Stepping into Ireland – adjusting to Irish culture and traditions

Today's article is a guest post from Claire Fullerton, an LA based author, who temporarily moved to Ireland a number of years ago. Claire has some insightful advice which will help you adjust to Irish life, and she also describes a little about what you can come to expect when you arrive here...

There are practical logistics involved in moving anywhere, whether it be down the road or to a new country. Years ago, I moved from Los Angeles to Connemara, Ireland, but I’ll refrain from spelling out the ABC’s of my move in favor of what I see now as the more salient topic, which has everything to do with relinquishing my neat grid of logic with regard to how everything should work, and embracing the Irish culture.

It is my belief that any region has a collective consciousness: an overarching energy to which people subconsciously subscribe in the interest of pack mentality. It is its own rhythm, and it helps to make a culture work, like the oil of a well-run machine that defines personality, and believe me, Ireland has a personality that flavors everything.

My best advice for moving to Ireland is check your understanding of how society should work at the door. Leave behind your former country’s frame of reference, open your heart, and allow yourself to be a student. For Ireland has its own way of operating, and at its core is a respect for humanity. The Irish are not concerned with your attachment to who you think you are, they are too busy welcoming you into their fold because they suspect once you understand their playing field, you’ll be much better off.

There are many things I came to understand about Irish culture, and the first is that the concept of time is loose and therefore, the idea of thereabouts will suffice. Were you to schedule delivery time for, say, a piece of furniture, don’t stand at the door tapping your foot and checking your watch. The furniture will arrive as soon as is reasonable, with allowances made for the fact that things may come up: weather, traffic, or sheep in the road.  And because Irish time is loose, you’d be doing very well to make room for it in your own schedule. Were you to set out through town on foot, make room for the exchange of pleasantries you’ll, no doubt, encounter as you make your way from point A to point B because the exchange of pleasantries in Ireland is the glue of society’s bind.  And while you’re exchanging pleasantries, be sure to bring your sense of humor, lest you find yourself unqualified and misunderstood.  And should you find yourself in need of anything from an Irish local, for goodness sakes, don’t be direct, for it is the epitome of bad form. Learn to dance around your need and present it underhandedly. The Irish are good at divining the spirit of things if you don’t make the mistake of laying your need on the table. Wait long enough, and the Irish will tell you what they can do for you, which gives their spirit of helpfulness full room to roam.  And wherever it is you’re going in Ireland, don’t think twice about what to wear because nobody’s looking at your clothes; they’re looking at your smile, which ought to free you up for what should be your only concern, which is dressing appropriately  for the changeable weather.  And learn to be a good listener in Ireland. The Irish have a wealth of stories and insiders knowledge they’re willing to share, but you have to let them do it in their own way. Should you find yourself with a comfortable seat at the fire beside an Irish person, close your mouth and don’t ask questions, for at the heart of every Irish person is a performer, and the sean nos style is their cultural asset.

In short, when in Ireland, allow the Irish to take the lead. Each member of Irish society is a spark in the flame that contributes to Ireland’s personality. Do  yourself a favor and leave the baggage of your old culture behind. In the manner of the Silkies in Irish folklore, be comfortable shedding your skin and step into Ireland with a Zen mind/beginner’s mind, ready to embrace the most charismatic culture imaginable.

Claire Fullerton’s 2^nd novel is entitled “Dancing to an Irish Reel” (Vinspire Publishing) Available at all online book retailers including Amazon.com. You can find Claire online at http://www.clairefullerton.com.