Sir, - It is with some regret that I write this letter. I have just returned to "the States" after a 10-day vacation in your beautiful country. Yes, Ireland is indeed the "Emerald Isle", but, alas, its citizens' reaction to my visit did not comport with their advance billing as a friendly, kind-hearted people.
I was told that the beauty of Ireland is complemented by its citizens who are a "kind" people, and "have never met a stranger". Unfortunately, I found these characterisations to be, at least in my case, untrue. I stayed in Dublin, but made trips to Belfast, Galway, Wexford; everywhere, with a couple of exceptions, my reception (especially by young adults) was the same: hostile stares and substandard service.
In Belfast the stares were less hostile and the service was generally better. Because I am Catholic, this was somewhat of a disappointment. In addition, generally Ireland's more mature citizens lived up to their advance billing as being kind, friendly, and hospitable. Had I not previously travelled to Spain and France in the late 1970s and received a totally different reception, I probably would not be so disappointed at the reception I received in Ireland.
Was it something I did? No, it was more likely a characteristic over which I have no control. I am always polite, stand 6 feet tall, weigh 155 pounds, dress conservatively, and am considered "nice looking"; but because my skin is medium-brown it was assumed that I was one of the unwanted "refugees" from Africa.
For the record, I sympathise with the sentiments of most of the Irish people about refugees because we have a horrible immigration problem in the US. However, I have never been to Africa, and neither have my parents, my grandparents, my great-grandparents, or my great-great-grandparents (some of whom were American Indians).
Although my experience has changed my perception of Ireland, it has left me more curious than bitter. The Irish under 40 are the future, but they were without question the most prejudiced that I came in contact with; so what does the future hold for Ireland in an increasingly diverse and integrated world? - Yours, etc.,
Sean Kevin Proctor
Belton, Texas, USA.