142 Comments

• deburca | May 25, 2011, 05:17 PM EDT

  How embarrassing... an article written by the proverbial 'Ugly American".

• abhainn | Apr 22, 2011, 08:55 AM EDT

  * No refills on my coffee - Americans are infamously served excessive portions in the US and expect the rest of the world to make the same error. * Foreign accents in hotels - Get out of your hotel and see the place. * Public transport - Learn how to use it. I had to do the same in the US. When I tried to get change from a bus driver in Miami, he said, "You ain't from around here, are you?" * Price of petrol - The United States doesn't pay the same price for petrol as other countries do. Join the real world. * Could never figure out how to turn off and on lights - It seems you're not ashamed to admit you can't operate a light switch. They go up and down like American ones, but in reverse. When the switch is down, it is on, and vice versa. It's like the roads - they are mirror images of US roads. Simple. * Narrow roads in the countryside - The roads are wide enough for the Irish, and are easy to navigate unless you try tear-assing through them. Country roads in most of the world are narrower than in the US. * Mixed drinks too tiny says wife - Whatever about soft drinks, Irish measures of liquor are twice the size of American measures. America gives excessive food portion sizes and is mean with the booze. * Overnight flights only to get there - Huh? Get your travel agent to fly you at a different time. Simple. I just checked online and you can fly all day. You should certainly complain very loudly about snotty Irish service, if you run into any. Speak to the manager in a loud voice. Be an ugly American if the service is bad. It usually isn't, but don't take any crap. I don't take any when I'm in US, either. Some Americans are poor travellers who can't adjust to the wider world. Stop whining and just enjoy the differences. You don't want a monochromatic experience that mimics what you've come from, do you?

• skydiver15000 | Apr 21, 2011, 04:06 PM EDT

  The problem with this report is that he stayed in the tourist areas. That is where all of the immigrants are due to the businesses and where the money is. If Ireland could send them back to where they came from then the Irish jobless rate would drop by a long shot!!! If you go to the towns outside the big city then you would be in the TRUE Irish community and people are so much nicer. But dont act like an idiot and embarass yourself or your country... DONT EVER TALK ABOUT POLITICS OR RELIGION!!!!! HAHAHA!!! YOU WILL UNDERSTAND IF IF YOU DO!!!!! HAHAHA!!! But all in all... Ireland is the best country in Europe!!!! I have visited 68 countries so far and it is definetly the best!!! My gf lives in Cork and I go as much as I can.... I hope evryone enjoys ERIE as much as I always have.... Mo Éirinn go hálainn!

• Toonagh | Apr 21, 2011, 08:08 AM EDT

  I agree with the bad service and cant be bothered attitude in bars and restaurants. Being Irish and now living away its hard to imagine why prices are so high! However its still a lovely place to be especially in clare or west cork!

• patriot | Apr 07, 2011, 04:37 PM EDT

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

• andsoforth | Apr 01, 2011, 02:21 PM EDT

  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

• bogsidebunny | Apr 01, 2011, 03:58 AM EDT

  "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!

• kaydeemallow | Mar 31, 2011, 05:35 PM EDT

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

• Mayosligo | Mar 31, 2011, 05:22 PM EDT

  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!

• Lauraine | Mar 30, 2011, 10:13 AM EDT

  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.

• Ballyphehane1 | Mar 29, 2011, 11:48 AM EDT

  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.

• irishwxman | Mar 29, 2011, 11:11 AM EDT

  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.

• nidonnabain | Mar 28, 2011, 11:48 PM EDT

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

• Pittsburghkid | Mar 28, 2011, 06:56 PM EDT

  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.

• luckodeirish | Mar 28, 2011, 02:07 PM EDT

  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!

• manhattan | Mar 28, 2011, 01:28 PM EDT

  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....

• BARNEYKX | Mar 28, 2011, 12:35 PM EDT

  barmen overcharging is very rife

• Sparklet | Mar 28, 2011, 12:02 PM EDT

  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.

• jfoynyc | Mar 28, 2011, 11:36 AM EDT

  "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.

• oldboreen | Mar 28, 2011, 11:33 AM EDT

  EireinAmerica! What a thoroughly bigoted,racist and ignorant remark!! Don't you realize that six million first second and third generation Irish live and work in the UK! Believe me, more than anyone, we are all too aware of the injustices done to Ireland in the past. Yes there will be some in Ireland who will not welcome the Queen of England, but the vast majotity will behave as I confidently predict they will- with courtesy. She is after all, the head of state of their nearest neighbour, and the UK is by far their most important trading partner. We are not an uneducated people-we know how to behave! You are entitled to your opinion, but you do not represent the majority of Irish-on both sides of the Irish Sea!

• donnaboughner | Mar 28, 2011, 10:46 AM EDT

  Apparently, for those who created this list didn't research the country beforehand. I was in Ireland last year for 10 days in June. I flew into Shannon and rented a small car and a the cutest little cottage on Valentia Island in County Kerry. I had the BEST time. No problems with the roads, and drove A LOT....about 2500 kilometers. The signs are a little tricky but only got "turned-around" once. No GPS just a good old-fashioned folding map. On the drinks....order a Guinness or a Harp. If you have to have a fruity/mixed drink, don't complain about the price. That is your problem. In regards to the money, get the Euros before you leave for vacation and use a credit/debit card. I had such a great time in Ireland that I am leaving for Ireland AGAIN in 40 days for Dublin and the eastern part of Ireland. Good times!

• seagreen | Mar 28, 2011, 09:43 AM EDT

  pilib04 The cost of a barrel of oil is international. $90 or the equivelent in euros,krone,pounds,yen,or pesos. What countries choose to do with this price after purchase, or what refiners decide to charge after cracking the crude is up to them. Once sold, the states , or in the case of Ireland, the additional taxes are levied as they so desire. New Jersey adds .42 cents state ,and another couple of cents for what ever else. Ireland, The Netherlands, France, and others add over $2.50. These taxes pay for national health and other government services that are not provided in the US As far as invading and bombing other countries, yes I'll give you that one, however it is not done to benefit the American people or lower the gas price. It is done to benefit and control supplies, or the distribution thereof, and to keep stockholders fat and happy When the Russian pipeline from the Caspian Sea to the Sea of Japan is completed in two years, there will be a drastic redistribution in worldwide oil supplies, and the transactions will be done in a currency other than the dollar. There will be 40% less tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and will affect the American investment in ARAMCO refinery at Ras Tannura in Saudi Arabia.

• derrymanintheus | Mar 28, 2011, 09:37 AM EDT

  I love the comments on this story! They are more entertaining and informative than the article itself. Yes, Ireland is an expensive place to visit. Try living there. A quick to to would be tourists. Get out of Dublin and all the other touristy spots for a start. In the less travelled places, its more likely that the natives will look after you, rather than try to milk you for every cent. Yes, people drive like idiots on narrow winding country roads but, people drive like idiots here in the US. I leave a gap between me and the driver in front, like you are supposed to. What happens? Some redneck in a monster truck decides that its an invitation. Yes, people can be a bit rude but again, no worse than some of the people in the service industry that I've dealt with in the US. Pay peanuts, get monkeys and some of these jobs pay very little money. As for the road signs, they are the best of a bad job and are a result of the maze of roadways that are forced to follow ancient property boundaries. Buy a good paper map! Snotty bankers up to no good? Hmm, their US counterparts will rob you blind and smile while they are doing it. Ireland has become a mix of cultures/no culture in places. It is what it is, but there are places to visit that still contain decent people. Get off the beaten path and you will fair better.

• paulbrant | Mar 27, 2011, 07:12 PM EDT

  Gas Price: Your rental car, like some Nissan Micra or something smaller than sold in US, will probably get TWICE as many miles per gallon as your American monster. Just forget monster trucks and SUV's, and you'll be fine. Better yet do what I did and rent a motorcycle!

• pilib04 | Mar 27, 2011, 05:41 PM EDT

  Here are some answers to Simon Morrison's top ten: 1. Stay at a B&B if you are concerned about the extra coffee. 2. Euro passport is here to stay. Think of it as a insight into the European mainland. 3. It’s true, Dublin buses are difficult, but get some information from your B&B operator or the hotel Concierge. 4. Gas has always been high in Ireland. The Irish don’t invade other countries in order to keep their price of petrol down. Also there is a bit of a tax. Didn’t Ross Perot recommend a $5 a gallon tax? Doesn’t sound like the price has risen any faster than here. Still about double? 5. Never stayed in a hotel in Ireland, so I wouldn’t know. 6. Yeah, those narrow roads maintain the quaintness of Ireland. But they are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Good idea to travel by rail and rent car locally. 7. Put all the road signs in Gaelic along with the maps and then there would be no confusion. The confusion is the bilingual signs. 8. no one wants to pay for sleeping the first night in Ireland. Get a little sleep on the plane and then head for Lahinch, County Clare the first day. Drop in at a B&B and lay out on the beach. 9. Drink Guinness or Harp, can’t get anything near their Guinness/Harp over here. 10. They really think you are trying to rob them. Happens a lot.

• expatrick | Mar 27, 2011, 05:07 PM EDT

  8 Overnight flights. The us is not the center of the universe.why not consider what other people's schedules are on the flights out of Ireland. american inconsiderateness as usual 9.Mixed drinks too tiny says wife, little tiny measures and very expensive. Just pour from the bottle!. tight Americans not wanted

• maggiebags | Mar 27, 2011, 03:50 PM EDT

  I'm wondering how the writer presented himself to the hotel staff, bankers, publicans, etc. - when I was there I never once encountered one bad word from anyone, no disrespect, no sense of "not having enough time for me". I found lots of Irish people AND character and didn't notice the "foreign" element. There was one pub I had gone to for some mid day food and the publican and two staff were speaking Gaelic - marvelous - I speak Gaelic so I knew what they were saying - maybe that is the "foreign" communication the writer was referring to. I found loads of Craic, authentic pubs, wonderful friendly people, amazingly beautiful weather - even the days that ended with fine soft evenings when a walk from my B&B left me very damp. If the writer had looked for the charm of the narrow roads and lovely countryside it may not have been so stressful for him. I found them completely enchanting. Glad that the writer states he will return - maybe he will be a little more accepting next time and have a much better time. When I return I already know just how wonderful it will be.

• Cranleigh | Mar 27, 2011, 01:14 PM EDT

  It's odd that 'Paki' is outrageous but 'Pak' is used as an abbreviation by South Asian newspapers. One letter less takes all the umbrage out. I do agree one should avoid offensive terms. An annoying thing about airport hotels across the world is that some of them are nowhere near the airport. The Hilton Airport Hotel is 10 miles from Dublin Airport which takes 30 minutes to drive. Seems like a decent place otherwise. I stayed at the Radisson Hotel last time AT the airport. There were loads of Irish people working there as well as Canadian muzak (Mr. Buble) to make me feel at home. In my last post, I should have mentioned two big improvements in Irish driving since the eighties - motorways and much tougher enforcement of drink driving laws.

• jamieLM | Mar 27, 2011, 12:29 PM EDT

  There are certain things that bother some people more than others. Traveling abroad is an adventure and often a challenge because of the different customs, etc. Try to find the positive aspects! Things are what they are. Don't have unrealistic expectations and don't think things will be "like it is at home." I'm sure Irish visitors to the U.S. can point out 10 things they don't like. No reason to get angry and defensive. No country is perfect. Hopefully, the overall experience will be positive, like it was for Simon. Otherwise, don't go back. Btw: I agree with # 8 on Simon's list. Upon arrival, I always feel totally hung-over from lack of sleep and there's no hotel room available that early to check into.

• boydshield | Mar 27, 2011, 11:01 AM EDT

  I agree with those that say they are tired of the worse of, most annoying, whatever bad about Ireland. It is a beautiful country, the people are fabulous, and this is after many visits over many years. The only one I could agree with is the 8.Overnight flights only to get there to ensure you arrive bedraggled. What’s wrong with a day flight getting in around 9 p.m so you can get a good nights’ sleep? Aer Lingus and others, are you reading this? When you get there at 8 or 9 in the a.m. you CANNOT check into your hotel and refresh to go out and spur on the Irish economy!!!!!

• sharlot | Mar 27, 2011, 11:00 AM EDT

  I first visited Ireland in 1970 and have been back about 14 times since, including living there the better part of a year in my footloose and fancy free days--I tend to be rather amused by the things that really bother some people about travel in general; Ireland is still a very special place, with all it's trouble and hard time, foreigners, etc;once you stop comparing it to anywhere else, you are hopefully in the right frame of mind to look for the fun and adventure around every corner!!I am still learning so much about the country, its history, spots to visit, out-of-the-way drives, etc---

• antoman | Mar 27, 2011, 10:58 AM EDT

  @georgyboy-I figured it was you spamming the site with your jersey adverts.You slipped up there by posting the same tripe three time's.Are there no Pakistanis,Indians,Sri Lankans,Polish etc in Wisconsin?

• mairsilin | Mar 27, 2011, 10:38 AM EDT

  Oh, I forgot to mention as re the transportation--try taking a cab--met some lovely characters and Irish at that whilst taking the cab....also, don't be bothering going into the banks--take your card and get your cash from the ATMs--you get the current exchage rate of the moment and your cash in a very convenient manner.

• mairsilin | Mar 27, 2011, 10:32 AM EDT

  Just a few observations if I may--my first 2 visits to Ireland were in 1999 and 2001--it was the Ireland one would expect--all the people we came across, service or otherwise, were Irish and it was lovely indeed. My next 2 visits were much later, several years into the new millenium and by that time loads of immigrants from the other European countries had influxed the island--as you can imagine, now all the 'service" people we were encountering were from anywhere else but Ireland...I shouldn't begrudge that as my family were once immigrants needing work in this land--but what was disappointing was the fact that you wanted to meet real Irish people as you were out and about your business but it just wasn't going to happen. Oh, and to counter point number 1 about the coffee--one should stick to a nice pot of tea--LOL!!!

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 27, 2011, 10:19 AM EDT

  mairin 67: "I always notice the aggressiveness of people (good or bad) when I land back in the US." Well, ain´t that weird, I also notice the aggression when I get to Ireland. How about the rampant and pathological use of cursing and vulgar language, mairin? Does that make you feel at home when you arrive in Ireland? Or how about the low level of customer service in stores and restaurants, mairin? You enjoy that? You really think it great to be addressed by some surly sales assistant "Are ya OK dare?" I always look down and reply, "Well I was, the last time I checked". It´s an utterly stupid form of address which is tolerated in Ireland, where standards are low.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 27, 2011, 10:18 AM EDT

  mairin 67: "I always notice the aggressiveness of people (good or bad) when I land back in the US." Well, ain´t that weird, I also notice the aggression when I get to Ireland. How about the rampant and pathological use of cursing and vulgar language, mairin? Does that make you feel at home when you arrive in Ireland? Or how about the low level of customer service in stores and restaurants, mairin? You enjoy that? You really think it great to be addressed by some surly sales assistant "Are ya OK dare?" I always look down at my groin and reply, "Well I was, the last time I checked". It´s an utterly stupid form of address which is tolerated in Ireland, where standards are low.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 27, 2011, 10:18 AM EDT

  mairin 67: "I always notice the aggressiveness of people (good or bad) when I land back in the US." Well, ain´t that weird, I also notice the aggression when I get to Ireland. How about the rampant and pathological use of cursing and vulgar language, mairin? Does that make you feel at home when you arrive in Ireland? Or how about the low level of customer service in stores and restaurants, mairin? You enjoy that? You really think it great to be addressed by some surly sales assistant "Are ya OK dare?" I always look down at my genitals and reply, "Well I was, the last time I checked". It´s an utterly stupid form of address which is tolerated in Ireland, where standards are low.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 27, 2011, 10:17 AM EDT

  mairin 67: "I always notice the aggressiveness of people (good or bad) when I land back in the US." Well, ain´t that weird, I also notice the aggression when I get to Ireland. How about the rampant and pathological use of cursing and vulgar language, mairin? Does that make you feel at home when you arrive in Ireland? Or how about the low level of customer service in stores and restaurants, mairin? You enjoy that? You really think it great to be addressed by some surly sales assistant "Are ya OK dare?" I always look down at my genitals and reply, "Well I was, the last time I checked". It´s an utterly stupid form of address which is tolerated in Ireland, where standards are low.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 27, 2011, 10:12 AM EDT

  The Irish are badmouthing this guy Simon for forming opinions about a country he visits. Are we to take it that the Irish go back home from trips to Spain, France, the US, Australia, and if asked how they found that country reply "No comment"? What kind of imbeciles are these posters, who think people shouldn´t have the right to form an opinion about something they experience? In many cases, the same posters use the EU as an excuse for Irish people´s lazy refusal to take jobs in the hospitality industry. But the fact is that increasingly these jobs (take a look at Dublin Airport) are being taken by Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans etc. Don´t these posters realize that India, Pakistan etc. are NOT in the EU? Sometimes the ignorance of the Irish posters leaves me gaping.

• celticnurse1973 | Mar 27, 2011, 09:33 AM EDT

  I think everyone is getting their knickers in a knot for no good reason. You can't expect to go to other country's and expect them to be like your own, isn't that the whole point of visiting other countries? I also do not think it is fair to paint the people of Ireland with the same brush just because you had a few annoying experiences. I haven't been to Ireland (yet) but am VERY much looking forward to my trip in 2016.

• colkelley | Mar 27, 2011, 09:31 AM EDT

  The description of driving applies to stateside, too. Somehow everyone seems to think that tailgating is the polite way of asking someone to move over...even if you are in the fast lane behind 90 cars doing 5-10 mph OVER the speed limit passing 50 cars doing at the speed limit...tailgating you is going to magically make all of the cars ahead of you speed up or pull over behind slower traffic. My brakes work REALLY good. The other one that rankles me is the drivers who want to pass in a no passing zone on a two-lane directly into the face of oncoming traffic...expecting that you will nail your brakes and dive off the right side of the road to keep them from committing murder-suicide. I can block that left lane REALLY fast, too. I also carry a .45 Auto in my car for those folks who want to follow me home or force me off the road for a confrontation. Ah...'tis the Irish in me.

• Wingeire1 | Mar 27, 2011, 07:13 AM EDT

  @debimcguin ...well said. And I am getting really sick of all the 10 Worst Irishwhatevers they are publishing here. That was a completely worthless article.

• mcdolan | Mar 27, 2011, 03:09 AM EDT

  Too true! Mixed drinks are a rip-off. We've lost the Cead Mile Failte for the most part.

• Mairin67 | Mar 26, 2011, 10:52 PM EDT

  Simon Morrison sounds like a idiot American who traveled to Ireland and expected it to be all too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra. Geez, give the country a break. They are human just like anyone. When you travel there enough and return home to the states - now that's harsh. I always notice the aggressiveness of people (good or bad) when I land back in the US. Sounds like you need to experience life a little more - not just here in the US. And what are you doing writing for Irish Central if you only have ever been to Ireland once? I would expect more but it might account for the frequest stereotypical articles on this site.

• jacersagain | Mar 26, 2011, 08:10 PM EDT

  @ George Dillon ... You probably noticed that a lot of Muslim people live in those working class surroundings of the Hilton Hotel too and that some work in hotels and particularly in hospitals. I found a way out of my disliking Muslims working in my capital city... You know that saying... "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Since most doctors and nurses in Dublin hospitals are now Muslim, I've found that asking a waitress for bacon or ham sandwich works a treat instead. I eat one in front of the dem Docs and Nurses. Ever see a dark-skinned person go pale? No? Try the bacon sandwich trick.

• jacersagain | Mar 26, 2011, 08:07 PM EDT

  Mind you, I think Simon hit a few sore spots that even we in Ireland have to deal with... Last winter, with the iced up roads and all that, I had to use trains and buses that I’ve not used for years to get to work. It was a frustrating learning experience for me as to how to get tickets or pay for using both. And I’m a Dubliner! I headed to a funeral 'down the counrty' once, and couldn't find a roadside sign directing me to the town.

• jacersagain | Mar 26, 2011, 07:32 PM EDT

  Whatever about the nasty exchanges going on here, maybe it’s time to tell of an ordinary very annoyed bank worker told over St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin last week... They were carrying out a PASSWORD AUDIT at his branch of the Bank of Ireland it was found that a fellow called Paddy O'Toole was using the following password >>> MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofyDublin <<< When Paddy was asked why he had such a long password: he replied “Bejazus! Are yez all stupid? Shore Oi was told me password had to be at least 8 characters long and include one capital!”... Don't ever think you can annoy the Irish!

• Towngate | Mar 26, 2011, 06:27 PM EDT

  KATIEMAC: Is yours the same evil Socialism that strives for equal human rights and dignity to all humans irrespective of their circumstances?

• hancock | Mar 26, 2011, 05:34 PM EDT

  They have these lists so you dumbasses can bash each other for a week . You do know that right?

• debimcguin | Mar 26, 2011, 03:13 PM EDT

  Maybe Simon you should stay at home. When I went over to Ireland to see where my family came from, it was like going "back" home. The Irish welcomed me "home". How dare you make such comments and then say you'll be back. I have travelled to numerous countries and there is no other country that I know that has the warmth of the people like Ireland.

• siobhan716 | Mar 26, 2011, 03:03 PM EDT

  I was in Ireland last spring and took the bus in Dublin many times, the drivers were always helpful and could always tell me the fare to where I was going. Maybe it was the way you approached them.

• Jamcelt | Mar 26, 2011, 02:26 PM EDT

  Last time I was in the US, I had a very hard time finding anyone in the likes of convenience stores who could even speak a smattering of English or it's inferior American version. Then they moan about not getting to be served by real Irish people. Someone should make them aware of the new Europe.

• antoman | Mar 26, 2011, 01:20 PM EDT

  Not a top ten but..Day 1.Shot and carjacked.Day 2.Shot again while using ATM.In the exact same hole left by the previous days bullet.Day 3.Asked by citizens of small town to become mayor and shot again when I refused.Day 4.Shot by man who shouted "your the paddy that keeps getting shot right!".Day 5.Shot myself accidentally with a gun I had acquired.Day 6.Shot by cops while handing gun in at a police station.Day 7.Shot by Irish security as I approached the embassy.I had been shot so many times they had mistook me for one of the living dead.Day 8.Home in Ireland and healing nicely.

• antoman | Mar 26, 2011, 12:49 PM EDT

  I've a good mind to buy new underpants and fly to America myself and compile my own top ten.Of course they won't publish it here because I'm not disheveled enough for their liking.No matter.The IFA(Irish Farmers Association)will publish me.

• springbank | Mar 26, 2011, 12:37 PM EDT

  For the most part I agree,though not with the racial comments. The restaurants are very expensive in Ireland and the food is not the best. Ask for a glass of water and they think you are nuts. I believe the reason that there are so many foreign nationals working in a lot of the restaurants is that when the Celtic tiger arrived the Irish moved into other and better paying jobs,and would not work for low wages. Now with the resection,those high paying jobs are not there anymore and restaurants still are, in most places. With the recent reports in the media about food safety in Ireland and tourism the number one industry,they really need to start paying attention to this and other health and safety issues reported. If any country needs to go back to the old ways, Ireland does,or the friendly welcoming Irish will be a thing of the past. When the Celtic tiger hit Ireland, it was for the most part a great thing,but it changed people,and money became their priority.They became greedy, and lost the charm that has been Ireland legacy.

• DrTrelawney | Mar 26, 2011, 11:25 AM EDT

  George. I don't think anybody who bandies the word "Paki" around is in any position to call anybody else a racist.

• antoman | Mar 26, 2011, 09:04 AM EDT

  Aye..and the next correspondent ye send over,can ye please have the decency to shave the guy and give him a proper haircut.Such an unkempt specimen of the male populace in America as depicted in the photo above is something seldom seen or witnessed hereI'm surprised this guy was'nt spirited away to Shannon and put put on the next available mule to Gitmo.Why I bet the hens stopped laying while he was here.

• macausheen | Mar 26, 2011, 08:57 AM EDT

  Just read a bunch of the comments and most seem focused on the roadsigns. Almost every time I am in Ireland I become frustrated to the cracking point while trying to drive around. By the end of the week, though, I'm doing fine. You gotta be a local to feel comfortable and if you continue to be a tourist just go on a bus tour next time. Leave the driving to someone else. When I go state to state in the US things get confusing, especially the signs. In Ireland I don't even bother to look at them anymore.

• macausheen | Mar 26, 2011, 08:48 AM EDT

  The main thing happening in this story is the American who goes abroad and then expects everything to be the same as at home. Wake up! You are not in Kansas anymore! Sometimes you have to be a local to know how to operate things. I've always found everyone in Ireland to be helpful, even the bankers and bus drivers. Perhaps it was your attitude that sniffed them first. Lucky you found a mixed drink, we couldn't find a Martini anywhere. Must have been staying in those 5 Star hotels. The only complaint I truly agree with is all those foreigners. I thought most of them had gone back to their homes again since the Celtic Tiger went back to sleep.

• oisinoc | Mar 26, 2011, 08:44 AM EDT

  Well I've lived in Ireland and the US, love both, and can't see anything wrong with what the man is saying. Yes, Ireland: 1) customer service is not supposed to be the customer apologising for imposing on the staff; 2) you are not entitled to soak your customers and then whinge when your customers complain about the high prices/stingy portions. I love the country like a family, but like any family they can really tick you off. The gruffness and lack of polish from before could be balanced by the character of the place and people - but not if they just have a snotty sense of entitlement.

• antoman | Mar 26, 2011, 07:33 AM EDT

  What am I thinking?The good people of Wisconsin would not let georgyboy leave their border to enter other States let alone fly to Ireland.It would besmirch and shame the residents of Wisconsin to know he was fouling other people's bed linen.

• antoman | Mar 26, 2011, 07:30 AM EDT

  Georgyboy can't contain himself and is a perpetual bedshitter.If in reality he ever comes to Ireland provision should be made for his foul mouth and toileting habits.

• tippboy | Mar 26, 2011, 05:41 AM EDT

  Just to respond to George Dillon - you are quite correct that most hotel staff in the eighties and nineties were Irish. I know because I used to hire them. Those were also recessionary times in Ireland and jobs in general were scarce so people were glad to do anything. This was also before the Eastern enlargement of the EU. Eight Central and Eastern European countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia) joined the EU in 2004. This coincided with the start of the Celtic Tiger. Nationals of these countries, where wage levels were far below those in Ireland, were more than happy to work in Irish hotels and restaurants. As the Irish economy improved, the Irish could not wait to leave these jobs. These days they might well be glad to have them again but it's a fact that the Eastern Europeans are better workers, more motivated and less used to depending on the welfare state. Ask anyone in the Irish hotel industry for their honest opinion and they'll agree. They are not going to fire their foreign workers in favor of Irish ones. You're right about the suburbs surrounding the Airport too, huge unemployment, but those people earn more money on the dole, so why work? My point was that Irish people seem to resent being in Service jobs in their own country but they often excel at these type of jobs in other countries. They can do it - they just don't want to do it at home.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 26, 2011, 04:10 AM EDT

  It's interesting to see the defensive hotstile and even abusive reactions of the Irish when their country gets a little criticim. Get used to it, Irish, even the Germans are now sneering at the lazy drunken Irish and refusing to give them a loan. Ignoring the openly racist poster DrTrelawney, I'll just deal with one-- tippboy--who claims that " the Irish have a problem with the service industries. I think it's something to do with our past" No, Tippboy, that's garbage. If it were true, how come every waiter and barman and hotel receptionist was Irish when I first visited in the 1980s? And still was when I returned in the 1990s? They wre quite happy to work in the hospitality industry then. So don't invent pseudo-sociological pretxts fot what is either laziness or lousy governement. I stayed in the Dublin Hilton Airport hotel recently. It's situated on the edge of vast working-class communities, where unemployment is probably running 30% or more. Guess how many Irish were working in the hotel? None, as far I could see in a three-day stay. .

• jmccarten | Mar 26, 2011, 03:38 AM EDT

  I been all over the world, went to Ireland last summer one of the best places I have ever been. Great people, Great Time. If the signs are confusing bring your GPS system with you? Problem solved.

• PolinDeB | Mar 26, 2011, 12:46 AM EDT

  Welcome to Ireland.. all this you say is true.... But if it makes you feel a little better people aren't as rude and up their own arses as in the Celtic Tiger days...;)

• Irishphotograph | Mar 25, 2011, 11:00 PM EDT

  p.s. though you know im only slagging but im not really though, you know what I mean?

• Irishphotograph | Mar 25, 2011, 11:00 PM EDT

  Aslong you left a few hundred dollars into the Irish economy then we are all smiling...dont forget to bring your friends along next time to have a Pole bring your bags up to your hotel room & an Nigerian cab driver to take you to town and a Lithuanian to pour you a grand 'ol pint! & A Philipino nurse to bandage that black eye you got from an Irish man..

• badolan | Mar 25, 2011, 09:16 PM EDT

  Generally, the guy is correct.I spent two weeks in Ireland twice now. Our main problems were lack of parking space and lack of street signs. Things have really changed since our first visit in 2002. The people were very polite at that time. We returned in 2009 and found just the opposite. I still will return ASAP. I love Ireland but I'd concentrate on visiting the most rural areas only.

• oldboreen | Mar 25, 2011, 07:25 PM EDT

  What's so disappointing about the number of foreigners working in the service industry in Ireland? Irish-Americans should understand why this is happening. (a)Ireland is part of the European Community and nationals from every member state, can, and do work anywhere within the community.(b)Non Irish nationals are prepared to take jobs the young Irish consider too menial-an attitude not unlike that of their British counterparts. Paradoxically,travel anywhere in the European Community, and you'll find young Irish working in the leisure, service and travel industries! I regularly go to Spain,it's quite common there so see someone from Ireland working behind a bar, or until relatively recently, in the building industry. Sorry,my American friends, but the Ireland of 'The Quiet Man' no longer exists-if it ever did. Ireland,like everywhere else,has changed.

• GoogieLaRue | Mar 25, 2011, 06:53 PM EDT

  Just one more Blow In with a Blowhard atitude.

• Scrivner | Mar 25, 2011, 06:38 PM EDT

  Amazing! I loved the drivers and the roads, especially the fact that it is so normal to rent a stick shift car (in the USA it's almost impossible). If you think that the DART is confusing, try the transit in Rome, make a mistake and the bus cops will fine you 50 euro! My only complaint is weak water pressure, but it's very common on the east side of the Atlantic.

• GoogieLaRue | Mar 25, 2011, 06:30 PM EDT

  Who gives a rat's arse about your opinion. STFU and stay home you ugly American. Nobody cares. You wanna know the 10 things I don't like about you? Well, I've got a lot more than 10.

• tippboy | Mar 25, 2011, 06:17 PM EDT

  The funny thing is - take those same Irish waiters and waitresses out of Ireland and put them in New York or Munich or Sydney and they're great!

• tippboy | Mar 25, 2011, 05:56 PM EDT

  It's true that many employees in the tourism and hospitality industry are foreign but that's because the Irish would not take those jobs during the good times, and even now they are reluctant. As a former hotel manager in Ireland and other countries I have to say that the Irish have a problem with the service industries. They resent having to serve others, especially in hotels and restaurants. I think it's something to do with our past as a people who were forced to be cooks, butlers, drivers etc. Mind you, there are many honorable exceptions and I have detected an improvement in service over the past couple of years. Let's hope it continues - Ireland needs every tourist dollar it can get!

• Sparklet | Mar 25, 2011, 05:41 PM EDT

  The confusing roadsigns are part of the charm. :) Getting out of Cork once the stuff after dinner stories are made of. I asked someone in Dublin for directions and referred to a road sign. The reply was "Ah, you don't want to be taking notice of the signs."

• Towngate | Mar 25, 2011, 05:23 PM EDT

  A FRUSTRATED American complained bitterly about the lack of Irish roadsigns: "How do you godam Iyarish manage without direction signs?" he fumed. He got a very quick Irish reply: "We don't need them; we know where we are!"

• DrTrelawney | Mar 25, 2011, 05:12 PM EDT

  I quote from below: " if it wants to meet Pakis I am sure there are flights to Karachi." (He means "he" not "it" be the way.) I appreciate that this site is reluctant to censor comments, but there are limits. I can only assume that if it is okay to use the word "Paki" it is okay to use the word "nigger" here. The words have exactly the same connotations among the relevant communities. It is not -- before anybody else tries this line -- the same as calling an Australian an "Aussie".

• Cranleigh | Mar 25, 2011, 05:11 PM EDT

  The drivers are INSANE over there, especially down the country. The tiny road outside my parent's house, with a speed limit of 80 km/h, regularly has massive timber trucks flying up and down. When I go home now, I just pull in and let cars go by as often as possible. And when they overtake me I try and get as close to the hawthorn hedges as I can in my rented vehicle. But spare a thought for pedestrians or cyclists - how they survive is beyond me. Ireland will have to start laying down a system of foot and cycle paths through fields adjacent to roads. In the meantime, I think they should reduce the max speed on undivided country roads to 40 k and plaster the country with speed cameras.

• tundish45 | Mar 25, 2011, 05:08 PM EDT

  Happy to hear you will go back, Simon. Once experienced, it will pull you in again and again as it has me, my wife and sister. As others have said, to connect with people use B&Bs and go to pubs, not hotel bars. In fact, while on the road stop at pubs for directions to obscure places, even if you're not planning to go there. You'll get 5 opinions from 3 people, all elegantly expressed. The roads can be a fright especially in what Americans would consider a modest sized car, so pack lighter and rent a smaller one. Pay no attention to nasty commentors in this string.

• TheOriginalWesW | Mar 25, 2011, 05:07 PM EDT

  Typical American! After living here for ten years, open your eyes yanks, it's not the live we enjoy at home, that's the whole reason to travel, to experience DIFFERENT cultures! And yeah, I'm a yank too

• bmulletmayo | Mar 25, 2011, 04:43 PM EDT

  1- The people 2- The people 3- The people 4- The people 5- The people 6- The people 7- The people 8- The people 9- The people 10- The people

• bmulletmayo | Mar 25, 2011, 04:29 PM EDT

  Why would you order coffee in Ireland? the Tea is great, as are the other beverages. 3.78 litres to the gallon, so your calculations would be a little off. The narrow roads and sometimes confusing signage are part of the charm of the Irish countryside. I'll take a cheaper overnight flight any time over a more expensive day time one. The only thing I didn't like in Ireland were the "genuine"Irish souvenirs that were designed in Ireland and manufactured in the far east. If I want someething from Ireland, I want it to me made there.

• eileend | Mar 25, 2011, 04:19 PM EDT

  Some of the comments are absolutely true(the reason I stay in B&Bs is so I can meet locals, not kids from Croatia needing a year's job), but some of them made me realize how many times I've gone over, because it's mostly getting used to a foreign country. Two things. 1)if he was trying to change traveler's checks, I've been warned in several countries that NOBODY wants to change those anymore. 2)driving in Ireland is a skill, like Formula 1. I happen to love it, especially the small roads. But then, I'm one of the people who knows how to pass. A friend once said that driving in Ireland is a giant game of chicken. If you treat it like that and know everybody else does, then you're fine. Gone over for over twenty years, never had an accident(knock wood). The secret is to just relax and take it as it comes. They sure do.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 25, 2011, 04:07 PM EDT

  peterson: Hate to correct your ignorance, but there is no such language as Mexican. Those folks are speaking Spanish. Why not try to learn some?

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 25, 2011, 04:06 PM EDT

  Simon: Pay no heed to the racist poster who calls himself DrTrelawney. You have every right to object to the fact that the Irish tourist industry employs almost no Irish people. And you're not alone. Surveys show that this is consistently mentioned as a negative by American tourists. Trelawney obviously has no self-confidence or national pride. He appears to think that foreigners make better hotel staff than Irish. I say that if Trelawney wants to meet Polish people he should go to Warsaw, if it wants to meet Pakis I am sure there are flights to Karachi. Those of us who want to visit the land of our ancestors are disgusted when the hotel receptionist is some pale Russian blond, and the hotel barman is some guy from Bangla Desh who knows nothing of Ireland or its history. The reductio ad absurdum of this happened to a friend of mine last year. He took a bus tour of the Ring of Kerry, and the driver and guide was Moldovan. And guess what, Telawney, my friend was not at all pleased! So quit your stupid racist posts, Trelawney!

• patriciarea | Mar 25, 2011, 03:55 PM EDT

  Oh, come on...I have been around the entire island and there is no better place and we can't wait to go back... But some of these points are valid. We stayed at the B & B's so we did connect with the local people, which is true, that's the real Ireland, but in the cities, even small towns like Kinsale for example, all the waiters are from Eastern European countries. We were quite surprised by that. The road signs, I think everything I have ever read about traveling in Ireland talks about the confusion over the road signs. We had our own troubles but we always found our way! Cut the guy a break, taking all that into consideration, he loved it and will be back! I can totally relate to his comments.

• peterson | Mar 25, 2011, 03:44 PM EDT

  It is far better here than most countries. Go to MacDonalds in the U.S. and all the people behind the counter are speaking Mexican or some other language. Our own people could use the work !!

• DrTrelawney | Mar 25, 2011, 03:41 PM EDT

  1. You don't know what "disinterested" means. You actually mean "uninterested" 2. You're a racist 3. You don't know how to spell "buses". Four-year olds can work the Dart ticket machines. I really don't know what there is to not understand. 4. Petrol is absurdly cheap in America, rather than the other way round. No wonder the country is such a polluter? 5.You're joking? You can't turn on a light? Can you tie your shoelaces? 6. Let's just pave over the traditional roads and install monstrous freeways. Shall we? 7. The arrow points in the direction of the named town or city. Is that really so difficult to understand? 8. Sleep on the plane, for goodness sake. 9. They're still bigger than UK measures. 10. What the hell are you changing money for? Use an ATM, for Pete's sake.

• maryemoore | Mar 25, 2011, 03:21 PM EDT

  A lot of you need to lighten up-this is really humorous because there is a grain of truth to everything he pointed out. And it isn't just in Dublin but in the more rural areas too. I remember going to a hotel in Clare. As your man said, the staff were Eastern Europeans but the thing that made us laugh was the entertainment. We listened hard to the singer. English? No. Irish? No. It turned out he was singing in French! Never forget it- great funny memory. I agree about the early morning flights. There is one flight in the afternoon to London that gets you in around 9 PM or so London time. I remember staying up till about Midnight and getting up the next morning totally refreshed and with no jet lag for the very first time. Ireland should think about it.

• eibhleann7 | Mar 25, 2011, 03:14 PM EDT

  Dead on!

• fatherericf | Mar 25, 2011, 03:11 PM EDT

  By the way - I'm making my fourth trip to Ireland this summer. I'll be there for two months and I'm really looking forward to it ... narrow roads, no coffee refills, whatever! I can't wait to get there.

• fatherericf | Mar 25, 2011, 03:09 PM EDT

  OK, so 8 out of ten are reasonably accurate - especially the coffee refills. But my experience of narrow roads was that they are fine - after all, the cars are little too! And I found Irish drivers to be universally courteous - in three long trips to Ireland I've never had a complaint about other drivers. And as for mixed drinks - why bother? Just pull a pint and enjoy!

• MB4 | Mar 25, 2011, 02:45 PM EDT

  Ireland July 1-12 2009. 3 days Dublin, Killarney, Kinsale(2), Dingle(2), Ballynahinch Castle, and near Buratty Castle. Guiness,Dunamase Castle, Fort Charles, Blarney Castle, Bantry Gardens, Ring of Kerry(Cliffs of Moher), Connemarra, the Burrens, Ballynahinch Castle, and most points in between. My wife, daughter(15 at the time), son (13 then),younger sister Mary,cousin Ellen Dougherty, and myself - last name Bowe. We all drove around in a VW 9 passenger van. I liked to travel on the N & M roads but not so much on the R's - they were sketchy - Ha! Ha!. Most R's had hedges with stone fences in the middle. After going the wrong way in my first roundabout (no one was coming - whew - Ha! Ha!). I quickly learned to avoid all vehicles bigger me buses etc, but I made all the other drivers probaly fellow Americans or other visitors, with smaller cars move over to their side of the road - Ha! Ha! I cannot wait to go back and drive a smaller car around the Emerald Isle. We need to see Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, and points north.(not to mention about another 2 weeks where we have already been). Missed any live relatives, saw many a gravestone around Stradbally. Best info we have our grandfather was born in county Laois, circa 1890± - John Joseph Bowe Jr. I loved it , we all loved it. We were panhandled three times in Dublin, I have been panhandled in NY NY , Boston and other bigger US cities. "A bad day of fishing beats a good day at work" (amonymous)

• KerryLKing | Mar 25, 2011, 02:14 PM EDT

  Also, I do "partially agree" with the fact that many of the hotels, etc are not staffed by Irish people, but rather by Eastern Europeans. But, Simon, that's mostly the "bigger cities". If you had actually been a perosn who travels, rather than a "tourist" you would have been more apt to be adventerous by going off to some of the smaller villages / towns to meet the real Ireland!!! That's where I always go, soon after I land in Dublin....

• KerryLKing | Mar 25, 2011, 02:00 PM EDT

  Yikes....why does this guy even bother to travel??? I myself being a world traveler always try to embrace all the differences in the places I visit....not complain about them. Only thing he said that I can even agree with is about "the air flight arrival times". Would be nice to get there in the evening....BUT, Simon, that's the US air carrier's fault....they make the schedules....NOT Ireland's fault!!! That's OK, I'll be over there in April and leave some funds to help the economy....and will come back with nary a complaint, dare I say!!!!

• PaddyMac | Mar 25, 2011, 01:59 PM EDT

  I thought when I first came to American that the light switches were very confusing! I think the up/down orientation is the opposite from Ireland, so no wonder we're all confused when we travel! My only gripe with traveling in Ireland is that the rental car companies rip you off if you want to rent an Automatic car. I'm Irish, but have driven in the US for twenty year on an automatic; switching back to a shift while also getting used to driving on the other side (and dealing with narrow roads with high speed limits) stresses me out too much so I treat myself to an automatic. When I asked why it was so much more for an automatic, they literally said "ha! because only the Yanks want them and they'll pay anything!" (At the time I still had a British driver's license so he didn't know I was from the US.) Such gall! I wish the Irish travel agency would investigate that; I know automatics cost more in Ireland but not that much more.

• gregoryny | Mar 25, 2011, 01:49 PM EDT

  the astonishing thing is that someone was paid to write this article!

• Ajreaper | Mar 25, 2011, 01:15 PM EDT

  Personally I like arriving early- gives me an extra day is the way I look at it. I have been able to check in every time early, take a quick shower and get out and about in the city. Lights and power in your room require you to slide your key card into the slot that is very obvious as you walk in. Get a bus pass and no worries on having the correct change (Hop on Hop off is even better). Dublin is still well worth the trip and the time and effort to "work things out".

• irish4real | Mar 25, 2011, 01:14 PM EDT

  I went to Ireland and had no complaints, it was wonderful. the idea is, your not in America anymore and get use to how other people live. If you want it just like America, then stay home.I love their culture, accent and just everything about Ireland!! Can't wait to go back. :o)

• Niamhaine | Mar 25, 2011, 12:48 PM EDT

  You should hear what the Irsh say about the Americans, Simon. Glad you loved it in the end, because it is a foreign country afterall, entitled to it's own way of working it's charms. I live there 6 months of the year, and 6 months in the US. If it weren't for family, I would be in Ireland all year. Up the Banner and the Irish people!

• midlandsmiss | Mar 25, 2011, 12:44 PM EDT

  Travel should open your mind, not make you "comfortable." It's part of the adventure to learn how to navigate another country, and it helps to read ahead so you're prepared more then this traveler was. Any decent guide book will give you the basics. But the key to a good travel experience is to be open to learning another culture, including how the light switches work.

• Murph46 | Mar 25, 2011, 12:35 PM EDT

  In the travel I have done around the world,I continually run into spoiled Americans who think everything should be like America,these are the Ugly Americans and they are spoiled rotten ,won't learn and insist on THEIR WAYS. Grow up or don't travel anymore.I actually asked one ugly American to leave the tour at 30,000 feet in the air!

• Murph46 | Mar 25, 2011, 12:22 PM EDT

  Yes- the early morning flight arrival in Ireland is a huge problem and needs to change. If the Irish Tourism Board persuaded the airlines to change the arrival time to 4 pm instead of 7 am we could find more people visiting Ireland from the States -especially the West Coast. I found the DART fine but you do need correct change for the Dublin buses. The hotel staff are usually helpful with this task.

• JessNiLeacai | Mar 25, 2011, 12:13 PM EDT

  Yes, you stay clear of Dublin if you don't want a rip off city. Other places to see in Ireland but every tourist goes to Dublin and thinks thats the real Ireland. Its not, its a capital city like anywhere. I agree with Seankelligs.And I live in Ireland so I know what I am talking about. Easy for people who live abroad to come back and moan about post Celtic Tiger Ireland. Stay in the US if you don't want the normalities you get in America. Its like going to Mexico and saying well everyone didnt speak English to me! Cop on ffs. When in Rome, do as the Romans! And when in Ireland, do like most Irish and stay away from Dublin if you can!!

• tullbear | Mar 25, 2011, 11:55 AM EDT

  Irish Central: I hope you didn't pay this guy for this lousy article. If so, demand a refund!

• ellenred | Mar 25, 2011, 11:55 AM EDT

  Okay, Simon the only part of your whine I agree with is the early morning arrival in Ireland-- the time change and loss of sleep is hard, BUT the excitement of being back in Ireland makes up for it a lot. Why didn't you simply get your debit card and or credit card approved for use in Ireland before you went? It's easy to simply use an ATM for more cash. Didin't you do any research before you went? Some people are soul suckers looking to find fault with every thing. I go expecting to meet great people, see great coastlines and have lots of laughs. And that's what I get. I've only explored the west and the southwest so far, but I have to go back. I met helpful, witty and smart bus drivers, train passengers, and regular people on the street. Ireland is the country of my ancestors, and feels like home to me. Is it perfect? no. but neither is where I live. Funny thing, but you get what you expect, and people treat you as you expect them to.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 25, 2011, 11:50 AM EDT

  seanskelligs makes an absurd point when he suggests that visitors to Ireland avoid Dublin. Ridiculous. Would he tell visitors to France to avoid Paris, or folks vacationing in Argentina to say away from Buenos Aires?

• antoman | Mar 25, 2011, 11:49 AM EDT

  Everyone should know by now that to turn on the lights you must flush the toilet and vice a verse.And those lines you see on roads in Ireland are not there to facilitate traffic.They are a navigation aide for migrating birds.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 25, 2011, 11:48 AM EDT

  Simon makes a number of very good points. For example, it really is a problem getting to Europe in the morning after a tough trip. If you try to check into your hotel they almost certainly won't have a room ready for you, with the result that you have to wander around like a zombie all day. Unless you're very young & energetic, or have traveled in business class, your first day is wasted. As to the fact that the Irish tourist industry is no longer staffed by Irish people, Simon's right again. It makes a vacation in Ireland much less interesting if you're not going to have interaction with Irish people. If I want to meet Poles I'll book a week in Warsaw.

• LAbiddy | Mar 25, 2011, 11:48 AM EDT

  My trip to Ireland was so much the better for getting lost at least 5 times a day while driving about. We found ruins not listed in the books, met amazing people who were more than willing to help. One amazing elderly gentleman came out of his house after we had taken a wrong turn at a "diversion" and ended up driving down a lane barely wide enough for our tiny car that had stone walls on both sides. We knew we'd find a place to turn around eventually and ended up in this man's driveway. He came out to warn us that if we continued on the road, we'd end up in a lake, gave us directions on how to get where we wanted to go and offered us a cuppa before we left. I still write to him and can't wait to go back and visit again. My trip was an amazing adventure that we love to call "Getting lost in Ireland."

• seanskelligs | Mar 25, 2011, 11:19 AM EDT

  Stay out of Dublin so!!! Come to the real Ireland in the West and Southwest where you will meet genuine normal friendly people. No problem with public transport....there is none!! Could not agree more about the wan sorry bankers!!. Reason for night flights is that all the planes are full on shorthaul by day. They need to keep the planes in the air to make money hence leave the US about 7pm and with time difference they are travelling when they would otherwise just be sitting overnight at an airport idle. We are not perfect but being Irish is as close as you will get!!!!

• peekskilljack | Mar 25, 2011, 11:19 AM EDT

  Regarding the Irish roads, several years ago my cousin's husband took me to see Wicklow and we soon were lost. Now Eugene has lived in Ireland all of his life. He stopped to ask for directions from a local fellow standing in front of his house and about five minutes later another fellow from the area came over and joined the conversation. After about twenty more minutes, I wandered over to listen in. The gist of the conversation was something like this, "they knew where we were, they knew where we wanted to go, but we could not get there from here". Finally I told Eugene, look we're on an island, let's just get in the car and drive in one direction, sooner or later we'd come to water, then just make a right turn and we'd be back in Dublin. Anyway, about fifteen minutes later we were in Naas. When we got back to his place in Dublin my cousin asked him if we had gotten lost, before he could answer, I told her we went on a Magical Mystery Tour of Wicklow. Life's a journey-enjoy the ride.

• mollymguire | Mar 25, 2011, 11:02 AM EDT

  Did this writer know anything about where he was going? I'll grant the narrow roads can be quite scary, so we got a driver. The coffee comment was just plain adolescently stupid. Of course the drinks are expensive - that's why they drink Guiness, but try to get a drink in Hawaii for less than $8.50 & that was 4 yrs agol. Changing money, I did it before I left the US, it was cheaper... And don't go to Ireland if you can't spend at least 10 days. Do some research, take some guided trips, stay at B & Bs - those are great! You'll meet the lovliest people who own B&Bs. We found the people of Ireland so accepting, so lovely, but sometimes a little cautious of us Yanks, and now I understand why! AND we got preggers in Ireland, after 10 yrs of trying! All we needed to do was get to the ancestrial home.

• DLW12183 | Mar 25, 2011, 10:58 AM EDT

  Everything he complains about is what makes Ireland fun--EXCEPT-get in and out of Dublin after 6 or so sights (fly into Shannon) and enjoy the country. Drive up Conner Hill over Conner Pass from Tralee to Dingle and see Tralee Bay, Brandon Bay and Dingle Bay from the top (this guy would love parts that are still one lane) and then the outer drive to the Blasket Island area back to Inch Beach and see if you like Ireland any better. Go to Cobh in Cork County while you are there for some history. We have been 4 times and I can't get enough of the South, West and North-I say drive to the end of the road shown on the map and then some more and be amazed at what you see and find. It is truly God's Country for beauty but much different than US travel.

• Portia777 | Mar 25, 2011, 10:53 AM EDT

  You have free choice to come back or stay at home. Strange how you imagine the Irish want Lizzie and El Papa in Ireland? Considering the fact that the Pope in olden days gave the land of Ireland and its People to the King AS SLAVES to keep us UNDER CONTROL and get rid of our sacred ways and collect the taxes of course. If that history were included in our schools, there would no welcome for either alien.

• Liamkeyes | Mar 25, 2011, 10:52 AM EDT

  If you have a bank card, you can use the ATM machine, they are outside every bank in every town and city, it's better to do this bscause you get a better rate and no service charge, this applies to the rest of the Europe as well. You must remember that people in Europe have dealt with all kinds of "The Ugly American". I heard a couple remark in Venice one time "This place is Old and smelly, Back home State side everything is nicer and newer...." Need I say any more...

• KillarneyLass | Mar 25, 2011, 10:48 AM EDT

  Guys, you take yourselves too seriously. I was born and bred there and the guy is right, but he is trying to make it all a bit of fun in the end. What I want to know is why us Irish take ourselves so seriously, and if anyone says the slightest thing we get so definsive--small country mentality??? Meanwhile, some of us who live in the U.S. are constantly complaining about things that are "differnt" here, but we continue to live here and not Ireland for SOME reason. Fair is fair...we should not be afraid to have a good laugh at ourselves - after all, we are Irish aren't we??

• mylesie | Mar 25, 2011, 10:44 AM EDT

  "Narrow roads in the countryside...."Confusing road signs or none at all... What did you expect six lane highways? Those flaming locals been hiding Route 66 again? Come off it!!! You were in Ireland a week and all you can do is moan.

• Sligeah | Mar 25, 2011, 10:42 AM EDT

  I road horse-back cross country in Ireland, and never had any of the problems listed above. Stayed at several different homes, and everyone was great. Changed my money at the airport, and it was easy and friendly. Yes, my heritage is Irish, so maybe I have a natural affinity for the Irish. The road signs were fun, the drivers very polite (at least to someone on horseback), and getting around by bus was easy. I adored every minute and can't wait to go back.

• hyperion | Mar 25, 2011, 10:37 AM EDT

  Hey Treleach: shut your ignorant trap about the USA since you clearly know nothing about us or our country. We have welcomed more foreign nationals to work in our borders than your puny, racist country will ever dream of doing.

• sirpeter | Mar 25, 2011, 10:32 AM EDT

  Top ten most annoying things about Ireland!!! I could see the problems with light switches in hotel rooms..They don't have the little red writing.. On & Off.It's hard to figure out if the light is on or off then. *rolls eyes* Foreign accents,Confusing road signs,Snotty bankers,Narrow roads in the countryside,$7 dollars a gallon. Simon how did you cope with flushing the toilet? If your big log didn't flush..That's totally distressing and annoying and would have ruined your holiday completely.

• nancykeeley | Mar 25, 2011, 10:29 AM EDT

  I think all this carping is petty. The culture shock comes not from being in Ireland, but in coming back to the United States where voices are abrasive and louder and "rude" is the watchword of the day. This person needs to spend more time in Ireland or chuck it and go somewhere else -- like back home.

• TheBelle | Mar 25, 2011, 10:25 AM EDT

  mehlhorn - Your answer is "IrishCentral". They've been on an awfully negative slant lately. trealach - Wow...seriously? Americans won't hire certain people due to racism? 1) Have you ever been here? If so, you may faintly recall there being laws against discrimination in the workplace. 2) Do you really believe every person in every job here is blond and blue eyed? If you ever get the chance to visit, you may want to look around a bit. Yes, we had a horrendous flaw in our past, but since then we've been working to fix it, despite the efforts of some to keep it alive by making comments just like yours. Despite what the media likes to hawk for ratings, the common people that no one ever sees or talks to here get along just about as well as they do anywhere else, maybe better than in some other places that don't get as much attention for every infraction as we do. For someone so obviously ready to blast others for being uninformed, you seem to suffer from it in pretty good measure yourself. irishcentral - again, what is up with all the negativity?

• miabryant | Mar 25, 2011, 10:25 AM EDT

  Really? You spent a week in Ireland and choose to write about the things that annoyed you? Was this the only angle that would get you published? I've been dreaming and longing for a trip to Ireland my entire adult life. Whenever I take a trip I do my research ahead of time. Far ahead of time. For the past 6 years I've gotten approximately 50 books & DVD's from the library in preparation. Everything from learning the language & Irish slang, cookbooks, maps, travel guides, history and even magazines. I rent Irish movies frequently and keep tabs on the news thru websites like this. From where I sit you didn't deserve to travel to Ireland. There is far too much beauty to be seen, history to be learned and fun to be had for a negative person like you to have walked on the Irish soil of my ancestors who suffered there and myself suffering here without a means to make it there. Shame on yourself for paying any attention to the negative, let alone make a list and publish it! How sad that you probably enjoy focusing on the negative around you instead of all that is good in life.

• pugsmom | Mar 25, 2011, 10:24 AM EDT

  Get out of the city!! I didn't mind Dublin, but the countryside and the people there are the "real deal!" I love Ireland.

• irisheyesjenn | Mar 25, 2011, 10:13 AM EDT

  As ballyhip says "Cheeky aren't you!" One week? Come on, this is nonsense. You didn't spend enough time to warrant even one gripe. Do us a favour and stay home next time. Cráic means fun, not accents. Eejit fits in your case.

• IrishmanSpeaks | Mar 25, 2011, 10:13 AM EDT

  Wow, aren't some people easily offended? The writer makes it quite clear, he loves the place, will go back and makes some "contrarian comments." I've never heard the "lights" comment but Bord Failter reports and numerous white papers on Ireland support the bulk of his comments. What Ireland needs to do to continue to develop a great tourist product is: Give customers what they want, not tell them what they want and listen to their concerns. The writer says he "loved the place" and will go back. That does not mean he or other visitors should not expect improvement in many areas.

• MickRegan | Mar 25, 2011, 10:06 AM EDT

  Spread your wings next time - and come to Cork :-)

• sallysue26 | Mar 25, 2011, 10:04 AM EDT

  I understand all that. That is why my first couple of trips were taking a bus tour. They made sure you had a great time and you met the people of Ireland. Love it no matter what though.

• Helen Ferone | Mar 25, 2011, 10:04 AM EDT

  You're kidding aren't you? Ireland is fabulous along with the people. Maybe staying in Dublin was your downfall, and if you know how to drive you wouldn't have a problem on the "narrow" roads. I've been there 10 times, and never had a problem. Had a flat tire last time, knocked on a door, and an elderly man went and got a mechanic to fix it. Now, where would you get that here?

• EireinAmerica | Mar 25, 2011, 10:04 AM EDT

  Not everyone is so enthralled about Lizzie the Hun coming over......

• ballyhip | Mar 25, 2011, 09:52 AM EDT

  First trip? A week? And your offering opinions? Cheeky, aren't you! Or perhaps just looking for a rise? I've lived and worked in Ireland (Irish parents/dual citizen)and visited more times than I can remember. Some of my friends would just love to meet you to cut your pompous ass in half. And I suppose you offered your opinions to the Irish that you met before publishing them here??

• onlyatheart | Mar 25, 2011, 09:49 AM EDT

  Well, Simon, I have to say, during our trip last year I can only find two things on your list that I can actually say I experienced, those being the apparently stunt- trained drivers and the road signs, both of which I expected from before-hand research and which became part of the adventure and fun of the trip. It depends, I suppose, on your expectations, preparations and where you travel to. I changed my money in the US beforehand and used a credit card for large purchases, so had no issues with bankers. I had a flight which arrived early, but began adjusting my sleep patterns in the US two days before my trip, so I slept during the flight and we arrived in the morning and hit the ground running. I familiarized myself with the vagaries of the roadsigns and only managed just the once to get us lost. My friend, daughter and myself, drove from Dublin north up the coast, staying in B&B accomodations, in which the coffee flowed freely and the staff was authentically Irish and pleasant. We circumnavigated the northern half of Ireland. We used taxis in the larger towns, rather than buses, and I felt that the cost was quite reasonable and found the drivers all to be friendly and quite helpful. I had no issues regarding operating the lights ... I can not relate to the problem. We ordered only Guinness while out, again, I can't relate to the issues with the size of the mixed drinks, not as prevalent o the Emerald Isles as beer, I have always been told. We knew the gas prices overseas were considerably higher than what we were used to and budgeted accordingly. I do hate to be accusatory, but it seems to me the fault is your own for expecting to find America in Ireland and failing to familiarize yourself sufficiently with the country you chose to visit.

• PatrickDGill | Mar 25, 2011, 09:41 AM EDT

  Right about the drinks and the overnight flights.

• carrickcourt | Mar 25, 2011, 09:41 AM EDT

  1. Coffee - Drink tea! 2. Foreign accents - Don't you love the Polish Irish accents. Now what kind of accent do you have? 3. Public Transport - Yes, Dart is funny about paying. When using Dublin Bus get a five pass card and swipe the card when getting on the bus. 4. Price of gas- Get over it. So Ireland pays what the rest of the world pays for gas. 5. Lights in Rooms - I agree it does take a PhD to turn on some lights in Ireland. 6. Narrow roads and scary drivers - True roads are narrow. Try waiting for cattle or sheep to cross the road. Yes, the Irish drive too fast. 7. Confusing road signs - True, especially in the Republic. Road signs are much better in Northern Ireland. 9. Overnight flights to Ireland- Try to sleep. 10. Snotty bankers - Bankers in Ireland do like to do things by the book. Use ATM's for cash, though the fees do hurt.

• Robinecka | Mar 25, 2011, 09:38 AM EDT

  This guy needs to drink a lot more of the "good stuff".

• Trealach | Mar 25, 2011, 09:37 AM EDT

  1. You obviously went to the wrong place for coffee. 2. We are not racist, so anyone is welcome to work here - unlike the US. 3. Perhaps learning to read in English or Irish might help - but then anyone would have told you if you had asked. 4. Gas is high here because we pay for it - not invade a country for it. 5. A skilled driver wouldn't worry about that. 6. Light switches are easy - 'up' is off 'down' is on - you need instructions for that? 7. We know how to get to places - Tourists should ask for directions. 8. You don't like the flight times - travel by cruise liner next time. 9. You MUST be kidding! 10. Considering it was an American Bank which caused the crash ..... can you really blame them for being suspicious? Fáilte go hÉireann

• carollover | Mar 25, 2011, 09:26 AM EDT

  As an American who's been to Ireland on holiday 17 times, I've found the biggest whiners and complainers are Americans--guys like this. Just suck it up and get on with it! Don't expect everything to be perfect or as convenient as it might be here! For future reference, if you don't like "snooty" bankers, get an ATM card. If you don't like the mixed drinks, get a pint of Guinness or Harp. Do some searching and you'll find many flights that leave early and arrive late. Last trip I made I flew BA, left at 9am and arived in Dublin 11pm. "No craic"?!? Craic means "a good time". You'll find it in any pub, especially those with trad music. Thank God you got good weather, I shudder to think how you and your wife would have complained if you'd received typical Irish weather.

• CitizenWhy | Mar 25, 2011, 09:24 AM EDT

  If you want swanky, you pay big.

• Clancey | Mar 25, 2011, 09:15 AM EDT

  The Dublin bus map is difficult (!!!) to understand! And the pop music piped in on the longdistance buses drives me nuts; makes it hard to read. But otherwise; hey, adjust! That's why you leave home. Try to imagine tourists visiting the US for the first time ...

• mehlhorn | Mar 25, 2011, 08:33 AM EDT

  Seriously! I have been six times for 15 days on each visit except one and I never encountered any of these issues. Who goes on vacation any where and talks about negative stuff!?