In recent years “World’s Sexiest Accent” polls have drawn a lot of media attention. The Irish accent has been faring pretty well, even topping one poll in 2011. How an Irish man’s lilt beat out the sweet, amorous tones of the French amazes me. But truth be told, American girls love a man with an Irish accent.
To help these girls seeking the attentions of an Irish suitor, I thought a few “wise old words” on love from our Irish ancestors might help them better understand the Gaelic men of their dreams.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there couldn’t be a more perfect time to examine some Irish sayings on romance.
“There are only three kinds of Irish men
who can’t understand women –
young men, old men and men of middle age.”
“Love him when he least deserves it,
that’s when he most needs it.”
“Love is like stirabout – it must be made fresh every day”
(stirabout is an old term for porridge).
“Má bhíonn tú ag lorg cara gan locht,
beidh tú gan chara go deo” =
“If you’re searching for a friend without faults,
you will be without a friend forever.”
“There is no pain greater than the pain of rejection.”
“There are three creatures beyond ruling
– a mule, a pig and a woman.”
“The only cure for love is marriage.”
“Soft words butter no turnips.”
“Long loneliness is better than bad company.”
“Every old sock, finds an old shoe.”
“It’s not the most beautiful woman has the most sense!”
“Beauty won’t make the kettle boil!”
“Galar an grá nach leigheasann luibheanna” =
“Love is a sickness that no herb can cure.”
Hope you enjoyed these little love sayings from olden times. Over the next few days come back and visit, as we delve further into the Irish concept of love.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Charissa says
February 9, 2012 at 2:10 pmI love the 1st quote the best. Funny. I like your blog. I tagged you in my blog today as a site I like. If you hate awards, don’t feel obligated to accept. I just thought I’d put you out there in case other people like Ireland like me…so they can find you.
Irish American Mom says
February 9, 2012 at 8:43 pmThanks so much Charissa for visiting my blog, and for recommending it on yours. I really appreciate your support and kind words. I’ll make sure to check your blog out too.
Tom Van says
February 18, 2012 at 12:26 pmIt was a tonic and a delight!
t
Irish American Mom says
February 19, 2012 at 4:06 pmSo glad you enjoyed these quotations, Tom. The Irish have a way with words, that simply cuts to the chase. Thanks for stopping by.
Mairead
Thomas says
June 24, 2012 at 6:35 pmI have enjoyed my visit to your delightful site!
Kind regards.
This one below….I love
TO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME.
by Robert Herrick
GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old time is still a-flying :
And this same flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow will be dying.
The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he’s a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he’s to setting.
That age is best which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer ;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
Times still succeed the former.
Then be not coy, but use your time,
And while ye may go marry :
For having lost but once your prime
You may for ever tarry.
Irish American Mom says
June 24, 2012 at 10:37 pmThomas – Thanks so much for visiting my site and for sharing Robert Herrick’s poem. I never heard it before so it was lovely to read it. Always and forever “old time is still a-flying.”
Best wishes.