In this little corner of the world wide web we love to discuss all things Irish. Ireland is in our hearts and in our souls. It captivates us like no other place on earth.
And so today, let’s delve a little deeper into what it means to be Irish, and see if we can touch a little on what “the essence of being Irish” really means.
I am eternally grateful to readers of my website, who come back again and again to read my writings. It’s lovely to know I am not the only one intrigued by our Irishness. So together, let’s discover a little bit about the essence of being Irish.
Inspiration for this post came from an essay written by Brendan Kennelly, an Irish poet and novelist. Born in 1936 in County Kerry, Kennelly was Professor of Modern Literature at my alma mater, Trinity College, Dublin until 2005.
To help us explore our Irishness I will use a few quotations from Kennelly’s essay “The Essence of Being Irish.” His essay may be short, but the themes and thoughts expressed are deep and meaningful to a student of Irishness, like me. He gives voice to ideas I long to express through my blog.
Why Ireland Captivates Us:
In a previous post we explored how Irish Americans feel a deep, spiritual connection to Ireland. This is how Kennelly explains Ireland’s draw …
“Ireland literally gets in under your skin,
steals into your dreaming mind,
taking possession of it like a memory of love
or a spontaneous kindness from stranger or friend.”
~ Brendan Kennelly
The entire island of Ireland has a unique identity. Mother Ireland has her own personality. It’s not only the people, who call Ireland home, who offer a hundred thousands welcomes, it is the very land itself.
Despite an inclement climate, Ireland smiles through her fogs, her mists and her soft rains, calling to us from afar. Sometimes it feels as if the very rocks resonate with an energy only we Irish recognize.
On Irish Love Of Conversation:
A trait that is core to the very essence of our Irishness is undoubtedly our love of conversation. A chat is never trivial in Ireland.
I remember years ago when I worked in a nursing home in Florida, the administrator instituted a policy of scripting introductions and telephone responses, so that staff would know exactly what to say to customers and family members, whose loved ones resided in the home.
I must confess my Irish psyche was shocked at the very thought there might be a need for such a rote, scripted policy.
“How could anyone not know what to say when greeting someone at the front desk or on the phone?” I thought.
And try as I might, my Irish tongue could never stick to the script. I couldn’t help myself. When on the phone or greeting people at the entrance, my poor Irish brain wandered off into the depths of small talk and conversation innate to my very Irish being. The nursing home administrator would just smile as he heard me rambling.
And here’s the reason I had such difficulty sticking to the “have a nice day” scripted salutations ….
“The Irish take time to find the right words,
the most apt and evocative images,
the most precise phrases in which
to state their views on every topic under the sun.”
~ Brendan Kennelly
And this my friends rings true, even when we are simply saying ‘hello.’
An Irish Appreciation Of Individualism:
Another reason for my inability to conform is probably related to my deep seated appreciation of individualism. Being unique is greatly prized in Ireland.
Many years ago I drove my parents from Florida to New York. We passed rest stops, and highway exits over 1,000 miles of Interstate 95. After passing possibly the twentieth fast food restaurant belonging to the same chain, my father just sighed.
“This country (referring to America) is uniformity gone mad.”
And do you know something? I agreed with him. Alack and alas some of that same uniformity is creeping into Ireland, as large chain restaurants tap into what once was an untapped market.
But overall we still embrace individuality in Ireland. We love to describe someone as “a great character,’ which means that person is one-of-a-kind, a person who never conforms, but speaks his or her mind with gusto. Trust me, Ireland is full of great characters, so-much-so, the topic may deserve a blog post all of its own.
Here’s how Kennelly sums up this Irish love of individuality ..
“In Ireland you are, on the whole,
cherished for your uniqueness.
After all, that’s what you deserve
because that’s what you are.
Unique.
There’s nobody quite like you;
no story quite like your story.”
~ Brendan Kennelly
My prayer for our young folk today, is that they will no longer be consumed with the overwhelming desire to conform. The “selfie generation” exists on both sides of the Atlantic. Today teenagers are obsessed with looking a certain way, constantly photographing themselves to prove their conformity to so-called friends.
Help me, Lord. I have one more year before my eldest hits the teenage years. And one true Irish lesson I plan to teach him is to be himself, to forget about conformity, and to rejoice in his uniqueness. That my son, is part of our Irish heritage.
Rejoicing In The Memory Of The Departed:
Our Irish celebration of individuality even reaches beyond this life. If you have ever attended an Irish wake, you will understand what I mean.
Irish wakes are not merely somber affairs, but a true remembrance of a person’s life and personality. They provide an opportunity to celebrate with others who knew and appreciated the individual. A scene of both sadness and joy, a wake not only marks the end of life, but the very life and the way it was lived is remembered and treasured.
Here’s how Kennelly sums it up ….
“I knew in my heart that one of the greatest Irish qualities
is the passionate refusal to commit a dead friend to oblivion;
instead, there is this eloquent loving insistence
on talking about the strands of his personality,
the events of his life, his favorite phrases,
the quality of his humor,
his outbursts of temper,
his loves, prejudices, weaknesses,
virtues, vices, stories.”
~ Brendan Kennelly
Yes, we Irish recognize and celebrate the good, the bad, the ugly and the unique in each and every one of us. And after a loved one has departed that memory is recounted and cherished through stories.
The Richest Corner Of The Earth:
And so, I hope you have enjoyed today’s little ramble, trying to sum up what the essence of being Irish truly is. I know this post has merely scraped the surface of this topic.
But in conclusion, let me quote Brendan Kennelly once again, to try to put a finger on what the essence of Ireland might be …
“The more you get to know this little country,
the more fascinating it becomes.
It is, in the deepest sense,
one of the richest corners of the earth.”
~ Brendan Kennelly
Thanks for joining me today on my further explorations of Ireland and our Irishness. And as always, this is a topic we definitely shall continue at a later date. I’ll file it under the subheading “The Irish Psyche,” together with all my other ramblings on this topic.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings),
Irish American Mom
Reference: I read Brendan Kennelly’s essay in The Irish: A Treasury of Art and Literature by Leslie Conlan Carola.
Gene says
July 7, 2016 at 5:15 amHi Mairead,
I have visited over a dozen countries and only think of returning to Ireland. The others are like a book or movie that was pleasant but now done with. I remember Ireland and the Irish as unique. My memories of the other countries are fading, becoming blended, and not tied to the people. Canada may be the exception but that’s because it’s too much like the USA (so big and diverse).
The people in Ireland were so willing to take time to share their lives and were outwardly interested in hearing from us. People in the countryside, shopkeepers, and of course pub workers all took time to talk. True, some of the “stories” sounded familiar; but they were all good introductions to more personal conversation.
Irish American Mom says
July 7, 2016 at 3:03 pmHi Gene – I’m so happy to hear you experienced a warm welcome in Ireland and the joy of personal conversation. As you say, many of the ‘stories’ do sound familiar, but it’s not that each and every story has not been told before, and by many a storyteller, but it is the unique voice of each teller of the tale that counts. And these stories are the key to connection. Glad to hear you dream of returning to Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maury says
July 7, 2016 at 6:19 amYes, the land of Ireland itself gets under your skin…becomes a part of your soul! The energy of the land is very real and you can’t help but feel it! Thank you for another lovely post Mairead!
Irish American Mom says
July 7, 2016 at 3:06 pmHi Maury – Ireland does have a unique energy – perhaps it’s because it’s an island and its energy is better contained being surrounded by water – that’s what my husband would call a “Geary theory” 🙂 🙂 🙂 Anyway, whatever the reason, Ireland does have its very own energy.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Penny Wolf says
July 7, 2016 at 6:26 amAs I read your words I sit here thinking,”Right!”, “I know!”. I can relate to so much of what you write.
You really hit the nail on the head with your Dad’s words of “This country (referring to America) is uniformity gone mad.” I enjoy the adventure of a restaurant/diner and the chains have been taking that away. Hey maybe that is why food trucks are popular, we want something different. At the very least we enjoy options, break free from the chains!
Gene says
July 7, 2016 at 10:14 amMy son lives in Portland, OR; and it’s hard to find a chain in that city. Neighborhoods rule; and the shops and cafes are as eclectic as the people. Parking lots are rare; so it’s find a spot on the street and walk a couple blocks.
Lots of immigration to that area; but still a lot of the original stock that made the trip from St Louis so long ago. Why is it so hard to find that in other cities? Remember that when a big chain drives the local shops away, it’s really the local people that do it.
Irish American Mom says
July 7, 2016 at 3:12 pmHi Gene – My husband’s job often takes him to Portland. He loves when he can spend a day or two there, to savor the wonderful restaurants and the atmosphere in the city. I’ve never made it to the northwest, but someday, when the kids are a little older, I’ll join my other half on one of his trips there. Thanks for letting us know about this unique American city.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom says
July 7, 2016 at 3:09 pmHi Penny – You could be right about food trucks. They do offer a unique taste, and often a taste related to the city or state where they’re located. I too love to break free from the chains. Unfortunately, Ireland is becoming home to more and more chains, from coffee shops to burger joints. I just hope that Irish people continue to frequent our home grown restaurants in support of small businesses. Only time will tell. Thanks, as always, for stopping by.
Take care,
Mairéad
Aimee says
July 7, 2016 at 10:34 amThis post reached inside of me and touched my soul this morning. Thank you Mairead.
Irish American Mom says
July 7, 2016 at 3:14 pmHi Aimee – What a lovely thing to say. I’m so happy you connected with this little piece exploring our Irishness. You’ve made me day knowing that you appreciate my ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Melissa Martin Ellis says
July 7, 2016 at 1:03 pmHi Mairead,
This was brilliant, so true and and truly moving. The last bit is surely the best, as I think of the departed and how they still live in our hearts, minds and words.
You have truly moved me once again to tears, mostly tears of joy, though, my dear, as I am on the verge of retiring to Ireland and cannot wait to get settled in with my people. I will be avoiding the selfie generation, however. LOL.
Slán agus beannacht,
Lissa
Irish American Mom says
July 7, 2016 at 3:19 pmHi Lissa – How wonderful to be planning your retirement in Ireland. Wishing you the very best as you plan your journey and your transition to living in a new country. May you know nothing but happiness during your time in Ireland. Best of luck avoiding the selfie generation. My goal is not to be raising future members amongst my crew.
And thank you for checking out my rambling post. I’m glad to hear it brought tears of joy, and maybe a few tears of remembrance, because they are good tears too.
Best of luck with all your future plans,
Mairéad
Bill Cokas says
July 7, 2016 at 3:48 pmFantastically touching, moving and thoughtful piece. This is definitely the reason why, after not giving Ireland much thought up until I visited in 2009, that I can’t get it out of my mind.
Irish American Mom says
July 7, 2016 at 6:03 pmHi Bill – I’m so glad this piece resonated with you. I must thank Brendan Kennelly for his insightful words which inspired me to write this little piece.
All the best,
Mairéad
irishnannie says
July 12, 2016 at 6:05 pmYes, indeed, “one of the richest corners of the Earth!”
How fun that you have written about this…or more about this…this is truly one of the most mysterious realities that I have ever, in my own life, tried to understand. I happened to say to a dear Friend of mine, who happens to be a Bishop, that I understood what he was trying to say (about whatever topic we were discussing) because I was Irish. That was the simplest way I could fine to just say that I understood…”I am Irish!” His response to me was so fun…”The Irish have mysticism in their DNA!”
I thought that was quite simply…the truth.
My Dad who was born in Cobh, Co. Cork, seemed to have a very simple approach to life…first and foremost, you enjoyed it. Secondly, understand that everything that’s good comes from God. Thirdly, pray and do the best you can…God has your back. Fourthly, let the day end, have a good sleep, and look forward to tomorrow. Fifthly, eat lots of oatmeal..:) kidding about that one…I think…but truly eat right and drink well (we all know what I mean) and lastly, whatever you do DO NOT FORGET YOUR ROSARY AND GET TO MASS. Basically, don’t worry, God takes care of everything…and it doesn’t hurt to give God some guiding thoughts…:):):)I am sure I could expound on this in many ways…I was only just getting started…but it was a good start, right?
Now, Mairead…do the maxims of my Dad sound familiar??? I just love Brendan Kennelly’s words. What a blessing to have known him.
Thank you so much, Mairead, for this fun post! God bless you!
Irish American Mom says
July 12, 2016 at 9:56 pmHi Irishannie – “The Irish have mysticism in their DNA!” – what a wonderful response from your Irish friend, the Bishop. Simple, but ever so true.
Your father’s maxims are ever so familiar to me. My own Cork father lives by them, each and every day. Eat well, sleep well, be happy and above all trust in God. Thanks so much for reminding us of these simple Irish ways, which I hope will never be forgotten on either side of the Atlantic.
All the best,
Mairéad
irishnannie says
July 14, 2016 at 11:03 amSacred Heart of Jesus, please bless each of us and all for whom we pray!
Of course, how well known it is for an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to be enthroned in every Irish home!
Irish American Mom says
July 14, 2016 at 3:39 pmHi Irishannie – A picture of the Sacred Heart still hangs over my parent’s kitchen table. I remember my granny had a little red light shining under her picture of the Sacred Heart. Such lovely childhood memories. June was always the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart when I was a little girl. We usually said a novena in the evenings that month.
All the best,
Mairéad
Harry D. says
January 12, 2017 at 8:09 pmMairead,
I have just found your site and it has thrilled me to no end! As a professional chef with more than 80% Irish flowing thru my veins I too love the simplicity of a roasted leg of lamb, a well cooked and hand mashed rutabaga and some hand made colcannon.
My family comes from Coachford, County Cork in 1872 to Boston. The Sayles, Sullivan, Ennaguass families. My mother was of French Canadian/Irish decent (McDuff).
Thanks to your blog 2017 promises to be a great year for me. With your blog and my Patrick Taylor country books I’ll be content.
Irish American Mom says
January 13, 2017 at 9:04 pmHi Harry – Welcome to my little corner of the world wide web. I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed my recipes and ramblings. My family are also from County Cork, which may account for our similar tastes in Irish food. Our cooking may be simple, but it truly is delicious. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Pennie says
March 8, 2018 at 7:17 amSo much of this jusy made me smile
Irish American Mom says
March 10, 2018 at 7:21 pmHi Pennie – I’m so glad my ramblings about the meaning of being Irish made you smile. Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad