The Truth about Irish Hospitality

Before arriving in Ireland I was told that the Irish were friendly and very hospitable. After being here for just a week I have already found this to be true. Without the hospitality and kindness of a local Irish family, my first week would have been frustrating and extremely challenging. On the night we arrived my roomate's extended family came over to our apartment and went far out of their way to make sure that we were comfortable, fed, and safe. They made MANY trips between our apartment and their home which is about a half hour away to buy us basic supplies and food to get us through the next day or so. They also invited us over to their home for a warm hearty dinner and gave our landlord a good “talking to” about the current condition of the apartment (which was pretty disgusting) by warning him that if he didn't fix all the issues soon "they know where he lives." Through the week this family was so helpful in giving advice, extra blankets, driving us around, and they even had us over for tea and biscuits after a night of apartment hunting. (They also showed us the Irish version of the Biggest Loser. It was hilarious.)

Even if these acts of kindness were unique to this particular family, the tradition of hospitality was at one time mandated by law among the Irish and has its roots in ancient times. Under Brehon Law, all householders regardless of social status were obliged to provide food, drink, a bed, and entertainment to anyone who showed on the doorstep. Wealth was measured by what one gave, not by what one owned. Not extending proper hospitality was an embarrassment and a "blush fine" was given against anyone who failed to offer food or drink to guests. It’s remarkable how deep this principle of hospitality runs in the Irish culture and still remains today. As the brochures for Ireland announces: Cead mile failte! A thousand welcomes!