Header borrowed from Britannica
The People of Ireland
Ireland is a great place to live, and the citizens add life to this beautiful city. The people who live here lead very fulfilling lives, proven by Ireland’s high rating by the UN’s Human Development Index, or HDI. The HDI, a scale accepted worldwide, measures a country’s social and economic achievements, including the health, education, and standard of living of the residents. According to Mark Hillard’s article for the Irish Times, “Ireland has moved faster up the rankings than any other of the 189 countries under consideration,” and, “Ireland [is] ranked fourth in the world for living conditions.” Ireland’s high ranking on the HDI directly corresponds to the Irish people’s happiness and satisfaction with their daily lives. The Irish are generally happy, generous, and friendly people. When wandering the streets, they can always be seen smiling. A blogger, who has experienced the beauty of Ireland firsthand, adds that, “smiling your way through life is one of the most immediately noticeable Irish customs” (“Irish People”). She adds that Irish people have such carefree and easygoing personalities because they do not care about trivial matters, such as being rich or famous.
The people of Ireland have also learned to create a healthy balance between their work and individual lives. They tend to avoid overworking themselves and enjoy spending time with their family and close friends. It also helps that they live in a great environment, one of the best in the EU, maintain peace between neighboring nations, and have a surprisingly low cost of living, which includes free education and healthcare. When asked, citizens rated their life satisfaction as a 7.8 out of 10, much higher than the average of 6.5 (“Quality of Life in Ireland”). The citizens of Ireland understand the importance of people and value their deep connections with each other. A good environment coupled with great people makes Ireland a perfect place for its residents (“Irish People”). |
Challenges Ireland is Facing
Despite Ireland’s high satisfaction rate, the country faces many major challenges. The first issue is gender inequality, a serious issue still being faced all around the world. Michelle Brown, Head of Excellence Through People, explains that, “More often than not, women find themselves at a disadvantage professionally due to unfair workplace practices or preconceptions, and this can lead to them being overlooked” (qtd. in “Tackling Gender Inequality”). Though these women work just as hard as men, they do not receive equal pay and struggle to make career advancements. Their views and opinions are also unappreciated, especially when it comes time to make important decisions regarding politics and their country’s future. Refusing equal treatment for women is unfair and should be made an issue of the past.
Meanwhile, homelessness has become another issue plaguing the country. According to the Irish Times, over 10,000 people are labeled as homeless, and the number continues to rise every year. However, the truly upsetting fact is that children are being affected and forced to come to terms with their housing situation. Chief Executive Suzanne Connolly states, “[children are] having to decide whether and how to share the trauma of experiencing homelessness” (qtd. in “Number of People”). These kids shouldn’t have to worry or stress about such serious situations, but instead should be enjoying stress-free lives. Ireland’s government is working to resolve this issue. They have put aside a large sum of money in order to tackle this problem, but it will take time for their solution to yield results.
Water shortage is negatively affecting the citizens of Ireland. Kevin O’ Sullivan, a writer for the Irish Times, quotes a climatologist who explains that the country’s water supplies “are on a knife-edge with shortages set to increase due to a combination of population growth and climate change.” While climate change is one of the factors playing into the shortage of water, humans play a huge role in the situation. Sullivan blames old, leaky pipes for the enormous amount of water wastage, yet the people haven't attempted to fix them. However, it is the people's inefficient management of their resources that should be held accountable. Though measures are said to have been put in place to fix the water shortage issue, rules need to be strictly enforced by the government in order to actually see a positive change (Sullivan).
Meanwhile, homelessness has become another issue plaguing the country. According to the Irish Times, over 10,000 people are labeled as homeless, and the number continues to rise every year. However, the truly upsetting fact is that children are being affected and forced to come to terms with their housing situation. Chief Executive Suzanne Connolly states, “[children are] having to decide whether and how to share the trauma of experiencing homelessness” (qtd. in “Number of People”). These kids shouldn’t have to worry or stress about such serious situations, but instead should be enjoying stress-free lives. Ireland’s government is working to resolve this issue. They have put aside a large sum of money in order to tackle this problem, but it will take time for their solution to yield results.
Water shortage is negatively affecting the citizens of Ireland. Kevin O’ Sullivan, a writer for the Irish Times, quotes a climatologist who explains that the country’s water supplies “are on a knife-edge with shortages set to increase due to a combination of population growth and climate change.” While climate change is one of the factors playing into the shortage of water, humans play a huge role in the situation. Sullivan blames old, leaky pipes for the enormous amount of water wastage, yet the people haven't attempted to fix them. However, it is the people's inefficient management of their resources that should be held accountable. Though measures are said to have been put in place to fix the water shortage issue, rules need to be strictly enforced by the government in order to actually see a positive change (Sullivan).
what makes Ireland beautiful
Ireland is such a beautiful country. Due to its geographic isolation and natural beauty, this country has become a very popular tourist destination. Great views of the glittering Atlantic coast enchant all those who see it (Sean Kay, et). Caitlin Morton communicates that, “Ireland is home to the kind of beauty that will instantly make you a believer.” People who visit Ireland are captivated by beautiful locations, one being Cobh, a place filled with houses placed in brightly colored rows. Morton also talks about Skellig, “the craggy, emerald-green island [which] houses the remains of a sixth-century monastery.” Glendalough, a monastery from the seventh-century, is another famous “must visit” which represents both the beauty and rich religious history of Ireland.
Ireland has a fascinating culture, yet it is the people who bring it to life. Due to the high rates of immigration, Ireland is a very culturally diverse country (Kay, et). Unique Irish traditions also add to the country’s appeal. Jessica Taylor explains that the people “generally don’t shy away from the thought of throwing a good party, which makes this picturesque country a top-notch destination.” Their best parties are thrown in celebration of the St. Patrick’s festival, meant to “[celebrate] the country’s rich culture and heritage,” Taylor elaborates. This celebration has become so important, that this holiday is now celebrated during numerous days, rather than just on March 17th. Millions of people enjoy the dancing, music, parades, beer, and traditional foods. The St. Patrick’s Day festival is just one of the many unique holidays celebrated in Ireland, adding to the country’s beauty (Taylor). A beautiful geographic location coupled with a diverse culture and a rich history bewitch all those who visit Ireland. |
works cited
Hilliard, Mark. “Ireland Ranked Fourth in the World for Living Conditions, UN Report Finds.” Irish Times, 14 Sept. 2018.
Web. 14 Jan. 2020.
"Irish People- Some First Impressions." Enjoy Irish Culture. Web. 10 Jan. 2020.
Kay, Sean, et al. "Ireland." Encyclopædia Britannica, 15 Jan. 2020. Web. 16 Jan. 2020.
Morton, Caitlin. "The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland." Conde Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2018. Web. 15 Jan. 2020.
"Number of people homeless in Ireland rises again." Irish Times, 30 Sep. 2019. Web. 15 Jan. 2020.
"Quality of Life in Ireland." TechLifeIreland, 23 May 2020. Web. 14 Jan. 2020.
"Tackling Gender Inequality in the Workplace." NSAI, Web. 15 Jan. 2020.
Taylor, Jessica. "The Three Biggest Celebrations in Ireland." USA Today, 17 Jan. 2018. Web. 15 Jan. 2020.
Web. 14 Jan. 2020.
"Irish People- Some First Impressions." Enjoy Irish Culture. Web. 10 Jan. 2020.
Kay, Sean, et al. "Ireland." Encyclopædia Britannica, 15 Jan. 2020. Web. 16 Jan. 2020.
Morton, Caitlin. "The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland." Conde Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2018. Web. 15 Jan. 2020.
"Number of people homeless in Ireland rises again." Irish Times, 30 Sep. 2019. Web. 15 Jan. 2020.
"Quality of Life in Ireland." TechLifeIreland, 23 May 2020. Web. 14 Jan. 2020.
"Tackling Gender Inequality in the Workplace." NSAI, Web. 15 Jan. 2020.
Taylor, Jessica. "The Three Biggest Celebrations in Ireland." USA Today, 17 Jan. 2018. Web. 15 Jan. 2020.