I didn’t have any real expectations of Ireland before I began my internships. I had naturally heard of the usual Irish stereotypes such as their traditional music and their social nature but my stay in Ireland completely transformed my thoughts on ‘The Land of a Thousand Welcomes.’ During my internship, I discovered a country full of warmth, traditions, but also surprising differences just in a few weeks! In France, our way of life is very different to that of the Irish, while it was a great thing for me to experience, it was also quite jarring initially, a feeling most interns will experience when they relocate to a new country and that is completely normal.
One of the first things that struck me was how friendly and welcoming the Irish are. Whether you are in a shop, on the street, or in a pub, people will smile at you, chat with you, and even give you recommendations on where to go. Coming from France, where people tend to be more reserved with strangers, this level of openness was a breath of fresh air! It really made the experience better and I even noticed myself coming out of my shell more, which was very much out of my comfort zone but after a few interactions, it almost became a norm for me. One of the first instances I noticed this unbridled friendliness was with my host family, they were so kind, so caring and by the end of my stay they felt like a second family to me.
Speaking of friendliness, pubs are at the heart of Irish social life. Unlike in France, where cafés and bars are more individualistic and a place you’d go to be on your own, Irish pubs are a place where everyone talks, sings, and laughs together. I was amazed by the live music sessions, where locals and visitors alike would gather around musicians playing traditional Irish tunes. There’s nothing like experiencing this vibrant and jolly atmosphere while sipping on a pint of Guinness (or in Cork City, a pint of Beamish)!
Another surprising difference? The mealtimes and habits. In Ireland, people tend to eat dinner much earlier, around 6 or 7 PM, some even 5PM! Whereas in France, we are used to eating later in the evening. This was quite a minor adjustment for me to make but it did confuse me a little for the first days in Ireland, but I adapted. And let's talk about the famous Full Irish breakfast! It’s nothing like our light croissant and coffee—it’s a full meal with eggs, bacon, sausages, and even baked beans. This difference between France and Ireland really took me aback as I wasn’t used to eating as much for my first meal of the day, but a Full Irish Breakfast is actually so delicious, I found myself waking up looking forward to the hearty meal.
Of course, I can’t forget driving on the left! It’s probably one of the most disorienting things for a French traveller. Whether you’re crossing the street or renting a car, you have to stay extra focused, this difference took me the longest to adjust to. The first time I looked the wrong way before crossing and I nearly had a heart attack! But after a few days, I got used to it, just another part of embracing Irish culture. If I am being honest, this will be a difficult habit to break when I’m back in France, I’ll have to learn all over again.
These little cultural differences might seem small, but they completely change your experience of a country. Whether it’s the people, the food, or even the way you cross the street, Ireland is full of surprises that make every moment unforgettable. If you ever get the chance to visit, just take it on the chin and embrace the change, you won’t regret it!
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