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Is Ireland friendly to American tourists?
Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for American tourists and for good reason, the Irish.The Irish can be incredibly friendly to American tourists. Ireland itself is very friendly to American tourists.
In fact, Ireland is one of most visited places in the world for Americans. American companies, especially Big Tech, have long ago set up shop in Ireland. There’s a reason why Ireland attained the name of the Celtic Tiger.
However, don’t forget you are a tourist even if you do have Irish blood. Though if you don’t have Irish blood, you are still an American tourist and should behave as a guest like you would in someone’s home.
The Irish can be very interesting people to talk with, especially at a pub over a pint of Guinness. I personally have no Irish blood in me unfortunately, but I must say that Ireland is in my top three favorite countries in the world.
Maybe it’s because as an American, especially from New England, you grow up with people who have Irish surnames. Seems like half my cousins have Irish blood in them along with the Italian ancestry. Saint Patrick’s day is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year in the United States.
What do the Irish think of Irish Americans?
The Irish in general, like Americans. But the Irish think of Irish Americans as sort of a red-headed stepchild or their country cousins.
Let’s not forget the Irish, more than anything else are European and they have more in common with their European neighbors than they do with Irish Americans and Americans in general.
From how they think and their mentality, to the clothes they wear and the things they enjoy. There’s have more in common with Europeans than they do with Americans, even Irish Americans. So it kind of freaks them out a little bit when Irish Americans go to Ireland and they act a little “too folksy Irish”.
I don’t mean by trying to imitate the Irish accent, but when they really play up their Irish ancestry card. It kind of annoys the Irish a little bit. But the Irish are also good humored and good natured so they usually take it in stride.
Many Irish have relatives that are Irish Americans and so the ties that bind the Irish and Irish Americans can run deep.
Do the Irish like American accents?
Yeah, the Irish are really a curious lot. However, from seeing a variety of American movies and popular culture, many can distinguish the differences in American accents.
So if anything, your American accent will elicit curiosity in Ireland. The Irish you meet may ask you your whereabouts in the US or are you from.
In general, the Irish do like American accents and aren’t quite as snobby about them as
Travel tips an American visiting Ireland should keep in mind.
- Ireland is two countries not one. Get to know the differences.
- Be prepared for rain. There’s a reason why Ireland is so green.
- That strange language on the signs is called Gaelic. Learn a few words and endear yourself to the locals.
- In Ireland they drive on the left, not the right. If you’re going out into the country, be prepared for narrow roads and don’t be surprised if a herd of something is crossing them.
- You will not only need a plug adapter, but also a power adapter. Ireland, like the rest of Europe, is on 220 voltage not 120v. Unless you want to fry your electronic devices and portable appliances.
- A pint of Guinness, Irish stew, homemade soda bread served up in a warm and friendly Irish pub is as close to heaven as you may ever get.
- If you’re home sick for all you can eat American buffets, try a carvery. The Irish version of the buffet.
- Since it rains and sometimes a bit chilly, make sure you pack warm, especially your rain gear like a raincoat, boots and an umbrella for certain. If you’re going in the colder months, plan on layering and packing a few wool sweaters and socks. Or better still, pick up a few authentic Irish wool sweaters and socks.
- Ireland uses the Euro.
- Restaurants normally include a service charge, so there’s no tipping necessary, resist the urge or if you must, just round up to the nearest Euro. However, if there is no service charge then a 10% tip is more than plenty.
- If you’re in a bar, there’s no need to tip the barman for every drink. However, maybe at the end of your night or whenever you feel appropriate, it’s perfectly normal and even encouraged to buy the barman a drink. Just put the money on the bar and say “one for you” with your last drink order or whenever you feel like it. It’s always appreciated.
- Ireland uses the metric system, not the imperial system like the United States still uses. Pounds are Kilograms, Inches are Centimeters, Gallons are Liters etc.
Can Americans travel to Ireland without a Visa?
Americans can visit and travel to Ireland without a visa for up to the customary 90 days.
However, Ireland like most countries, has a variety of other visas in which you can apply for that would give you more time and allow you to do more things than you’re able to do on the tourist 90-day visa-free regime.
You can apply for an education visa for example or if you plan on starting a business and employing locals, you may be able to get a business type visa.
What’s even more interesting is that if you have Irish blood, you may qualify for Irish citizenship. There are many more people of Irish descent who live outside of Ireland than live in Ireland.
In fact, you don’t even have to be 100% Irish on both sides of your family. Your Irish ancestor can go back a few generations. For more information on whether or not you are eligible for Irish citizenship based on bloodlines, or if you’d like to apply for an extended stay visa, check out the Embassy of Ireland website.
Is Ireland friendly to American tourists, summary.
Ireland is definitely friendly to American tourists. American tourism provides a lot of welcomed revenue into the coffers of Irish pubs and restaurants, hotels and B&B’s etc. whether you are Irish American or just American, it really doesn’t matter.
I have no Irish blood in me, yet I found Ireland to be fascinating and the people warm and Irish food was awesome.
There’s nothing like going to an Irish pub in Western Ireland.
Sitting by a roaring fireplace, fueled by peat bricks, enjoying a plate of Irish stew, homemade Irish soda bread and a pint of Guinness.
Then drifting off for a moment looking out a window of all that greenery even on a gray, overcast day a mist lingering outside, while you’re warm and enjoying the hospitality of the local tavern.