The Irish and the French have a rather friendly relationship, tinged with admiration, affectionate mockery and, occasionally, a touch of incomprehension. If you ask an Irish person what they think of the French, you’re likely to hear a mixture of clichés and often amusing anecdotes. So, how is French really perceived in the land of shamrock and Guinness?
From an Irish point of view, the French are often seen as a little too sophisticated. The Frenchie has the reputation of being an expert in gastronomy, fashion and counter philosophy. For many Irish people, France is synonymous with stinky cheeses, red wine at every meal and endless discussions about politics.
But there’s also that inescapable cliché of the grumpy Frenchman. An Irishman will often tell you: “You French, you complain about everything!” It’s true that the French tend to be indignant about nothing: the weather, strikes, the quality of bread abroad… In Ireland, where optimism and good humor are king, this trait can make them smile (or roll their eyes).
Let’s be honest: the level of English spoken by the French is not always glorious. The average Irishman knows full well that the Frenchman will have trouble pronouncing his name correctly, will struggle to order a Guinness without hesitation (“One Guinness please… uh… thank you?”) and will punctuate his sentences with a charming accent.
But far from making fun of it, the Irish find it rather amusing. In fact, they are often patient and sympathetic to these clumsy attempts. They especially appreciate efforts to speak their language… even if the French tend to reply in French at the slightest misunderstanding.
Where the French take care of their appearance with a studied, often casual-chic style (“That old sweater? Of course it’s vintage!”), the Irish prefer comfort. Evenings out in pubs wearing T-shirts and sneakers don’t shock anyone in Ireland. While the French may find this a little too relaxed, the Irish sometimes find the French a little too stuffy.
This is particularly true in the evening: the French tend to sip their wine while chatting, while the Irish prefer to toast with a Guinness and laugh out loud. Two styles, two atmospheres.
Despite this, the French enjoy a very good reputation in Ireland. The land of the Enlightenment fascinates, especially for its culture, history and romance. Paris is seen as THE city of love, and many Irish dream of a stay there. They also love the cinema (hello Amélie Poulain), French food (long live croissants and boeuf bourguignon), and the French art of living in general.
Some Irish people also envy the French attitude to life: they see the French as passionate, people who love to debate, who defend their ideas with passion and who cultivate a certain art de vivre.
The Irish may tease the French about their accent or their tendency to grumble, but they nonetheless have a deep respect for France and the French. They admire their gastronomy, their culture and their ability to enjoy the good things in life.
Finally, between a Frenchman and an Irishman, there will always be a Guinness, a good wine or a lively debate to seal a sincere and warm friendship.
More news
