Many people from Ireland may know what this blog is about. For anyone who does not come from my country please allow me to explain. Up until the early twentieth century Ireland was a part of the huge British empire. It had been so for over 800 years. During this lenghty occupation the British attempted to eradicate our culture and replace it with their own (Please note this is not an anti-british blog and that I am merely stating fact). They were successful in many ways; for one the Irish language was replaced by the English language and today English is the main language of Ireland.The Irish language is still spoken but it is not widely fluent among the population. I am totally useless at speaking it.

Now this is where my question comes into play. Many scholars have maintained that after Ireland gained its limited independence in 1921 (it would not officially become a republic until 1948) it still adopted a British attitude to politics and a way of life. Furthermore it has been claimed that it then began to find itself adopting an American type of culture (ever heard the saying that goes Ireland is closer to Boston then to Berlin). Our whole judicial system it seems is based on that of Britian's. It is also said that Ireland is seen more as a European state rather than a sovereign one due to its important role within the E.U.

So I have found myself asking what does being Irish mean to me? Over the next few weeks I hope to continue the blog with new insights into the said question. It would helpful for people to comment and I would especially welcome comments from people in other countries with Irish backgrounds. Begin to ask yourself what does this Irish background mean to me? Do I feel Irish?

I hope by continuing this blog it will help me assess my Irishness. Until next time take it easy.