im irish and i just dont git ppl think this about us but i really dont think we drink anymore than the rest of the world some1 explain it pls
2007-08-21 11:55:49 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
It may be stereotype but I also think it's based on some truth. Irish people drink a lot. Incidentally, I remember about 20 years ago reading that Ireland had the largest per capita consumption of tea (think of how strong we make it) in the world and also one of the highest percentages of teetotallers. These statistics change from time time but I'm afraid the Irish usually end up near the top in the drinking leagues.
I have a theory about this which you may like to think about. In Europe/Africa/Middle East, the areas which are recorded from early times as producing alcoholic drinks were around the Mediterranean, around 2,000 BC. These populations got acclimatised over time to the effects of alcohol, i.e. the alcoholics died off quickly. However the Northern ethnic groups such as the Germanics and the Celts have not had as long a time for their alcoholic genes to be wiped out.
This would also explain the catastrophic effect of alcoholic drinks on Native Americans when they were exposed to them in large amounts.
The same theory applies in reverse today in regard to lactose intolerance - Celts and Germanics have much less tendency to develop this, and they are also the culture whose diet has traditionally centred most on dairy products as archeological digs have found.
It's just a theory. Does it make sense?
2007-08-21 12:33:28 · answer #1 · answered by silenagigwatsthegig 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why Do Irish Drink
2017-01-20 18:27:30 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
F--k all the American P.C. b.s. We do drink a lot, and from a very early age. Sure, some of us don't, but most of us do. I personally drink whiskey like it's a damn diet coke. I can drink a half a litter in a an hour with out suffering a hang over the next day. Alcohol to the Irish is like pasta and wine to an Italian. It is simply part of our culture.
2015-04-25 19:59:19 · answer #3 · answered by Rob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're right. Been to Dublin many times for Rugby Internationals. Worst offenders were the English, my lot. All very friendly but when you see someone drinking Guiness with Tabasco Sauce at 11.00 am one does have to wonder what is going on. He didn't make the match by the way and was carried out on a stretcher Sunday morning. Oh yes, and we won by lots. Rory Underwood and Jerry Guscott era.
2007-08-21 12:37:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is a stereotype of the Irish, to be able to drink and be merry, but G-d help you if you cross one, cos we know who will win that brawl. For the most part, it is light hearted, and not many Irish are offended by it. Every Irishman and Irishwoman I know can drink their fill, and are most pleasant at all times, and they are wise enough to not let silly things bother them. They are too busy enjoying life to bother with those who won't. It also pay tribute to the strength of the Irish, to never let anything keep their spirits down. Who do you know that's tougher than and Irishman/Irishwoman? Yes, of course, the Scots, but they are very much like the Irish, so let's all have a pint! Cheers.
2007-08-21 12:09:22 · answer #5 · answered by Hot Coco Puff 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Been to Ireland many times (live in the UK). The conversation of Irish people always fascinates and interests me, but after a few drinks ... They are lyrical beyond an ordinary Englishman's dream. Where do all their words come from? They are so imaginative and rare. I don't really know why the Irish love to drink but I'm glad they do.
2007-08-21 12:29:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Craic, not crack. Irish people love to drink because there really is f*ck all else to do in most Irish towns. I chose cars over drink.
2007-08-21 15:46:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dunno, my mum's family are Irish descent and they all love to drink.
But I know loads of Welsh and English who can put it away too!
I think its just stereotyping to say that Irish are all heavy drinkers (although I did have an Irish boyfriend once who drank like a fish . . .)
2007-08-21 13:00:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
Well they say the Lord gave the Irish whiskey to be sure they would never rule the world!
Cheers,
Michael Kelly
2007-08-21 12:06:32 · answer #9 · answered by Michael Kelly 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Because long ago, before telly was invented...
There wasn't much entainment. So we used to sing songs, play instruments and have a laugh over a few pints!!! It was the only way to entertain ourselves.
We were much better talented then...
2007-08-21 17:47:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋