ or a few beers out, as I've been there done that. We don't all hang around Irish pubs, but certainly nothing wrong with a local pint either. When people are new in a country they seem more open to new people, while if settled can be a bit closed.

We are not the only country to do this, Greeks, Finnish, Italians, Indians, Chinese, brazilians, kiwis, all often have communities or hang out in groups.

MikeMacca

horses for courses i suppose. i tend to give the carlow jerseys,the celtic caps and o neill trackie bottom wearers a wide berth

g5fd6ow0hseima

elle wrote: »

Moved to Adelaide 3 weeks ago to do my regional work. Before I got here I had heard all about the hoardes of Irish here working in construction etc. and I am yet to meet a single person from Ireland Any Irish people here in Adelaide? Where is good to go? Have been working flat out since I got here so not met many people yet really!

is there much work in Adelaide? Im thinking of heading to Adelaide for my regional because its impossible get farming or fruit picking work anywhere without my own car.

jackbhoy

MikeMacca wrote: »

am i the only person that is going to oz to avoid the irish? i make it my business to avoid the irish anywhere i go abroad. its probably why we're so insular as a nation, our inability to make friends with different nationalities and our habitual nature of drinking in the local McGintys or whatever pub that has a tricolour draped across its window

Insular compared to who? In what I've seen of the world I'd say the Irish are some of the least insular people around. Our diaspora is spread all over the planet and the average Irish persons knowledge and experience of the wider world is much greater than most peoples. Many Americans/Aussies will tell you they live in the "greatest country in the world" yet a lot of them have never left their state let alone lived on the other side of the planet, that is true insularity!

I think it's a waste to go to Aus for a year and then live in Bondi/St Kilda with all Irish people and drink in Irish bars every weekend but if someone wants to do that it's no skin off my nose. Personally, I don't make any extra effort to meet fellow Irish people but neither do I go out of my way to
avoid them.

zweton

The more contacts the better, thats the way i look at it:)

CiaranC

MikeMacca wrote: »

am i the only person that is going to oz to avoid the irish?

You are going to the wrong place bro. Try China.

markymark21

CiaranC wrote: »

You are going to the wrong place bro. Try China.

haha fact

markymark21

jackbhoy wrote: »

Many Americans/Aussies will tell you they live in the "greatest country in the world" yet a lot of them have never left their state let alone lived on the other side of the planet, that is true insularity!

.

I had an American sitting at the bar in the hotel I work in. Apparently he didn't know Ireland was a country. He thought it was a place near Liverpool.

Unbelievable really!

jank

He is not far wrong.

Pisco Sour

CiaranC wrote: »

You are going to the wrong place bro. Try China.

Somalia a better bet

woolymammoth

elle wrote: »

Was just wondering where the Irish were hiding since the Aussies keep telling me Adelaide is riddled with Irish and I haven't heard a single accent

lol! who tells you that? I've been living here on & off since 2009, and I've met 1 other paddy that was living here. And that was in passing, didn't bother stopping to chat. Did see a jackeen jersey about a month ago walking down the street, but that's about it. Some of the aussies i know do know some irish, but not many. I certainly wouldn't say the place is riddled with us, but saying that i don't socialise as much as i did back home.. i miss guinness!

Don't think i could recommend the belgian beer bar tbh.. unless you actually like expensive belgian beers. Norwoods a nice spot though, the parade festival is coming up soon isn't it? that's always good.

Mellor

MikeMacca wrote: »

am i the only person that is going to oz to avoid the irish? i make it my business to avoid the irish anywhere i go abroad.

I agree its good to make friends with the locals, and not associate with only those from the local parish. It's part of the reason for travel after all. But the other extreme, making it your business to avoid irish, is rather sad in my opinion.

If I happen to be in your part of the country for a weekend, and prehaps ended up sitting beside you for a drink. And you ignored me solely because I was Irish, well I'd find that quite ignorant. It's an something I've seen before, it doesn't bother me as I don't paticularly want to associate with people who feel like that. I'm just baffled by the elitiest attitude that goes with it.

elle

Hey Leif!

I drive so that hasn't been an issue for me, I'm surprised that it would be for farm work! I think there is a fair bit of work going in Adelaide but wouldn't know about the driving thing. I have heard in passing of people working on farms in the "Adelaide region" but I think they are about 3 hrs outside of Adelaide...sorry I'm no help .. have u looked on harvest trail? I think there is a number you can call regarding work?

elle

Thanks for the comments folks .. I'm enjoying the Aussies just would be nice to have someone who could relate to my cravings for Club Orange )

Father Damo

MikeMacca wrote: »

am i the only person that is going to oz to avoid the irish? i make it my business to avoid the irish anywhere i go abroad.

I make it my business to avoid your type of Irish abroad.

its probably why we're so insular as a nation, our inability to make friends with different nationalities and our habitual nature of drinking in the local McGintys or whatever pub that has a tricolour draped across its window

In my time here our crowds have been mostly Irish with its fair share of English, Scots, Welsh, Kiwis, Canadians, Yanks, and a handful of South Americans and Italians. Not really any Aussies, they dont have a massive after work drink culture. If the locals who live in a far off suburb wont come drinking with you to a decent bar you cant force them at gunpoint. Hence why the Irish usually end up drinking with other Irish.

Apart from that most Aussie tap beer is sh1te and most bars dont serve in a pint glass. Nor do they have live music. Or Sunday sessions/ atmosphere. If Aussie bars upped their game more maybe Irish people wouldnt cling to Bondi bars and such.

g5fd6ow0hseima

Father Damo wrote: »

I make it my business to avoid your type of Irish abroad.




In my time here our crowds have been mostly Irish with its fair share of English, Scots, Welsh, Kiwis, Canadians, Yanks, and a handful of South Americans and Italians. Not really any Aussies, they dont have a massive after work drink culture. If the locals who live in a far off suburb wont come drinking with you to a decent bar you cant force them at gunpoint. Hence why the Irish usually end up drinking with other Irish.

Apart from that most Aussie tap beer is sh1te and most bars dont serve in a pint glass. Nor do they have live music. Or Sunday sessions/ atmosphere. If Aussie bars upped their game more maybe Irish people wouldnt cling to Bondi bars and such.

I disagree, you'll see loads of hi-vis wearing fellas in the pubs in Sydney in the evenings after work. Indeed I'd see the Aussies as far bigger after work drinkers than the Irish, plenty of whom prefer to do the dog on it at the weekends.

seipeal1

Elle,

There are quiet a few Irish in Adelaide but they tend to not congregate around the Irish pubs. Lots living down South around Hallett Cove, Happy Valley areas. We have lived in Payneham South 5 minutes from center for last 3 years and up to recently have met few Irish but they are there! Irish club in Carrington Street, Adelaide Irish Connect on Facebook is a good source for information. Some Irish on Poms in Adelaide but be careful there........ Some good spots around Norwood. Nice area. The Colonial is nice as is the Bath. Some good restaurants also. Lots to do and see here without going near an Irish pub.
Oh, and Woolymammoth, the jackeen top was probably me. I still have not got over last September. Replayed it again on tv last night. Superb!!!!

The Aussie

seipeal1 wrote: »

Oh, and Woolymammoth, the jackeen top was probably me. I still have not got over last September. Replayed it again on tv last night. Superb!!!!

Did you play it instead of watching Saturdays game:D, by accident of course:pac:

MikeMacca

Father Damo wrote: »

I make it my business to avoid your type of Irish abroad.




In my time here our crowds have been mostly Irish with its fair share of English, Scots, Welsh, Kiwis, Canadians, Yanks, and a handful of South Americans and Italians. Not really any Aussies, they dont have a massive after work drink culture. If the locals who live in a far off suburb wont come drinking with you to a decent bar you cant force them at gunpoint. Hence why the Irish usually end up drinking with other Irish.

Apart from that most Aussie tap beer is sh1te and most bars dont serve in a pint glass. Nor do they have live music. Or Sunday sessions/ atmosphere. If Aussie bars upped their game more maybe Irish people wouldnt cling to Bondi bars and such.

some people tend to travel for more reasons than getting lushed up

6ix

MikeMacca wrote: »

am i the only person that is going to oz to avoid the irish? i make it my business to avoid the irish anywhere i go abroad. its probably why we're so insular as a nation, our inability to make friends with different nationalities and our habitual nature of drinking in the local McGintys or whatever pub that has a tricolour draped across its window

Like others have said, you're going to the wrong place to avoid Irish people!

With the amount of Irish people out here, I'm sure you can figure out that it's not a high percentage of them who fall into the 'only socialise in Irish pubs with Irish people while listening to Irish music' category. It's easy to make lots of friends (of all nationalities) when you're travelling or doing the whole hostel thing because everyone's in the same boat, always meeting new people. It's a bit harder when you're settled somewhere because everyone already has their own social circle.

It stands to reason - when I go out at home, I already have friends there so I'm not looking to meet up with random people in a bar. When you move somewhere new and don't know anyone, it's more likely that Irish people have more in common and are more likely to strike up a conversation.

MikeMacca

i think i avoid the paddys cos they are embarrasing to look at. pasty skin, novelty hats on the beach. flowerey bermudas worn not only on the beach but at night with the obligatory white socks and black trainers.
and the buachailli are no better

woolymammoth

elle wrote:

I think there is a fair bit of work going in Adelaide but wouldn't know about the driving thing. I have heard in passing of people working on farms in the "Adelaide region" but I think they are about 3 hrs outside of Adelaide...sorry I'm no help .. have u looked on harvest trail? I think there is a number you can call regarding work?

just be sure to get in at the right time for the harvest trails, work tends to dissappear quickly. THere's a harvest trail website you can use to check the different types of harvest and the times of year for it. The adelaide region does cover a large area, but i would say the vast majority of the fruit picking is within 2-3 hrs drive of the city CBD, north, south and east.

elle wrote:

would be nice to have someone who could relate to my cravings for Club Orange )

you mean rock shandy! i just got some of taste.com.au a few weeks back.. delish!

seipeal1 wrote:

Oh, and Woolymammoth, the jackeen top was probably me. I still have not got over last September. Replayed it again on tv last night. Superb!!!!

lols! come to think of it, it could've been any time in the last 4-5 months. Crossing gawler place, heading west on wakefield st. I think. I still haven't been to the irish club on carrington. I'm pretty sure it was the crazy paddy-lovin' aussie HR woman at work that put me off it.. She used to walk past my desk every day with a big old "top 'o the mornin' to ya". I laughed a little on the outside, and died a little on the inside.. I'm told there's another point of congreation on Port Rd. the Gov I think. Anyone been?


[edit]
having taken seipeal1's indirect advice, i had a look at the Adelaide Irish Connect on Facebook page, and seen a post by someone claiming Woolies over at Harbour Town have Club orange, Tayto, fig rolls, and other goodies, apparently! I do believe i will be paying it a visit during the week to confirm

bladebrew

MikeMacca wrote: »

i think i avoid the paddys cos they are embarrasing to look at. pasty skin, novelty hats on the beach. flowerey bermudas worn not only on the beach but at night with the obligatory white socks and black trainers.
and the buachailli are no better

where are you from?

susy

Yeah the Belgian is more of a personal favourite since I lived right beside it when I first moved here.

The Gov is a good place - only been the once but a great atmosphere, nice and dark. I've never heard it considered an Irish meeting place - but then I don't happen to hang about with many Irish here, not by design, I just happen to have not met many!

The Wheatchief or something like that sounds pretty good too, but I haven't been yet. The Three Brothers Arms up in the hills is a great spot too if you're out that direction.

Also a huge fan of Felicis coffee on Rundle Street and the Big Table in the markets if you're not aiming for a drink!