Massive reaction to our most annoying things about Ireland story

Posted on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 06:32 PM

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Read More: Ten most annoying things about Ireland

We ran a piece yesterday on the top ten things one of our writers Simon Morrison did not like about Ireland and wham!-- the reaction was instantaneous.

The comments began flowing in immediately to our Facebook page and to the website. Many were from Irish people in Ireland outraged that there could be anything like the number of things wrong in Ireland our writer discovered.

I got invited on radio in Ireland to talk about the article and found myself assailed by a couple of hosts slamming Irish Central for even intimating that everything was not perfect in Ireland.

Touchy, touchy.

It suddenly made me realize just what a low ebb confidence in Ireland is at the moment. The death of the Celtic Tiger and the collapse of the economy have led to a deep sense of self doubt that the article seemed to touch upon.

The writer made it clear that he had actually enjoyed Ireland, but, just for contrary reasons decided to talk about the things he did not enjoy.

He stayed away from the obvious ones, the weather -- it was glorious-- and traffic because he took public transport most of the time.

But no refills for coffee, waitresses not interested, no daytime flight, many road signs that led nowhere were all included.

Most I would have though were pretty basic and most people would agree with them.

Not many of our readers.

It also shows the deep love and affection that is out there for Ireland among Irish Americans.

Many recounted in great detail the wonderful time they had there and were shocked to hear anything bad.

As well they should be. Ireland is a magnificent place that combines people scenery and craic in a wonderful pastiche.

But it is not perfect.

Which is all Simon Morrison was saying.

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sa1lavin | Mar 26, 2011, 11:57 AM EDT

Yesterday I read the article 'Top ten most annoying things about Ireland' by Simon Morrison. I am an Irish citizen living in Ireland and I have to say the writer was completely right on his observations and after reading the piece in my opinion I agree with him, I am not offended, I do not think he was unfair in any way. I think he was honest and he clearly mentioned that he enjoyed Ireland and he would return. I hope the reactions on this site has not made him think twice about that! I am shocked at the response, not only by overly offended Irish but also by some of the disgusting racist remarks by non Irish. Irish people are fully aware of the problems highlighted by Simon and I've rarely heard any disagreements with those exact arguments. On a final note I highly recommend visiting the North West of Ireland, In particular Sligo. Its beautiful.

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cillowen | Mar 26, 2011, 11:24 AM EDT

the use of foul language is out of control in erin got to experience it on their rte tele.

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| Mar 26, 2011, 10:24 AM EDT

I get disgusted whenever I visit my hometown in Ireland. One can't get away from McDonalds, Burger KIng, and Wendys. It's disgusting.

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carrickcourt | Mar 26, 2011, 10:24 AM EDT

Hey Ireland is it's own place now for crying out loud.

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mcmeprII | Mar 26, 2011, 09:39 AM EDT

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Ireland but, like the author I also ran into a surly waitstaff in one location in one of the more "touristy" regions of southweat Ireland. Fortunately this was the only put off I experienced. On the whole people were simply wonderful and the country beautiful. Too bad that a few make such a lousy impression when the vast majority are friendly and willing to go out of their way to make you feel at home!

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antoman | Mar 26, 2011, 08:12 AM EDT

Those that commented negatively have never been here I suspect.Georgyboy has never left the basement let alone Wisconsin.They say the Irish won't work tables and bring the meat and coffee.And yet they'll stand salivating,peering through the window at people filling their faces.Slowly there is an awakening that whereby in the past you needed money to make money and thus had to make shady deals or become a politician,or both.That today,like our ancestors of old you have to do a fair days graft.The words "a fair days wages for a fair days work",are very apt today.

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