Did you think these silly misconceptions about Ireland were true? Let us know in the comments!
Most Irish people know that many people who have never been to the island have a lot of misconceptions about the land, the people, and the culture.
Nothing makes us cringe more than when we are watching a movie or show, and an American is spreading falsities about us.
We wouldn’t blame you if you believed these misconceptions. So many of them are long-held and widespread falsehoods, so we are trying to put an end to them.
Now, prepare to have your silly misconceptions about Ireland revised and corrected.
10. Irish people eat corned beef ‒ we don’t, well maybe some people do
Americans tend to celebrate St Patrick’s Day by digging into some tinned corned beef and cabbage. This is a meal you will find hard to come across on the island of Ireland.
Older generations may have eaten this, but it is no longer a common meal, and most young people will never have had it.
9. Ireland has no electricity ‒ well, Dublin is the tech capital of Europe…
This is an extreme one, but we’ve heard people suggest that Ireland is lacking in the technology department when this is far from the case.
Many tech and commerce companies house their European headquarters here due to Ireland’s technological prowess.
8. The Irish drink all of the time ‒ many don’t drink at all
We will agree that Ireland has a reputation for this, and many Irish do enjoy a few drinks on the weekend. But not everyone drinks, especially not all of the time.
This is what we get for Guinness being so successful worldwide. It led to one of the most silly misconceptions about Ireland.
7. We only eat potatoes in Ireland ‒ our food is not as bland as you think
Okay, we will concede that many meals contain potatoes, and you will never eat a more delicious thing than potato bread. However, our taste palates have come quite a way since the potato famine, and now we enjoy a wide range of foods.
6. They say “top of the morning to ya” ‒ who started this rumour?
We aren’t too sure where this misconception started, but no one says this in Ireland.
We are all aware of it because tourists have that expectation, and it’s featured in pop culture often. You’re more likely to hear a “what’s the craic?” instead.
5. All Irish people have red hair ‒ they should be on the endangered species list
Yes, Ireland has a larger population of redheads than most of the rest of the world, but that doesn’t mean they are extremely common.
Most people here tend to have dark hair. We all know families or redheads and have ginger friends, but it’s not the most common hair colour in the country.
4. There are no cars in Ireland, and we use horse and cart ‒ it would be better for the environment
Another one of the silly misconceptions about Ireland that is often shared by Americans. Perhaps this is due to Americans often learning of Ireland within the context of the famine, with textbooks that show horses and carts at the time.
Or maybe they believe Irish people are similar to American Amish communities because of their ties to religion. Either way, it’s not true. We drive cars just like the rest of the world,
3. It’s only a small island and it won’t take long to drive ‒ the island is bigger than you thought
Yes, Ireland is smaller than many US states, but that doesn’t mean we are a small island. It would take around seven hours and 40 minutes to drive its full length.
We understand that that is not the longest drive in the world, but why would anyone want to drive the length of Ireland so quickly? We have other things to do along the way. It’s about the journey, not the destination.
2. It rains every day ‒ this feels like it’s true sometimes
This is one of the silly misconceptions about Ireland that has some truth to it. During autumn, winter, and spring (and sometimes summer), it can rain for a few days consecutively, but that doesn’t mean it rains every day.
During summers, we’ve had many extended periods of dry weather. Even during the rest of the year, it can be dry for a while. But one thing is for sure, the rain will always return.
1. Everyone is a devout Catholic ‒ maybe this was the case at one stage in history
Yes, Ireland historically was very Catholic, and the church had a hand in running the country.
Most people are still raised in Catholic communities, but our lifestyles don’t reflect this. Many may not practice but still may consider themselves a member of the church.
