Today marks a year since I’ve moved to the beautiful city of Dublin. I have fallen in love with Ireland ever since, and even though the original plan was to stay for six months only and “moving to Ireland” wasn’t really a plan for any longer term, that plan has changed quite a bit… Obviously.
Since I moved here, I’ve witnessed some amazing things, including the gay marriage referendum, and I’ve been to great events like Web Summit, Dublin Marathon and Ironman 70.3. I’ve met amazing people from all sides of the planet, of all the different cultures and backgrounds and it’s awesome.
The list below are things that people might or might not know, but the fact that I’m from a place so different than Dublin, I found it extremely fun and new, so I hope that others will find this list useful, amusing or just simply a good read.
Also see: Dublin is Awesome #3: Dublin in December
If there is anything you don’t agree with or you’d like to add something to the list, let me know! 🙂
Enjoy!
Bláithín, Niamh, Grainne, Caoimhín, Eoin, Tadhg, Aoife, Saoirse, Róisín, Siobhan, Caoimhe…
Yeah, I know you can’t read any of those, but all of them are Irish names and even though you might believe the opposite, I run into them quite often (and then embarrass myself not knowing how to pronounce them). Soooo yeah, go ahead and Google all of them (and look for more) because before you know it, Tadhg might be your new best friend, and you don’t want to be calling him ‘yo’.
‘Half 10’ means 10:30.
And I’m warning you about this because in many languages, including Croatian, literally translated half 10 means 9:30. So this is to save you from arriving an hour earlier.
Related: 7 Reasons To Become a Foreign Exchange Student
‘Your man’ and ‘your one’ have nothing to do with possession.
So when someone tells you ‘I was talking to your man about…’, stop thinking about which one of your men is involved here. This means ‘I was talking to a man’. Simple, right? It still took me months after moving to Ireland to stop asking ‘My man? How do you know my man?!’
Days in the summer are ridiculously long.
Not as long as in Iceland, but there are over 17 hours of daylight. And vice versa, in winter, you’re lucky if you see any daylight at all, because you’ll find yourself going to the office in complete dark at 8 in the morning, and returning when it’s already night again.
Speaking of summers, there is no such thing.
Technically, there is, and there are times when the air temperature really goes over 20 degrees, but in general, you can see all 4 seasons in one day at any time of the year. This is also why you’ll see some people in flipflops and others in full winter gear on any given day.
I was born & raised in a very windy area in Croatia, but I've still never seen anything like today's wind in #Dublin pic.twitter.com/UPXdn0UTH4
— Marijana Kostelac (@MarijanaKay) November 17, 2015
‘Jacks’ means a toilet.
This is a simple one, but it needed to be said.
Things are grand or shite.
Yes, it’s great and shit, but pronounced differently. For me, this is usually the quickest way to find out if someone’s Irish, because I don’t remember hearing this from someone who’s not. And don’t worry, you’ll easily recognize these words in everyday speech and you’ll feel like you belong in a matter of seconds.
People say thanks to the bus driver before they step out.
This is something I’ve never witnessed before moving to Ireland. Here, people basically appreciate a fact that the bus transported them from point A to point B. I love it.
‘What’s the craic?’ and ‘Story?’ are legit questions.
Craic is pronounced ‘crack’, but it doesn’t mean the same. The most literal translation is ‘fun’, but the use is much wider than that. Having the craic is having a good laugh or fun, and you’ll hear it on daily basis. A lot of Irish souvenirs are based on the word craic. And before you ask, yes, people ask each other ‘Story?’ as a short version of ‘What’s the story?’. Why waste words?
There is no such thing as one pint.
Before you ask – a pint is 568 ml and it’s used as a standard beer unit in the common speech, meaning 1 pint = 1 beer (btw, 568 ml is a British measuring unit, and it’s almost 100 ml bigger than the American pint). I found that Irish people are very easy-going and they are ready to drink and hang out on any day of the week. I don’t think I’ve ever met an Irish person and went for only one pint with them.
Sport is a big deal.
You might or might not know this, but Gaelic football, hurling and rugby are quite a big deal here. Even though I’m a genuine sports fan, these were a complete novelty for me. I still don’t understand the rules even one bit, but I do know how important it is to cheer for the team when I find myself in a pub during a game.
Everything’s in feet and inches.
So I’m talking to someone and they are like, You’re about 5’5’’ tall, are you? And I’m like, hold on, let me convert that on my phone, because I have no idea. Waist size when buying clothes, furniture size, carpets… It makes life just slightly more fun.
Oh, and you might meet a person that will tell you ‘I have lost 2 stone this year’. Well, I’ll save you from Googling this in front of them ever: one stone is about 6,35 kilograms. You’re welcome.
Opposite-side traffic messes with your brain.
You know all those photos you see online from UK and Ireland with ‘look left’ or ‘look right’ signs on the road for the pedestrians? Yeah, it looks fun, but it isn’t. When you look the opposite way of the one you’re used to, it feels horribly wrong. Yet, if you do it your way, you can get yourself killed.
The only real way to make your brain work the right way (pun intended) is to start being an actual driver. Once I was a bit less terrified of being a pedestrian (after more than half a year passed since moving to Ireland), I started cycling on the roads and it made me fully be comfortable with this switch.
‘Cheers’ is everything!
My favorite point of this list: the word cheers can be used for an unbelievable amount of purposes. You want to say cheers? Cheers! Thank you? Cheers! You’re welcome? Cheers! Enjoy? Cheers! Bye? You get the point…
I’m not really sure how far does this spread and does it relate to certain areas only (it probably does), but that’s how it is in Dublin.
And just one random thing to add, that you probably already know, but it’s worth saying: Dublin is absolutely stunning.
It's impossible not to love #Dublin pic.twitter.com/usIuBq5ZwD
— Marijana Kostelac (@MarijanaKay) December 4, 2014
This completes my list! Have you ever moved? What did the new city or new country made you learn and become aware of? Let me know!
Marijana 
Ha this is so true! My American friends can’t get passed the ‘your man’ or ‘your wan’ description!
I still sometimes catch myself thinking ‘my man?’ but it’s getting easier with time! It’s too funny 🙂
Great article but I just wanted to point out that we don’t say “a craic”, we say “the craic”.. as in “I was having the craic last night with your man from The Pogues!” 🙂
I was warned already, fixing it! Thanks! 🙂
As well as “your man” and “Your Woman”, you have “that young one” meaning that girl and” that young fella” meaning that boy!
and the ould fella – the father
And “whore” – not to be confused with a lady of the evening when used as follows:
“A decent whore”: a person of modest resources but generous nature.
“the poor whore” : a person deserving of compassion or pity
“A cute whore” a person adept in wheeling and dealing,
“A right whore”: an untrustworthy individual of questionable character and poor ethics.
I was NEVER aware of these phrases! Cute whore is a beer, too, but I didn’t know for all the other whore versions 😀 thanks!
Great points! I love the one on Cheers – so true!
Thank you! Or should I say – cheers! 🙂
You are so lucky to have made the decision to do something like this. I am very envious of what you have done. If I wasn’t so old and a big scaredy cat I would love to do what you have done. I was in Scotland and Ireland in July of 2013. I loved it. If I could live my life over I would love to do something so adventurous as you have. You go girl for all us old folks who have missed the boat.
Thank you! And don’t take your age as a limitation, go for whatever you want 🙂
Great post!
Thanks Ed! 🙂
In addition to saying “half 10”, sometimes we Irish also like to say we are “half thinking” about doing something., e.g. “I am half thinking about going to town”. This means I am thinking about going to town (“town” may be a reference to Dublin city) but I haven’t made up my mind.
Never heard of this expression – will keep it in mind! Thanks! 🙂
I’ve half a mind to get half cut now.
That was grand 😀
Cheers Tony! 😀
Like you, I came here for 6 months/1 year, but after almost 8 years now, I still haven’t found the way out! 😉
Totally agree with all what you shared here, and I would also add the endless goodbyes…
Alright, all the best now, bye bye bye bye bye bye,… Bye bye… Bye bye bye.. Bye. Bye bye bye bye…
Seems that there is something about Dublin that just gets under your skin!
Haha definitely bye bye bye bye bye! I am gathering material for the vol. 2 of this article 😀
There’s also “Go on” and “G’wan!”
You would think they’re the same, but they really aren’t, and the latter has even more to it that the first!
“Go on” seems to be used when encouraging something innocent like having a cup of tea. “Go on, have a cuppa”
But “G’wan” seems to be an excitable version of the same, yet a bit more complex
– To encourage something you shouldn’t be doing “G’wan, have another slice!”
– and then sometimes to express disbelief or astonishment “Oh g’wan, she never, did she?!”
– and of course, just plain old encouragement, normally in a sporting situation “G’wan you good thing!!!!”
I would mention “slippy” (it’s slippery), but that seems to not be an Irish only word…
I’ve also really heard people say “Not a bother” when asked how they’re doing, which I thought was just a stereotyped phrase.
Oh! And the inability to correctly spell “they’re” & “you’re”. It’s most often written as the Irish accent says the words “there” and “your”.
I could go on…. Haha!
I love this place, I’ve been here for about eight years now, and still loving it.
Thanks for this – I wasn’t aware of some of these things! 🙂
I wasn’t aware that we have an ‘inability’ to spell there/they’re & your/you’re incorrectly. Maybe it’s something to do with predictive text on phones . Generally, Irish people know the difference.
You’re spot on their Mary. Lol
Same as you I moved to Ireland… from Germany. September marked my 9 year anniversary. Very long time. Doesn’t feel that long though to be honest.
Even though I’ve lived here for so long I never knew Jacks means toilet. Haha
Some phrases I adapted to and say them myself. Irish people are great fun aren’t they.
Good to know that I’ll always be learning new things no matter how long I stay! I love the Irish! 🙂
Love the post. Here are a few things to look out for:
Even the locals have to use Google to spell Caoilfhionn
Half-ten may mean 10:30, but nobody is going to show up before 11
There’s a big difference between “yer man” and “yer only man”
eg. Yer man thinks he knows everything vs
If you need an answer then then internet is yer only man
The word which causes most trouble for visitors is “Grand”.
Depending on context and tone of voice it can mean anything from
Great Im happy with that
to
That was not particularly nice but Im being polite so I won’t say what I really think
Think about the Wicklow Way Ultra for your bucket list !
‘Grand’ is definitely one of the trickiest ones! 🙂
“A pint of plain is your only man” !
It sure is! 😀
This list is grand! 😀
I have been in Dublin for 3 years and I still surprise myself when even people that I’ve just met for the first time in my life asks me “hey, how are you today?!!” 😀
Yes, same with me! I’m like, why does everyone want to know how am I today? 😀
Thanks! x
I was smiling ,when I was reading this post. So funny ,and so true. I am living in Ireland now already 15 years , ( came here with the thought: ” Will work ONE year, save some money , and will go back home . Yes, originally I am from Latvia , Latvian) and now it is for life . ( I married Irish man.) . Yes , Irish have many interesting expressions , words like ” I love my spuds ! SPUDS ? = potatoes , and it means ,that person prefer potatoes instead pasta or rice. Nothing to do with LOVE what so ever . Irish people are most warm heartened and caring people I seen in my life . Most wonderful thing to happen to me ,just after I arrived in my small town ( Now I call it my HOME ) Ferbane. I started work as a nurses aid in local nursing home . Shifts sometime fall into the night shifts, and first thing in the morning I went to the local Super Valu , ( to get cup of coffee ) . I did not knew anybody, and was a newcomer in the town. People on the street were greeting me ” Good morning!” They were saying GOOD MORNING TO COMPLETE STRANGER!!! And smiling !!! Girls in the shop were genuine polite and forthcoming . I lived in Latvia 37 years , and only people ,who MIGHT will say to You :” Good morning ” will be your neighbors! But strangers??? Never !!! Now already 2 years I am involved with Latvian Christmas Shoe box Appeal, and MOST GENEROUS sponsors, supporters and GIVERS are IRISH people,. Irish people are very well recognized for their generosity and charitably spirit.
Beautiful! Irish people are so lovable, warm, kind and comforting. Thank you so much for your comment, all the best! 🙂
You missed the classics!! “Ya big feckin Eejit” and ” Ya Gobshite”
?????
Used to describe someone after doing something fierce stupid!!
Hahaha tried to keep it polite! 😀
You fecking ejet or gobshite is the Irish being polite! ha ha
Nice post. I lived in Ireland (Dublin) for a year in 2013. You can add “thanks a mill” for thanks a million. Every time you go shopping they don’t just say one thank you but thanks a million. In addition, when you order a beer it is by default a pint. One day, I was not so thirsty and I ask for a sleeve (half a pint=normal beer size in a lot of country, 250ml) and the bartender asked me if I was sick. LOL
Thanks a mill is a classic, yes! 🙂 I also once ordered half a pint – everyone made a joke from it! 🙂
ye don’t ask for a half pint ye ask for a glass ! I’m Irish and have been living in France for the last 30 years.
Grand post cheers:
Cheers!
I lived in Dublin for 3 years before moving to US last year and not even a single day has passed since then when I have not missed Dublin. I wish to move back to that magical place again.
I can’t even imagine how I’m going to feel if/when I move away from Dublin. Seems it’s impossible not to miss it!
You forgot “Sound!”
There is quite a few things I left out, and there will be part 2 eventually! 🙂
You can’t have ‘a craic’ as you wrote. You can only have ‘the craic’. Unless you are having ‘a crack’ at something, which means you are trying that thing. eg. I’m having a crack at learning the fiddle.
Thanks for warning me – fix is on the way! 🙂
Gas read. But, if you were talking about your weight yid just say ‘stone’, like, I lost 2 stone in the last 6 months.
Oh, I get it! Thanks! 🙂
Don’t forget ‘to call’ (to someone). In university I had a hard time getting it that someone stopped by and didn’t phone me as you’d think!!
I haven’t lived in Dublin for a long time, but I’d like to point out that “yer man” is used to refer to a male person, while “yer one” or even “yer wan” refers to a female person.
Also if you’re trying to tell a friend about a particular person and say “yer man/one with the hair” 9/10 they will know who you are talking about
Haha yes, I never understood these “with the hair” things!
Thank you for your lovely and funny comments on Ireland! I have 3 non-Irish daughter-in-laws and they have all been amazed and bemused by exactly the same sayings as yourself ? and more!! I’m so happy to see how much you enjoy being here, it makes me proud to be Irish ?
God Bless you dear girl and I hope you’ll have many more happy and memorable times here ?
Ann-Marie
That is so kind of you Ann-Marie, thank you so much! All the best to you and your family! 🙂
Another one a German friend pointed out is people asking “how are ya/you?”
She went on a trip home and accidentally carried this habit with her and do you know whay, people would launch into great big tales of how they were.
Like she wanted to actually know how they were!
The answer to this question is grand or shite… no more detail needed
I also carry that habit with me now, it’s so funny to see reactions of people in other countries! 🙂
I lived in Galway for 3 years and I remember that it drove me crazy the fact people were asking me how I were but they didn’t actually care to know!! Ahaha, it was just part of “hi there!how are you?” Just meaning “hello!”..too funny, I had to bite my tongue not to answer the question!! 🙂
I know, it’s tough! 😀
I would really enjoy talking/writing to you about your move and your experiences.
Hey Tina! If you could jump onto the Contact tab on top, there is my email and a contact form so feel free to get in touch! 🙂
The title of this article should replace the word “Ireland” with “Dublin”. Dublin is not Ireland any more than New York City is the United States.
And yet, all these are effectively universally Irish, with the possible exception of “your wan” because those of us that aren’t from Dublin can say “your one” properly.
I would also say that most of these are applicable to whole Ireland, which is why I used Ireland and not Dublin! 🙂
Actually it is ‘yer “Wan”‘ but it has turned into ‘yer “one” ‘
– ie ‘yer wan’ is short for ‘yer woman’ w**an
What about yoke…. That yoke is a bit strange.
Indeed!
Your Ma is a popular saying in Dublin
Thank you for sharing your experience. I visited Ireland in 2001 with my late husband. The itch to return is getting stronger, as I approach retirement. Killkee, in County Clare is where I would like to use as a “home base”. Most of my time would be hiking and biking around the countryside. Your post is getting me re-energized!
If you have an opportunity, sure do! You know you’ll love it 🙂
Well done on capturing the essence of Dublin. In our shop in Powerscourt Enniskerry we have a fantastic item (€15 rolled or €65 framed, both in A3) It’s a great read and it’s almost guaranteed to make you smile. It’s a vernacular map of Ireland made up of words and phrases you’ll hear from us. I grew up with many of these being used in daily speech, and there were a whole load more that couldn’t fit! Designed and printed in Greystones Co Wicklow, it’s on 360g A3 light card. It’s sold rolled in a tube for easy posting and fits a standard 12×16 inch frame, €15. It posts within Ireland for €3.50 and the rest of the world for €4.50 . Call 01 2748181 to get yours!
Great read. So glad you’re (correct use) enjoying my city. You’re well on your way to becoming a fully fledged Jackeen.
Thank you! 🙂
Great post! I moved to Ireland from Scotland for a year back in the ’90’s and there were lots of wee differences and sayings that confused me at first. I worked in a shop and my boss asked one customer how is your wife (although her first name was used as wife would be far too formal) and the customer replied, ‘Ah she’s grand. She’s above in the house’. And I actually thought that they lived upstairs from the shop! ‘Above’ can mean anything from back there, over there, at home, just somewhere other than where you are right now. The Irish turn of phrase makes me smile and I still say grand even though I’ve been back in Scotland for many years.
Haha never heard of this, gave me a good laugh!
Brilliant! 🙂 The only thing I would add are the noisy water/shower pumps! That was my initial shock that has lasted a decade haha!. Like how noisy they can be and do you seriously need to wake up the whole neighborhood when having a shower, I would not like to ask my neighbors to keep track of my shower schedules!
Haha never had an issue with those, maybe I’m just lucky! 🙂
Marijana a very belated Dobrodosli u Dublinsko. Enjoyed your piece . Hvala vam for moving here and improving the scenery. And before you ask ja sam Irske ! 😀
Haha class! thanks! 🙂
Such a funny and very truthful post! I’m half Irish and much more strongly connected to my Irish roots than my English but have not yet lived in Ireland, however all of these things on the list basically explain me/how I live my life. I’m a stranger to England (especially with the grand/shite comments and thanking the bus driver), Ireland is my real home!
Thank you! 🙂 be proud of your Irish roots! 🙂
The long/short days depend a lot where you’re moving from, though. Coming Sweden, I’m still amazed the days are so long during winter and the sun actually sets in the summer.
That’s true! But where I came from, days and nights have a much higher level of balance 😀
Thanking the bus driver dates back to before Leap cards and RTI apps on smartphones when you were so fucking glad when one appeared at all that you’d have gone down on your knees and thanked every God you knew….
I lived in Ireland for a few years. As a Canadian living Galway, I had plenty to learn too. Luckily, Canada is closer to Ireland in language, but there’s plenty that would confuse the pants off any wandering Canuck in Eire.
I ran into a hilariously, awkward conversation in Dublin about “having some craic”. That one made me smile.
Thanks a million for the grand post.
Slainte.
I’m a Galwegian originally, and when I grew up there ‘sound’ was the new word that all we kids were using (not so long ago, actually – mid-to-late-90s).
I noticed when I went back a few years ago that EVERYBODY now says ‘sound’ for everything. If you buy something in a shop, the assistant says ‘sound’. If you order something in a restaurant, the waiter replies ‘sound’. If you do somebody a favour they tell you ‘sound man’. I told my mother I’d be home for Christmas and she texted back ‘sound!’.
Hilarious.
Awesome! 😀
So is that like saying “cool” or “ok” in American English?
Totally agree!!! I went to Dublin in 2002 for ‘6 months’ I left in late 2008. Best city in the world
Seems it happens to a lot of people, yes! 🙂
Whereas I had no problem driving left or right depending on where I was it is risky to relax … the main disappointment for me here was the UK way of 2 taps unless sink. Like why can’t I mix my water when taking bath or washing my hands? I was once working in a Keelings warehouse where one had to chose between boiling and freezing. I always thought that a pint is less then half litre.. at least in the Czech Inn. It would be a major surprise, after 11 years in Dublin, to find out otherwise…
The taps drive me crazy, too! 😀
I also moved to Ireland for 6 months and stayed for almost 10 years. The most confusing for me was when asking for directions and the reply was ‘you go left right’ I was like do I go left or right 🙂
Haha that’s good laugh! And it seems impossible to leave Dublin when you decide to 🙂
You surely have it wrong: a pint is 473 ml. One should know? I think it is better not, not to get pissed off
because for 5 eur you get even less beer than in shengen EU.
Just tested my Guinness pint glass – it’s more than half a litre! 473ml pint is the American one, and I don’t recall having that one here in Ireland. 🙂
You’re bang on the money about saying thanks to bus drivers. We all do it. Purely for getting you to your destination safely. A few of us Irish lads were in Hong kong and said thanks to bus drivers and they couldn’t believe it. It’s uniquely Irish
Sorry, mate. Thanking bus drivers is not “uniquely Irish”. Folk have been doing it Down Under for 40+ years; and thanking taxi drivers. It’s also common courtesy (but that’s fast disappearing from everywhere)
Spent several days in Dublin a few summers ago, but would love to go back for a time. Beautiful place.
One day.
Buying a round in a pub.
Brilliant & true!
Thank you! 🙂
Lived in Dublin for 18 months and this sums it up!
I think Half 10 though might be a British/Irish/Australian saying though, as is Cheers.
Probably, but I first ran into it here, which is why I identify that with Ireland 🙂
Very recognizable although we thank the bus or tram driver back home as well. I struggled with the greeting “hows you?” as well. Love all the “yourselves” and failed to grasp the intricate unwritten rules to the Irish art of round giving. It also took me a while to understand “you’re alright” but love it! Enjoy your time in Dublin!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Don’t know if anyone else mentioned this yet, and don’t know if it’s the same in Dublin, but I stayed in Dingle for nine months and it took me weeks to get used to/figure out how to respond to the ‘how’re you’/’hiya’ from strangers passing on the streets and in supermarkets etc. Apparently they don’t want to know how you are, it’s just a way of greeting. It got me so confused at the start. ^^’
I think it is confusing for everyone who just heard these things happening for the first time! I always want to reply but they don’t really want to know 😀
Seriously don’t know where you all originally came from but I’m from Sacramento, California USA & we say “thank you”, “hello, how are you? ” (without expecting a response), and other polite things… Manners people
Another very Irish turn of phrase is “thanks a million” which is a direct translate from the Irish thank you
Nobody but the Irish thanks you a million times for (sometimes a very minor help) help
Haha exactly! I love that though 🙂
Around Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, people use “Well” instead of “Howya’?” or “Hi”. It’s a very efficient greeting. Depending on inflection, it can mean either (Are you) Well? or (I’m) Well.
I am Irish from ‘the country’ but living here since 2003, and one thing I found fascinating when I moved was how everyone ended so many phrases with ‘happy days’. We also say ‘how bad’ a lot. As a former housemate told me was also say the phrase ‘as well’ a lot. It is interesting to look at my culture through another’s eyes.
I lived in Australia for 13 years and after reading your article, I can recognize how much of the Irish culture is imbeded into the Australian one. I still thank the driver when I get off the bus, ask my English speaking friends “how are you today?” or say “shite”. I consider Irish people very warm, light hearted and genuinely good. I wouldn’t mind retiring in Ireland if it wasn’t for the weather…. I’m from Spain!
Grand article, by the way!
Great post.. One addition.. The Irish use the word “after” in a very unique way different from the rest of the world.. They might say “I was after doing it”, which I think basically means he had done that particular task.. Again, I am still learning new stuff everyday, so I am as amateur as you, here.. So, if the meaning is different I would be happy to be corrected..
Dublin is indeed beautiful.. One of the most beautiful places I have been to.. Cheers! 😉
I ove this post! and thank you for telling us the correct pronunciation of craic!
Sure thing! 🙂
This is hilarious! I know that Irish people are different an there are many interesting things about their way of speaking and communicating. It seems so interesting for me! I am considering moving to Dublin and staying at a friend’s house for few months. I think that the experience is worth it! Thanks for sharing!
I moved to Swords, Co Dublin in May 2015 and the difference between Ireland and Sweden is stunning. The weather is basically the same as where I lived in Sweden, but the traffic is just bonkers. When you’ve seen Gardai jay walking as if it’s no big deal, all thoughts on traffic just goes out the window. And the touching. You forgot the touching. Sooner or later, everyone from the wait staff at restaurants to sales assistants in stores will touch your shoulder or arm to indicate interest in your well being. It’s just a thing. I have never experienced being touched by a stranger and not feel like my personal space has been violated before.
How entertaining and gratifying to have such a positive description of life in ones own country. Don’t forget to mention the use of the word “Brilliant!” as a positive reaction when you’re writing “Part Two”. A friend of mine told me about a native American who, having spent some time living over here, was quite taken and utterly charmed by the way Irish people make use of this word. Thanks again for your lovely blog.
I love Ireland so much but I don’t know how move there
What a lovely post. I love the way you wrote your thoughts, about our country in such a nice positive, happy, and amusing way….. I’m glad you like it here…I hope you stay 🙂
‘Grand’ is being used incorrectly.
It means ‘just OK’ or ‘fine’. ‘I’m grand’ means ‘I’m fine’ It doesn’t mean ‘great’. Tourists are always giving themselves away by using it wrongly!
So anyone who said thanks for the grand post just said thanks for the mediocre run of the mill post!
depends how it is said
Love the post
I might be moving to Ireland for masters soon, your post is really helpful 🙂
x
http://www.lifeandash.com
OMG the half 10 / pola deset thing throws me off too! My partner is scottish and I am Bosnian and when he first started saying it i thought oh wow they say it like us! But no……
I am about to move to Dublin from Sydney and was a little insecure because i really wanted to live in Germany but it seems harder to get a job because of language. Whats been your favourite part so far?