The food
This is pretty much the same as at home, with some slight differences. Everyone knows that French fries are called chips. But what we call (potato) chips are called crisps. This is just me being picky, but it seems the meat is a bit fattier than I’m used to. Since I see a lot of people walking and biking here, that’s probably not a big deal.
The language
It’s English of course, but all signs have both Gaelic and English on them, and both languages are taught in school. Other than at the museums and on one of the TV channels, I haven’t heard it used in everyday conversation. Just be careful when using some expressions. At Kilkenny Castle, one of the guides asked if we had seen the movie about the castle. I said, “We’re going to hit that on the way out,” which I don’t think translated well. Haven’t had much trouble with the Irish accent (brogue), unless I’m tired or not paying attention.
The money
The Republic of Ireland uses the euro (EUR), while Northern Ireland uses the pound (GBP). With the peso-ization of the dollar (USD), both are worth more than our currency. To an obsessive collector like me though, the euro is a gold mine. Each of the 17 countries of the eurozone issues its own coins. Irish ones are the most common of course, but I’ve got a Malta, Cyprus and Austria, too. If I try to get them all, it’ll be pretty expensive!
The weather
No part of Ireland is more than 53 miles from the sea (or so a native told me). That means that weather can change in an instant, from sunny to cloudy with rain and back again. Always bring an umbrella, raincoat or a hoodie. I’ve been told that April has more predictable weather.
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