Top ten things I didn't like about Ireland during my first trip

Any Irish person who does not protest the bloody queen's visit to Ireland is a embarrassment to themselves and their bloodline.

Bejayzus...he should go to Poland then. Jack Carroll (It's all true, of course, such as driving from airport ot Ennis carefully following signs, only to arrive at a fork in the center of town with no sign. A local was "going that way and jumped in the car to show us the way before there was a chance to stop him. I think he probably stations himself at the fork right after work. Oh yes, when you come to a fork in the road, take it, as Yogi Berra said.Jack Carroll

"ATM's are an amazing invention" says Lauraine..........Yea, cept if they're in Dublin and surronded by a half dozen agressive Roma Gypos! I agree with mr Morrison and could add at least 100 more annoying things but there isn't enough space in this comment box!

Makes me a bit apprehensive about making a trip to Ireland!

My lifelong ambition to visit the home of my forebears was wonderful , delightful, maddening, and doable again. I agree with the top ten things I didn't like, But would add one more. The woman who was supposed to orient us to money, time, distances, language, went on vacation the same day we got there. We managed ourselves to figure things out Even the road signs. We are Irish Americans and we can handle any inconvenience at home or abroad!

Mr. Morrison - Shame on you. You did not do your homework prior to taking your trip! You have made some very generalized statements that sound extremely childish and whiney to say the least. Not enough coffee, can't figure out the lights in your room? If these are your priorities when you travel to the most fantastic country in the world, then you need to stay home. I am a female who has travelled to Ireland at least 10 times alone and all I had to do was ask and the people in Ireland could not do enough to help me out. I knew all about the buses, trains and planes prior to my trip so upon arrival I knew exactly what to do and what to expect. ATM's are an amazing invention. There would have been no need to subject yourself to those mean, old bankers. The hotels will gladly hold your bags for you until your room is ready. Imagine taking off for a beautiful morning walk and actually amusing yourself by enjoying the sights and sounds of this lovely country before you can get your sleep deprived self into bed. The roads are charming and have been getting people around for many years. The signage is what Ireland is known for. They don't need first time visitors telling them to change them to accommodate their own needs! Please do us all a favor and don't bother going back. I would not want to run into you while I am trying to enjoy myself.

Just got back myself from a trip home. The weather was fantastic and I must say the place looked beautiful - as it always does when the sun is shining. I agree with some of what you said in your article - especially when you compare it to here. Things like the coffee (goes for soft drinks as well - my kids love free refills here in restaurants) & the price of gas. I reckon the pubs and restaurants make a fortune in Ireland from the coffee/tea & soft drinks - fierce overcharging going on there.... The narrow roads can be scary when you're sharing them with the locals who are used to every twist and turn, not to mind the fact that they make you car sick - but there are bad drivers everywhere - not just in Ireland - I've had the same experience here with people cutting me off. On the plus side, you get to see some gorgeous countryside when you take those windy roads - especially down around Cork and Kerry - much nicer than the view from the motorways/main roads.

Definitely agree with number 2. Too many foreigners working the tourist areas. people come to Ireland for the Irish experience, not the Polish or Lithuanian experience.

Good list and I like the author's summation, "In spite of it all, I loved the place." That about sums it up.

I guess he should go to Disney World. I guess he would be happy, if all Irishmen would act like characters from "The Quiet Man". I;ve never traveled much, but I used to work with an Irishman from Belfast. I enjoyed his stories, and was supprised to find out that he watch the same American TV programs as me growing up. On the surface, he was different, but after I got to know him, we were alot a like. He pointed out to me something about myself. He said that we both had Irish legs. Even though, I stand 5'11", and he stands 6', our legs were short. He was an Xboxer. He said that our short legs meant that we had a lower center of gravity, and were harder to knock over. But he said, because our legs are short, we appear shorter then we really are. Sometimes you can travel to Ireland without leaving Pittsburgh.

I'm off the boat Irish and I agree with all of these!I find the service standards a bit hit and miss. I love my country too but these are fair points!

The most fun I had in Ireland was not being able to read the signs so that meant I had to ask directions from the most charming wonderful people you could ever find anywhere. I don't think Mr. Morrison meant to hurt feelings but he did. Ireland was put down and suffered so much humiliation from the English rulers for so long that it will take generations to recover there worth as a warm, funny and kind people. Even though I get mad at the anti american comments I still love em....

barmen overcharging is very rife

The only 'bad' thing about Ireland is the cost of eating out, especially compared to the UK. In the UK you get great deals on meals, like two for £7 - in Ireland you're lucky to get one meal for less than 10 Euros. I think the problem is the number of pubs in Ireland - there are no big chains there maybe because they would put so many small pubs out of business.

"Well traveled" but little to show for it. Never encountered entry card-controlled lights before! Do you meet Americans at service desks in America most of the time? Does not know that 3.8 litres is equivalent to a U.S. gallon!! Simon Morrisson, you portrayed yourself, as an uneducated traveller and one not suited to writing about other places. Where was the Editor, Niall? What could be a good website is falling short of its potential.