Do Irish-Americans have a leg up on their Irish siblings across the Atlantic?
While those born in Ireland have an easy pass in saying they’re from the lovely Emerald Isle, it’s our Irish-American cousins who always seem to be putting in the effort to show their appreciation for our little island, even from afar.
Here are the top ten things Irish-Americans do better than those born in Ireland.
10. St. Patrick’s Day – next stop: dye the Liffey green
Although Irish-Americans may mistakenly call it St. Patty’s Day, they must be forgiven because St. Patrick’s celebrations are something Irish-Americans definitely do better than those born in Ireland.
From giant parades in New York to green rivers in Chicago, it’s impossible to deny that Irish-Americans celebrate our patron saint in style.
9. Halloween – reinventing a harvest celebration
Originating from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain, we have America to thank for the lavish holiday we now know as Halloween.
Trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, extravagant costumes, I think the Irish owe it to their American brethren for elevating the harvest festival into something camp and ghoulish that we enjoy across the world today.
8. Ancestry tracing – want to know who your great-great-great grandmother was?
If there’s something the Irish-Americans know how to do, it’s make a family tree. With the advent of 23andMe and Ancestry.com, it’s never been easier to trace your heritage back as far as hundreds of years.
While you may think you know your family down the road, your Irish-American cousin in the States probably knows them better.
7. Listening to stories about the past – historians in the making
Thanks to their devotion to their heritage, Irish-Americans are also keen story listeners.
While you might disregard the aul’ fella in the pub blabbering about the good ol’ days, it’s almost guaranteed that the Irish-Americans sitting nearby would gladly welcome him to their table, buy him a pint, and listen to him regale tales of his hometown.
6. Supporting Irish designers – Claddagh rings everywhere
Be it the height of summer, Irish-Americans will be found swaddled in Aran jumpers, rain or shine.
While some Irish-born people might find these, along with other Celtic designs and jewellery, naff or cringy, Irish-Americans wear these homegrown creations with pride and are always eager to support local Irish designers for a true taste of home.
5. Appreciating the scenery – Oh, I met her on the Cliffs of Moher
While Irish-born people can admit that Ireland is a beautiful country, it’s not always that we really stop to appreciate it.
Sometimes it takes hearing an Irish-American gushing enthusiastically about the rolling green fields or a shaky stone wall to really make you stop and think: “Yeah, I suppose this place is amazing”.
4. Supporting Irish tourism – exploring the island from top to toe
On top of the last point, Irish-Americans are dedicated to seeing all of Ireland, outside and in, past and present. This includes embarking on several of Ireland’s most touristy trails.
From the Burren to EPIC, from Doolin to the Jameson Distillery, I doubt any Irish-born person has seen as many of the gems Ireland has to offer as most Irish-American have.
3. Dedicating themselves to the sing-song – suckers for a tune
While we’re all liable to get a bit brave and get involved in a sing-song after a couple of pints, one thing Irish-Americans do better than those born in Ireland is wholeheartedly immerse themselves in the sing-song.
They’ve undoubtedly heard the songs in America, and have as good (if not better) grasp of ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘The Fields of Athenry’ as any Irish-born does, so it would be a shame for them not to take the spotlight and sing a few tunes on trad night.
2. Effort to learn and speak the language – an-mhaith!
While many of those born and raised in Ireland may struggle with the Irish language, citing its difficult spelling or the way it’s taught in school as major turn-offs, the give-it-a-go attitude is something Irish-Americans do better than those born in Ireland.
Often, Irish-Americans haven’t had the same opportunities as those of us in Ireland to learn the language, and so are thrilled to be able to practise their cúpla focal with those who speak Irish.
1. Pride in their heritage – it doesn’t matter where you were born
Finally, the number one thing Irish-Americans do better than those born in Ireland is this: sharing their pride.
It’s not often you’ll see an Irish person proudly brag about their Irish ancestry, but you bet an Irish-American will wear their history with pride. And why shouldn’t they? It’s great craic to be Irish.
