Sir, - I agree with Ms O'Halloran's story (September 2nd) regarding a Danish journalist's observation that Ireland is turning into another tourist trap. As a first time visitor to Ireland with my family, I was surprised to find the Irish people are not what I was expecting.
I grew up in New York City, the son of Irish parents whose parents emigrated from Ireland. I have attended and participated in the St. Patrick's Day parades and enjoyed listening to Irish music and tales. The stories of other family members and watching programmes about Ireland gave me the impression that all of Ireland was a land where people always had a smile and life was to be enjoyed. Sadly, during my trip through Ireland I did not find this to be true.
We travelled from Dublin to Northern Ireland, and continued to Donegal and Dingle. From Dingle we went to Cork, and back to Dublin. We visited many towns along the way and met many Irish residents. Our stay at area hotels and restaurants gave me the feeling that I was just another tourist and was treated as such. We were rarely greeted with a smile at restaurants, and the town residents were not very hospitable. I was very surprised, to say the least.
Furthermore, the newspaper reporting is very depressing. Every day the news was always negative. Maybe this is why very few people had a smile and their attitude was "in the dumps". Ireland may be becoming richer materially, but she has lost her identity, that of being a country rich in hospitality and a twinkle in her eye.
I do hope that Ireland's present generation learns from the Norwegians. Better yourself, but don't forget to remain "madly in love with yourselves, your country and ideals". Ireland's reputation was built on from past generations and history. Don't get lost among the incoming tourists and behind the greed to make money. - Yours, etc.,
Dara Lane,
Wappinger Falls, NY 12590.