Irish hospitality is a thing of legends. Ok, might be an exaggeration but you’ve all heard by now that Ireland is a land of thousand welcomes and that the Irish people are as hospitable as you will ever find. That is because hospitality is ingrained in Irish history and culture.
Looking back in time, as far as Early Irish Law or the Brehon Laws, it’s easy to see why. In those times it was expected of each Irish person to offer a “stranger”, to the degree they’re able to, oigidecht. Oigidecht (hospitality) actually contains the word oigi which means stranger. Any person unwilling to provide a meal, drink, bed and company to the stranger/newcomer risked a fine or shame.
However, not everyone was expected to provide the same standard of welcome. It depended on your social status. But the mere fact the nation abided by those laws for centuries has sure left it’s mark.
Even though those rules aren’t followed anymore hospitality still plays an important role in the culture and society. As well as economy. For that very reason we decided to compile a list of our favourite Irish hospitality quotes for you to read through.
Irish Hospitality Quotes
“Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.Lullabies, dreams and love ever after. Poems and songs with pipes and drums. A thousand welcomes when anyone comes… That’s the Irish for you!” – Irish Saying
“There’s something about the Irish that is remarkable”. – Fiona Shaw
We know what it is, it’s the hospitality.
“You think the Welsh are friendly, but the Irish are fabulous.” – Bonnie Tyler
“It is a sin against hospitality, to open your doors and darken your countenance.” – Irish Proverb
“In Ireland, you go to someone’s house, and she asks you if you want a cup of tea. You say no, thank you, you’re really just fine. She asks if you’re sure. You say of course you’re sure, really, you don’t need a thing. Except they pronounce it ting. You don’t need a ting. Well, she says then, I was going to get myself some anyway, so it would be no trouble. Ah, you say, well, if you were going to get yourself some, I wouldn’t mind a spot of tea, at that, so long as it’s no trouble and I can give you a hand in the kitchen. Then you go through the whole thing all over again until you both end up in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting.
In America, someone asks you if you want a cup of tea, you say no, and then you don’t get any damned tea.
I liked the Irish way better.” – Urban Shaman, C.E. Murphy
“May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends beneath it never fall out.” – Irish Saying
“Laughter is Brightest in the Place where the Food is.” – Irish Proverb
“Hospitality is worth more than cattle.” – Old Irish Saying
What about you? Do you have any favourite Irish sayings or quotes about Irish Hospitality? Do let us know.
If you’re on the lookout for hospitality jobs in Ireland check out our site, there’s always active roles on it.
Keep in mind there are no countries that are exactly the same. So, if you’re considering relocating to Ireland, we recommend you do some light reading and check out these two articles:
Céad míle fáilte!