Ireland is diverse in many ways, yet there are some significant differences between Dublin and the west coast; here are just a few.
Dublin may be a bustling city, packed full of world-class eateries, late-night venues, and famous attractions, but we have to admit that the west coast of Ireland may just be a little – or maybe a lot – more charming.
Whether you are a local or have visited Ireland, chances are you have noticed the cultural differences between the capital and the west coast in more ways than one.
From culture and language to community and more, we will explore what sets the capital and Ireland’s beloved Atlantic coast apart. Let’s dive into the five things Dublin lost that Ireland’s west coast still has.
5. Genuine hospitality – you just cannot beat it
Ireland‘s west coast may receive just as many tourists as Dublin, yet the genuine hospitality of the locals on the west coast far outweighs that of the capital.
Dublin, which was once a small, less visited European city, is now one of the most visited for both tourism and business opportunities, which in some ways has tainted the old warm-heartedness it once oozed.
Nowadays, it is common for people wanting to experience the ‘real’ Ireland and the ‘real’ Irish welcome to hop on a bus and make their way to the west coast to cities like Galway and surrounding areas.
We must admit that genuine hospitality can be found throughout the west coast without having to look too hard.
4. Community spirit – a big part of rural life
Don’t get us wrong, Dublin once had a great sense of community spirit, which some smaller suburbs still maintain, yet Dublin has lost this essence since the city has expanded over the years.
Communities have grown, with many Dubliners not knowing their neighbours, posties, or shopkeepers as they would have in years gone by.
On the other hand, community spirit is undoubtedly something that Ireland’s west coast still has, and that can be seen throughout the regions of Clare, Mayo, Sligo, and Kerry.
Whether it be bingo, sports events, or local gatherings, the west coast does it better, and the tradition of getting to know your neighbours still lives on in many small towns and even cities.
3. Traditions – a world away from the capital
One of the things Dublin lost that Ireland’s west coast still has is the sense of tradition and everything that comes with it.
The west coast of Ireland has strong ties with Irish music, literature, art, and dance that can still be observed almost everywhere. From live music and dance sessions to galleries and libraries, the west coast is thriving when it comes to the arts.
Yes, Dublin is also a cultural hub, but these days, it is almost set up for tourists rather than being genuinely authentic.
Another tradition which is alive and well in the west is farming, which is rarer in the capital, with many opting for other lines of work. In addition, the traditions of mythology, folklore, and even the pub culture on the west coast set it apart from Dublin.
2. Charm – step back in time
There is no doubt about it: as Dublin has expanded from a small, loveable city to a bustling metropolitan capital, it has slowly lost its charm.
There is something to be said about the authentic Irish charm of the historic houses, stone walls, cobbled streets, and even old-style pubs and shops that still exist in the west. In fact, the west coast of Ireland is almost like stepping back in time.
Compared to the west coast, Dublin is a modern city where it is becoming harder to find elements of the past. While they may exist in the capital to some degree, they are truly tangible in the west of the country.
The slow pace of life, countryside air, open space, and historical elements scattered around add to the overall charm that the west coast oozes. It is no wonder more and more people are eager to experience this.
1. The Irish language – alive and well in the west
One of the top things Dublin lost that Ireland’s west coast still has is Gaelige, the Irish language. While it is rare and uncommon for Dubliners to speak Irish, at least as a first language, on the west coast, you will find that the Irish language is alive and well.
Irish is widely spoken on the west coast, in areas known as Gaeltacht regions, located around County Mayo, County Donegal, and County Kerry.
It is not uncommon to overhear locals chatting away as Gaeilge in a local watering hole, something which is very hard to come by in Dublin.
The Irish language is of Celtic origin and is one of the oldest languages in the world. It is being kept alive by locals in the west, while Dublin has sadly lost this part of Irish heritage.
So, there are just a few things Dublin lost that Ireland’s west coast still has. Are there others you would add?
