The Craic’s Always Good in Cricklewood

The other day, I was sitting in the History of Ireland, and as frequently happens, we were off topic, discussing the differences between America and Ireland. We got on the subject of Saint Patrick’s Day, and the teacher, Caroline, said: “It’s almost better that you’re not here for Saint Patrick’s Day”. She went on to say that from her experience, satellite Irish communities are more proud to be Irish than the Irish are themselves. She then said a quote that’s apparently pretty common in Ireland: “The Craic’s Always Good in Cricklewood”, used in reference to an Irish district in London, like Boston’s Southie. (Craic, pronounced like “crack”, means “a good time” or “good fun”. If someone asks you where the good craic is in Dublin, they’re not asking you for drugs.)

This made me think about how American Irish view themselves versus how the actual Irish see themselves. Irish Americans are extremely proud of their heritage. They embrace all things Irish, from their Nana to Catholicism to Molly Malone. On Saint Patrick’s Day, we wear green, cook up a corned beef, and drink Guinness until we black out. A shout of “To Ireland!” is much more likely to draw a roaring cheer in an American bar, whereas here it’s met with mutters and “not so much”’s.

I’ve already noticed that there is a marked difference between what Americans think being Irish is and what being Irish actually is. I still haven’t figured out what it really means to be Irish; however, I’m pretty sure Americans revere something completely different.