Does Ireland exist?

Question

In the news we hear a lot about supposed events in Dublin, Cork or Derry. But other than in the so-called "media", do we actually have any definite proof of the Republic of Southern Ireland? I for one do not believe it is a real part of the world, it was just invented by Poles who wanted to say they weren't from Poland in the 19th Century.

I'd like to hear what you think about this, especially from fellow Eire-skeptics.

Answer 1

Anseo! Sin é. Dia Dhuit. An bhfuil Gaeilge agat? Grin. I can only speak for myself. I'm only one of more than a million multi-racial citizens of Dublin, in fairness : )

Do we exist, here and now? Despite this edgy world we live in? Believe me, we live to debate nothing else of an evening. Haven't you read Beckett? Or even William Gibson?
(Unless, of course, there happens to be a controversial EU parliament decision calling for our votes.) Wherever you live, you are, of course, fully entitled to your view. Wherever I live, as a voter, I am surrounded by relations and political advisors. Maybe I don't have an independent viewpoint, as such. Maybe the best thing I can do is donate blood, support science, and forget about the dark side of human nature.

I've always regarded it as an advantage, to have such an interested, focused, international & wide-ranging input, access to people who are keen to vote for the future & who recall & will not fall for the errors of the past; and yet be in a position to consider the source, from an independent & insular perspective.

Although an unemployable friend recently described himself at a Xmas dinner, on being asked "So, what do you do for a living?" as being "Independently poor", so I suppose the validity of that depends on your social priorities! To some, Ireland may only surface in their awareness if "it's" a financially lucrative location.

Well, Hitler's troops dropped bombs on us in WWII - and yet, he's gone and my eighty-four-year-old neighbour is still around to remember the reality. Have you asked your Polish acquaintances for their memories of the invasion?

Yes, despite bombs, boycotts, U2, our sudden and dreadful economic prosperity, international fame for writers and film directors, poets, paupers, presidents, social awareness, and Oliver Cromwell, and all the usual transport, town planning & multi-lingual issues, we are still here, and active participants in the world outside your window.

Unfortunately for your theory, the CIA apparently agree with our hypothetical Irish existence - but that, of course, could well be another of those silly vote-catching, alchemical myths; like that fairy-story about other galaxies being "out there".

As a guy I know says about canards, "A daft rumour, put about by gossiping ducks". (Actually, he's Scottish, and doesn't drink, and yet exists.)

Those who do booze, to excess, would tell you that Ireland is a state of mind. It's not. It's a sober reality, an evolving state. Bear with us. If our civil service employed impatient people, this question would be unimaginable. In politics, as in advertising, there's no such thing as bad publicity. Sometimes, the reality is not only unimaginable, but a welcome discovery.

BTW, when you ask us whether we have any proof, who do you imagine you are asking this of?
"We hear a lot" doesn't particularly identify any radio or television broadcasting policy, nor does it tell that channel anything useful about your preferences as a listener. Other than the simple, genuine, upfront fact that you (rightly) question cliches, but cannot at this point propose a better alternative. How have you campaigned to refocus their coverage upon people who may not welcome media attention, but could benefit from the passing glare of the spotlight?

Answer 2

Cheap Shot Alert!
Ireland is a..,.. er, THE land of faries and furies, of beauty and grace of deceit and disgrace, of Irish Spring made from N.Y Madison Ave. ideas and tales of Old Dan with tail a'flyin.
The best whisky, the worst beer, the loudest political arguements and fights 1100 years old. It was we who built the Erie Canal, Coolie Dam, the Panama Canal and the reputation of the isolation of the Mics.
Ireland Is A State of Mind, Heart, and Dreams of what it means to be Free --f or a price.
You can't just go to Ireland to see if it exist ... stupid other worlder travelers ... you have to breath history, read poetry, absorb the mist. We have so little to brag about - one drunken writer, a couple of famous off-springs of our immigrants and a humbleness for the sod. Our shore and borders have been trampled but Ireland Lives. Listen to the lyre or the liar... matters not; "Erin go Bragh"

Answer 3

The Republic of Southern Ireland does not exist. However, the Republic of Ireland is hale and hearty!

Answer 4

Oh man, I just spent a whack of money on tickets to Ireland for February. If it doesn't exist, does that mean someone will knock me out when I get to the airport, drag me into an underground brainwashing facility, and spend two weeks Clockwork Orange-ing me with fake Ireland propaganda films? 'Cuz that's what happened when I tried to go to Norway.
Never again I said, never again.

Answer 5

does ireland exist?.....well my friend its not the lost city of atlantis, its on every map in the world, my mother was born there, I have been there and lived there, so yes its real unless my whole life has been a matrix type experience and i imagined the whole thing growing up.

Be nice to know where you are from, I can only guess but maybe you are not real at all and come from the land of pixies, judging by your question you must be a fairy.

40 million americans can trace their irish ancestors by the way, tell them ireland doesnt exist.

Answer 6

Well - having actually lived there, I'd have to say that it probably exists... and I'm not interested in an argument about it... I know I was there - and the beer was quite marvelous - though getting hit on by an older man in the bar was a tad weird...

IM or email me - I can give a more interesting description of the place...

-dh

Answer 7

Ireland is a country , Irish and Celtic is a culture, since my relatives came from there to America in the 18th century,,, it wasnt invented in the 19th

Answer 8

I have been married to an Irish man for 15 years.Lived in Ireland for 13 years,had 3 children in Ireland,unless it has all been a dream(I just pinched myself to see if I am dreaming)nope not dreaming.

Answer 9

Ok, Im sorry but your an ejit. I am from Ireland, born in Dublin. I am moving back there this summer. Getting there will be hard, but I am in the process of getting the United States to allow me to move back to my home land.

Answer 10

Oh my God ur an idiot!!!
Of corse Ireland exist- why would someone just make it up?!??

Ireland was ruled by England up untill 1916 roughly - and thats only 90 years ago - so never Amerians harpin on about their Independence! Were just recovering now and we have built up an excellent economy and its a class country at that!!!