Going to Ireland!!

Kesly

I am an American who will be traveling to Ireland very soon and I was a little worried. I have friends who went there to visit not long ago and they have told me quite a few horror stories only I am not really sure if I believe them or if they are only trying to scare me so I have some questions.
1. Do irish people really dislike most americans?
2. Are they easy to get along with or no?
3. Do irish people find most Americans to be ugly... should I bring a paper bag to wear over my head? Haha
4. Are Americans really called yanks?
5. Best places to go?

Muirshin Durkin

1. No
2. Yes
3. No
4. Yes
5. Thats a tough one, where are you flying to/staying, will you be here long?

Kesly

I will be in Dublin for three weeks. Also how the Sam heck do I post pictures in this thing???

MayoSalmon

What are the horror stories you speak of?

Jamie2k9

4. Are Americans really called yanks?

Note this isn't unique to Ireland.

i have meet very few Americans who havn't had a good time over here.

Please do share the horror stories.

Muirshin Durkin

Go to go advanced at the bottom and you will see a box with a load of different options, you'll see the option for posting pics.

In Dublin you should check out the Guiness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, you should check out the usual touristy hot spots like temple bar (Majority of Pubs here are a rip off though), i havnt done it myself but would like to do the tour of Glasnevin Cemetery and maybe one of the guided tours of Dublin City to get a feel for the history, if its nice out head to howth for a few brews, im from Dublin myself and cant really think of much of the top of my head apart from that, since your here for 3 weeks you should try travel out of Dublin and see Giants Causway, the Cliffs of Moher the Boyne Valley, all the usual touristy hot spots,if you look in google places to go in Ireland im sure there will be countless of lists on where to go.

When you're here you'll find plenty of stuff to do, you'll be fine.

Kesly

MayoSalmon wrote: »

What are the horror stories you speak of?

Well, they just said that the Irish didn't like Americans very much, called them ugly and hated the American accents. Lol
And then there was this one guy who voiced the opinion that American girls are extremely easy... I would really like to know what the steriotypical american is like in the Irish point of view.

oldyouth

Yanks who come over here looking for leprechauns, wearing green from head to toe and announcing loudly that 'everything is bigger back home' do come in for a bit of friendly abuse

You'll be grand OP, enjoy your visit

Muirshin Durkin

Kesly wrote: »

Well, they just said that the Irish didn't like Americans very much, called them ugly and hated the American accents. Lol
And then there was this one guy who voiced the opinion that American girls are extremely easy... I would really like to know what the steriotypical american is like in the Irish point of view.

You get d1ckheads in every country

orangesoda

We have bus loads of 'yanks' every so often visiting the parish, I find them to be attractive girls.

Just drive around the coast, you'll see most notable things that way.

Kesly

orangesoda wrote: »

We have bus loads of 'yanks' every so often visiting the parish, I find them to be attractive girls.

Just drive around the coast, you'll see most notable things that way.

Of course I am excited about visiting the pubs and everything but I am more excited to see some really awesome things. Massive climb a mountain or do something awesome. How is the weather there?

Parchment

Kesly wrote: »

I am an American who will be traveling to Ireland very soon and I was a little worried. I have friends who went there to visit not long ago and they have told me quite a few horror stories only I am not really sure if I believe them or if they are only trying to scare me so I have some questions.
1. Do irish people really dislike most americans?
2. Are they easy to get along with or no?
3. Do irish people find most Americans to be ugly... should I bring a paper bag to wear over my head? Haha
4. Are Americans really called yanks?
5. Best places to go?

1. generally no - but Americans can seem very loud to Irish people sometimes.
2. Yes
3. No i dont think so....the dress sense might be questionable though
4. Yes
5. Galway, Cork, Dublin, Dingle, Kenmare.

cml387

I think we have to be honest here and say that there is a certain amount of anti-Americanism in this country (and you need look no further than boards.ie for evidence of that).

However, having said that, it is usually the keyboard warriors or the drunk.
The worst that will happen to you will be someone saying (while swaying) "I don't like some Americans but you're ALRIGHT!!!

shellib

You get the nice and the not so nice in every country.
The nice to others, the nice looking, the nice/good places to go.. And then the not so nice.. My advice is come to Ireland and make your own opinion on the people but remember nice attracts nice. Dublin is a great spot and there is loads to do, if you have three weeks you should travel to other Counties too.
Don't spend too much time in the touristy places as you will spend a fortune and you wont meet too many Irish either.
Book a show in one of the many theatres, go to one of the lovely beaches, possibly Sligo or Donegal if you want to surf.
There are loads of things to do and loads of nice friendly people to meet, just be yourself and you will have a ball!!
http://www.discoverireland.ie/

eireannBEAR

Kesly wrote: »

Well, they just said that the Irish didn't like Americans very much, called them ugly and hated the American accents. Lol
And then there was this one guy who voiced the opinion that American girls are extremely easy... I would really like to know what the steriotypical american is like in the Irish point of view.

Either your friend lied to you,Or didnt get our black sense of humour...Or by any chance did he visit belfast??

Kesly

cml387 wrote: »

I think we have to be honest here and say that there is a certain amount of anti-Americanism in this country (and you need look no further than boards.ie for evidence of that).

However, having said that, it is usually the keyboard warriors or the drunk.
The worst that will happen to you will be someone saying (while swaying) "I don't like some Americans but you're ALRIGHT!!!

Lol!! I don't doubt there will be some drunken chatter. I am completely fine with people making fun of Americans in a friendly manner. I just have the sense of humor that allows me to never get offended when people weren't actually trying to offend me and a most times when they are. Also I am confident I could drink a lot of you non yanks under the table. Man or not.
Just saying.

Kesly

shellib wrote: »

You get the nice and the not so nice in every country.
The nice to others, the nice looking, the nice/good places to go.. And then the not so nice.. My advice is come to Ireland and make your own opinion on the people but remember nice attracts nice. Dublin is a great spot and there is loads to do, if you have three weeks you should travel to other Counties too.
Don't spend too much time in the touristy places as you will spend a fortune and you wont meet too many Irish either.
Book a show in one of the many theatres, go to one of the lovely beaches, possibly Sligo or Donegal if you want to surf.
There are loads of things to do and loads of nice friendly people to meet, just be yourself and you will have a ball!!
http://www.discoverireland.ie/

eireannBEAR wrote: »

Either your friend lied to you,Or didnt get our black sense of humour...Or by any chance did he visit belfast??

I think they are just trying to scare me be a use I am going by myself. Lol y'all seem extremely sweet.

orangesoda

Kesly wrote: »

Of course I am excited about visiting the pubs and everything but I am more excited to see some really awesome things. Massive climb a mountain or do something awesome. How is the weather there?

The weather is cold and wet most of the year. Slemish mountain is quite near the coast, it is where St. Patrick was enslaved apparently.

orangesoda

MayoSalmon wrote: »

Irish girls (mostly Dublin girls tbh) are hideous things caked with fake tan and have severe notions of themselves.

You'll be fine in comparison

there's some fabulous looking Irish lassies, don't tell them I said that though, they would have the police on speed dial

grimm2005

You'll be absolutely fine. Not sure what happened with your mate but maybe they were unlucky or something. I've met many Americans here, mostly on nights out and such, others who were studying over here, friends of friends etc. and pretty much the universal opinion was that they loved it and were quite shocked and taken aback at how friendly and open we are. Of course every populous city has it's fair share of arséholes but generally they are in the minority.

As for places to go, well within Dublin you have the main tourist things: Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Trinity College/Book of Kells, Croke Park Stadium skywalk tour, plenty of walking tours, Temple Bar etc. If you venture a bit further on the outskirts/just outside of Dublin you can get to some nice places that are reachable by public transport such as Dalkey, Killiney Hill, Powerscourt Gardens in Wicklow, you could climb the Sugar Loaf mountain (although you'd want a local with you if you were to try this using the public transport route), and there's also some transport options to Glendalough in Wicklow. You're spoiled for nightlife really as you can't throw a stone in Dublin without hitting some sort of pub, and there's something for everyone really, clubs, pubs, comedy, live music etc.

But if you are here for 3 weeks, you'll definitely want to see some more of the country as you would run out of things to do everyday if you stayed in Dublin. Your best bet is definitely to rent a car and go to some of the rural areas. Embarrassingly I still haven't seen a lot of the country but there are some obvious ones like the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Ring of Kerry etc, and these are all on the west coast so you could fit them in nicely if you made a decent itinerary. If you can't rent a car it gets a little harder as you then have to rely on trains/buses to get you places which can be quite time consuming and expensive but it's not impossible and you could still get to a lot of places.

Perhaps spend a few days in Dublin, travel around for a bit and then spend a last few days in Dublin before flying home. Folks on here will also no doubt be able to give you a lot of ideas.

GerB40

Kesly wrote: »

Lol!! I don't doubt there will be some drunken chatter. I am completely fine with people making fun of Americans in a friendly manner. I just have the sense of humor that allows me to never get offended when people weren't actually trying to offend me and a most times when they are. Also I am confident I could drink a lot of you non yanks under the table. Man or not.
Just saying.

By that one statement I can tell that you'll do just fine over here.. I hope you enjoy your visit.

Sam Kade

cml387 wrote: »

I think we have to be honest here and say that there is a certain amount of anti-Americanism in this country (and you need look no further than boards.ie for evidence of that).

Why do you say that? Most posters on boards keep using American slang words in their posts. I don't have anything against American slang words but it's fairly annoying with Irish people trying to be American when they are not.

Kesly

GerB40 wrote: »

By that one statement I can tell that you'll do just fine over here.. I hope you enjoy your visit.

I am beginning to think that I'm gonna have a blast actually.

Kesly

Sam Kade wrote: »

Why do you say that? Most posters on boards keep using American slang words in their posts. I don't have anything against American slang words but it's fairly annoying with Irish people trying to be American when they are not.

American slang words? What words do you mean? I know what slang is just not which h words are American specific.

sopretty

Was I telling you about the Texan who came over to wee old Ireland to find his roots?

Well, anyway, after much research, graveyards, churches etc., he finally found that he had a living second cousin who had a wee farm in the arsehole of Kerry.

So the big Texan, arrives down to Kerry, delighted to meet his distant relative.

And the proud Kerryman, agrees to show him around the homestead (the farm). The Texan tells him this is awesome and tells him how he has a ranch back in Texas!

Anyway, the Texan asks the Kerryman how big is the farm. 'Well, sure, Muise, it's as much as you can see here'.

'Man, that's quaint! Back in Texas, I could set off in my truck at sunrise, to tour around the perimeter of my ranch, and I wouldn't be back until sunset!!!'

'Oh bejaysis, that's a sight' says the Kerryman, 'I used to have an auld tractor like that years ago too'.



Anyway.......... I digress.

Knex*

KTRIC wrote: »

Can I ask why you thought it was necessary to post a picture of yourself ?

Maybe she was really scared of receiving, "Pics or GTFO". Luckily she's avoided that situation, though. Good thinking, OP! :pac:


Number 1 thing, really, is don't make the mistake that many American's I've bumped into in Dublin do, and that's going to Temple Bar thinking its the thing to place to be.

By all means, check the place out, as its a nice to see the cobbled streets and listen to some of the music there, at times, but its a rip off really, and its far from a real Irish feel - which is what I am going to presumptuously assume is what you are looking for.

Aaaanyway, as for your questions:

1- No, Irish don't hate Americans. I know some people who actively try to find Americans over here... But that's a different story :P

2- Most Irish people are very approachable, talkative, and easy going. Dublin does have a few, emm, undesirables wandering around (like most big Cities, I suppose), but you should be able to spot and avoid them easily. Its not as bad as some people say in that regard either. Just a quick heads up really, but nothing to worry about, IMO.

3- Anyone daft enough to judge someone's looks solely on their nationality, especially from a country as diverse as America, isn't worth your, nor the price of the aforementioned paper bag. Methinks, perhaps, you were fishing a little for compliments here

4- Yeah, a lot of people call Americans, "Yanks". Don't think they'll be shouting at you, "Hey Yank!", though. Least i hope not..

5- Completely depends on your interests. Keep my Temple Bar advice in mind, however!

Enjoy!

Kesly

sopretty wrote: »

Was I telling you about the Texan who came over to wee old Ireland to find his roots?

Well, anyway, after much research, graveyards, churches etc., he finally found that he had a living second cousin who had a wee farm in the arsehole of Kerry.

So the big Texan, arrives down to Kerry, delighted to meet his distant relative.

And the proud Kerryman, agrees to show him around the homestead (the farm). The Texan tells him this is awesome and tells him how he has a ranch back in Texas!

Anyway, the Texan asks the Kerryman how big is the farm. 'Well, sure, Muise, it's as much as you can see here'.

'Man, that's quaint! Back in Texas, I could set off in my truck at sunrise, to tour around the perimeter of my ranch, and I wouldn't be back until sunset!!!'

'Oh bejaysis, that's a sight' says the Kerryman, 'I used to have an auld tractor like that years ago too'.



Anyway.......... I digress.

Hahaha! I lived in Texas most of the time I was growing up. They do take their ranches rather seriously!

grimm2005

Knex. wrote: »

Number 1 thing, really, is don't make the mistake that many American's I've bumped into in Dublin do, and that's going to Temple Bar thinking its the thing to place to be.

+1 to this, certainly check it out, have a pint or 2 and listen to some stereotypical "deedly-dee" music but generally speaking the place is a tourist trap and it's pretty much designed to appeal to such, most locals tend to avoid temple bar as drink prices here can be and usually are insanely high compared to places that are literally 2 - 5 minutes walk away.

Kesly

Knex. wrote: »

Maybe she was really scared of receiving, "Pics or GTFO". Luckily she's avoided that situation, though. Good thinking, OP! :pac:


Number 1 thing, really, is don't make the mistake that many American's I've bumped into in Dublin do, and that's going to Temple Bar thinking its the thing to place to be.

By all means, check the place out, as its a nice to see the cobbled streets and listen to some of the music there, at times, but its a rip off really, and its far from a real Irish feel - which is what I am going to presumptuously assume is what you are looking for.

Aaaanyway, as for your questions:

1- No, Irish don't hate Americans. I know some people who actively try to find Americans over here... But that's a different story :P

2- Most Irish people are very approachable, talkative, and easy going. Dublin does have a few, emm, undesirables wandering around (like most big Cities, I suppose), but you should be able to spot and avoid them easily. Its not as bad as some people say in that regard either. Just a quick heads up really, but nothing to worry about, IMO.

3- Anyone daft enough to judge someone's looks solely on their nationality, especially from a country as diverse as America, isn't worth your, nor the price of the aforementioned paper bag. Methinks, perhaps, you were fishing a little for compliments here

4- Yeah, a lot of people call Americans, "Yanks". Don't think they'll be shouting at you, "Hey Yank!", though. Least i hope not..

5- Completely depends on your interests. Keep my Temple Bar advice in mind, however!

Enjoy!

Lol, I actually prefer smaller pubs. I might go there just because I have heard a ton about it but I doubt I will spend too much time in that one. I think I would actually laugh my head off if someone actually did yell hey yank at me. And maybe fishing for compliments was an accurate description of what I was doing. Lol but I couldn't be sure if they were going to be compliments or insults to be honest. Oh well throw the line out there anyways! AND what is an awesome irish food?

MagicMarker

We all have our stereotypes. The Irish are a bunch of ginger haired freckled alcoholics. The Americans are a load of fat gun wielding stupid creationists. It is what it is.

As long as you can take a joke and you don't go on about your 'Irish heritage' all the time, you'll be grand.

sopretty

Kesly wrote: »

Hahaha! I lived in Texas most of the time I was growing up. They do take their ranches rather seriously!

Nothing like an Irishman to cut ya down to size!

Ah no, I love Americans. I find them very innocent and forthright though when compared to us, so expect to be left with this expression on a few occasions -
Americans are generally friendly and interesting to talk to.

All along the coast is Fab. The west coast and southern coasts are probably the more 'stereotypically Irish'.

Hope you enjoy your visit!

Btw - weather is unpredictable. Think layers. For four seasons.

The Pheasant2

You'll be grand, we're a very hospitable people

One tip though (and I see you've already done it earlier in the thread ) is don't keep talking about your Irish roots or what fraction Irish you are - it's something of a cliché over here that Americans will tell you of their Irish descent no matter how tenuous the link is! :P

Probably needless to say but don't keep talking about leprechauns or potatoes either

Hope you have a great trip

Knex*

MagicMarker wrote: »

We all have our stereotypes. The Irish are a bunch of ginger haired freckled alcoholics. The Americans are a load of fat gun wielding stupid creationists. It is what it is.

As long as you can take a joke and you don't go on about your 'Irish heritage' all the time, you'll be grand.

When I worked in NY, the amount of times I'd hear, "Oh, you're Irish? I'm Irish too!", in a flawless New York accent was priceless.

Usually followed up with, "Well, I'm quarter Irish. One of my grandparents came over when he was 12, and married a German..."

Kesly

MagicMarker wrote: »

We all have our stereotypes. The Irish are a bunch of ginger haired freckled alcoholics. The Americans are a load of fat gun wielding stupid creationists. It is what it is.

As long as you can take a joke and you don't go on about your 'Irish heritage' all the time, you'll be grand.

Lmao I'm not trying to get eggs thrown at me or something. I'm soooooo not about to go to Ireland and have a who is more irish contest with the natives haha!!! Then I would probably get Into a who has more freckles contest with some " ginger haired freckled alcoholic" and i do not want to spend my whole vacation counting my freckles or someone else's

Knex*

Kesly wrote: »

Lmao I'm not trying to get eggs thrown at me or something. I'm soooooo not about to go to Ireland and have a who is more irish contest with the natives haha!!! Then I would probably get Into a who has more freckles contest with some " ginger haired freckled alcoholic" and i do not want to spend my whole vacation counting my freckles or someone else's

How about Join The Dots?

Mollyd90

Of course visit Kerry, Dublin, Galway. Other counties have much to offer too. Kilkenny a small medieval city with a great nightlife. Carlow has mount Leinster, the barrow river with some pretty towns along it. Wexford has JFK park.

grimm2005

Knex. wrote: »

When I worked in NY, the amount of times I'd hear, "Oh, you're Irish? I'm Irish too!", in a flawless New York accent was priceless.

Usually followed up with, "Well, I'm quarter Irish. One of my grandparents came over when he was 12, and married a German..."

I was in a pub in Paris on Patrick's day just gone and I asked a lad where he was from and he responded (realising I was Irish) with "My grandad was from Dublin!". Then I asked again, where was HE from and he responded with "America", it's like us saying "I'm from Europe" :P

Knex*

grimm2005 wrote: »

I was in a pub in Paris on Patrick's day just gone and I asked a lad where he was from and he responded (realising I was Irish) with "My grandad was from Dublin!". Then I asked again, where was HE from and he responded with "America", it's like us saying "I'm from Europe" :P

Wait.. You mean that's not a thing?

:pac:

Sam Kade

Kesly wrote: »

American slang words? What words do you mean? I know what slang is just not which h words are American specific.

Here's a sample stupidest which is never used in Ireland. Sucks, screwed, buddy, guy, and plenty more that I can't think of right now.

Knex*

Sam Kade wrote: »

Here's a sample stupidest which is never used in Ireland. Sucks, screwed, buddy, guy, and plenty more that I can't think of right now.

Well your first three are all widely used, for a start :pac:

Kesly

grimm2005 wrote: »

I was in a pub in Paris on Patrick's day just gone and I asked a lad where he was from and he responded (realising I was Irish) with "My grandad was from Dublin!". Then I asked again, where was HE from and he responded with "America", it's like us saying "I'm from Europe" :P

He probably thought that you didn't know much about the United States such as the state names. That being said the only reason Americans think other countries don't know a lot about us is because we do not learn a lot about them so we feel that it is probably reciprocated

Knex*

Its kinda funny, usually the people over here that you hear vociferously giving out about American's not knowing much about Europe, are the same people who couldn't bloody point Texas out on a map of the States.

Kesly

Knex. wrote: »

Well your first three are all widely used, for a start :pac:

You guys don't say screwed???? Ohh the TERROR!
I love that word. Ya filthy animals!

Sam Kade

Knex. wrote: »

Well your first three are all widely used, for a start :pac:

They are still American slang words

grimm2005

Kesly wrote: »

He probably thought that you didn't know much about the United States such as the state names. That being said the only reason Americans think other countries don't know a lot about us is because we do not learn a lot about them so we feel that it is probably reciprocated

Well he was from New York which has got to be one of the most well known places in the world! :pac:

Sam Kade

Kesly wrote: »

You guys don't say screwed???? Ohh the TERROR!
I love that word. Ya filthy animals!

Yeah lots of wannabe Yanks on here

Knex*

Kesly wrote: »

You guys don't say screwed???? Ohh the TERROR!
I love that word. Ya filthy animals!

One word that you may be shocked at by its use, although I usually laugh (probably says more about me than anything), is cunt.

Be prepared

Now, I'm not saying its like a dodgy London based movie, or anything, but you'll probably here it a couple of times during your stay. Some Americans seem to get pretty shocked by it, although I get the impression, rightly or wrongly, that you'll be fine :P

Knex*

grimm2005 wrote: »

Well he was from New York which has got to be one of the most well known places in the world! :pac:

Maybe he was really from New Jersey, and was just too embarrassed to say.

:pac:

dee_mc

Knex. wrote: »

One word that you may be shocked at by its use, although I usually laugh (probably says more about me than anything), is cunt.

Be prepared

Now, I'm not saying its like a dodgy London based movie, or anything, but you'll probably here it a couple of times during your stay. Some Americans seem to get pretty shocked by it, although I get the impression, rightly or wrongly, that you'll be fine :P

Cunt as a greeting gets me every time! Hate it! OP should probably prepare herself for more casual swearing in general. All harmless though!

Kesly

Knex. wrote: »

One word that you may be shocked at by its use, although I usually laugh (probably says more about me than anything), is cunt.

Be prepared

Now, I'm not saying its like a dodgy London based movie, or anything, but you'll probably here it a couple of times during your stay. Some Americans seem to get pretty shocked by it, although I get the impression, rightly or wrongly, that you'll be fine :P

It is a huge no no word in the states. That is like the one word you don't say to a woman unless you want to be wearing your drink. That being said, I happen to LOVE using that word also (I feel like such h a rebel) soooooo, I am not overly butt hurt when people call me a ****.

J82

When are your three weeks?

Three weeks in dublin is too long as other's have said.

Sooo outside of Dublin......:

Belfast is a really interesting city... so much political history in particular. City Centre itself is very nice. Giant's causeway is kinda cool, and carrickarede bridge and the scenery in the area.

Galway city is nice for a visit. You mrntioned a clim?...then croagh patrick is supposed to be a decent climb with fabulous views- on my list of things to do! travel south to Kerry and Cork and definitely take in the Cliffs of Moher.

Dingle and Dingle penninsula is beautiful.

Ring of Kerry is lovely, particularly if the weather is good! Take your time around it... stop in kenmare for a night maybe. Killarney is good craic, a trip on the lakes is nice by boat or kayak (i prefer the kayaking) but if you prefer hiking,the Mac Gillycuddy Reeks are great for experienced hikers.

West Cork is nice... you could continue straight from kenmare to Skibbereen maybe (more kayaking at lough hyne near Skibb) and visit Clonakilty (surfing lessons at inchadoney beach!). Kinsale is a really pretty harbour town with loads of lovely restaurants. Charlesfort for some history.

Cork city is small city but I think it's lovely to wander around the city centre. The old city gaol tour is very good, The English market is cool, great trad music every night of the week around town and plenty nice restaurants!

You could take in kilkenny city on way back to Dublin...more good pubs and restaurants. ( I know, I know, I've left out the whole southeast). I'll let someone else do that.

Hope you enjoy every second. I don't think we dislike the yanks at all, btw! I think they sometimes can be seen to be a little loud but life would be boring if we were all the same).

Oooh and I definitely recommend taking in a good hurling match and definitely recommend visiting Croke park!