Top ten things that Ireland does better than the United States - from soda bread to Guinness

A run down of some of the best things to come out of the Emerald Isle

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Some Irish greats- James Joyce and Phil Lynott

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We may have flocked to the US in millions over the centuries, but despite our love for America there are many things that Ireland does better.

Here’s a rundown....

1. A cup of tea

There is no messing with hundreds of different types of tea leaves and flavors, as there are only two types of tea in Ireland: Barry’s and Lyon’s. Tea is the solution to everything in Ireland, it cures all ailments. It's considered a sin for someone to call over to your house and not be offered a cup of scald. After centuries of tea drinking, we know how to make a good cup.

Read More: A cup of tea is the way to Irish people’s hearts - how do you take yours?

2. Reusable plastic bags

In Ireland, it's not a paper or plastic option, it's paper or PAY! Ireland reduced its plastic bag consumption by 90 percent since 2002 when the government introduced a 15 cent levy on plastic bags in order to try and reduce the consumption of them. The levy now stands at 22 cent. As a result the majority of consumers use their own recyclable shopping bags. According to reusethisbag.com the US uses 380 billion plastic bags a year. Some states in the US have taken action by banning and taxing plastic bag usage, while other states have rejected the proposals.

3. Guinness

Despite soaring sales of the black stuff in the US, a pint of Guinness tastes better in Ireland. All Guinness sold in Ireland is made in Ireland, so the travel miles are minimal in comparison. Meaning an Irish pint of Guinness is probably the freshest on offer.

Read More: Ten reasons why Obama’s right and Guinness tastes better in Ireland

4. Soda bread, brown bread and sliced pans

What do they put in American bread that makes it so sweet and unnatural? If you were lucky enough to have an Irish mother or Granny in your life, there is a good chance she baked some soda bread. American tastes unnatural in comparison. There is nothing like a good sliced pan, a bit of butter and a few slices of ham.

Read More: Healthy homemade and Irish - delicious brown soda bread recipe

5. Rock Legends

So America gave us Hendrix and Springsteen to name a few, but what about Donegal’s own Rory Gallagher, Phil Lynott, and of course U2! Van Morrison is still blaring on the airwaves. The Horslips pioneered the trend of mixing traditional Irish music with rock and roll for an unique sounds which remains popular today. Newcomers such as The Script and Snow Patrol are playing to sellout crowds around the US. Who would you rather share a pint with, Bono or Springsteen?

Read More: Top ten Irish rock n’ roll songs of all time - SEE VIDEOS

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