In this day and age, we’re all trying to move away from the outdated mindset of stereotypes. As citizens of humanity, we are becoming more and more self-aware and less and less concerned with generalizations and mass assumptions (seeing as they are often untrue, outdated or irrelevant.
That said, these 10 stereotypes about Dubliners could be applied to a large portion of the capital of Ireland’s population.
10. We love a good drink
Although a new report has found that 23% of the Irish adult population do not drink any alcohol, it has also been found that nearly half of us—a whopping 48% of us—drink enough alcohol to be potentially damaging or threatening to our health in future years.
And with a plethora of popular bars in Dublin, there’s a strong affinity for pub culture amongst our (particularly younger) residents, it seems.
9. We’re a friendly bunch
Dublin has been repeatedly given the nod as being one of the friendliest cities in the world! As part of our friendliness, we are also quite polite, saying please and thanks and always greeting our bus drivers.
We often, too, use the word “sorry” a lot—not as an apology, but instead of “excuse me.” Simply put: be kind in Dublin, and you are likely to receive kindness in return.
8. We are obsessed with the weather
This is one we just can’t deny: Dubliners (like all Irish) have a strange obsession with the weather. In the context of small talk, it has to be the most explored topic.
However, with our predominantly monotone-climate of grey skies and scattered showers, you’d think we’d have grown tired of the topic by now.
7. We give unique directions
Should you be talking about visiting any place outside of Dublin, locals will use the term “going down,” regardless of whether it is north or south of Dublin.
For example: “Ah yeah, I’m going down to Sligo on Monday.” Note: Mayo is not south of Dublin; it is, in fact, northwest. The reason as to why this is a standard colloquialism is unknown to this day.
6. We can’t take a compliment, ever
We’re also not exactly sure where this excessively humble (to the point of being self-deprecating) state of self-awareness spawns from, but for some reason, Dubliners just can’t take a compliment.
5. We drink an excessive amount of tea
This is one of the most common stereotypes about Dubliners—and it’s true! Ireland is home to some of the world’s biggest—if not the biggest—tea drinkers, and this is seen at large in Dublin. If you’re not a fan of tea, expect to become one by the end of your trip to the Emerald Isle.
Tip: You’re likely to always be offered a cup of tea when being welcomed into someone’s home, so you may as well start getting used to the stuff.
4. We love potatoes
Have you ever found a Dubliner, let alone an Irish person, or, well, just anyone, who doesn’t love potatoes? Think of its versatility: chips (french fries), mash potatoes, roasted potatoes, potato gratin… The list is bountiful.
Yep, they’re damn well delicious, and us Dubliners just love them. Expect to eat them a lot when in the Emerald Isle.
3. We assume you’ll know someone we know
There’s a strange tendency in Ireland, particularly Dublin—given its “wee” size—to assume that the person you are talking to will, by some chance, know a person you know.
For example:
Person A: “Ah yeah, I was in Killiney last week.”
Person B: “Killiney is lovely; do you know John? You know, John? Tall fella.”
The funny side of this is that sometimes it turns out that we actually do know the same people.
2. We wave our colours high
One thing that Dubliners share across the board is their unrequited love for their county. Dubliners—and Irish people as a whole—are typically tremendously proud of where we come from, and it’s a defining and positive characteristic that seems to have been passed down from generation to generation.
1. We have got “the craic”
One of the top stereotypes about Dubliners that are actually true is no doubt the idea that we have a collective aptitude for “the craic.” Also known as Irish banter, this is our form of humour.
It is dry, sarcastic, playful, and sometimes a little like teasing—although it is always meant in good humour! Irish people, including Dubliners, love “the craic,” so remember never to take it too hard, and that Dubliners receive it just as well as they dish it out.
