Do the Irish live up to their reputation?

We've all been stereotyped by where we live....

In Texas it's assumed we all live on ranches, wear cowboy hats and boots, ride horses to school and we all love George W. Bush. In California, they're all really tan liberal surfers that have the happiest cows. Georgia MUST have the best peaches because that's obviously the only thing they're known for as a state. Wisconsin is full of rednecks that eat cheese. Canadians say "eh?" and the only thing they do is hockey all year, and if you watch South Park then they all only have half of their faces attached to their heads. One of my all-time favorites has to be Family Guy's description of the Russians: bears on unicycles. Anyways, you get the picture, just to name a few.

Which begs these questions from most people: Are the Irish out every night drinking? and Is Ireland full of gingers?

Sadly, the latter is a no. Not everyone is a red-head. There are a lot, yes, but not as much as you would think. Though I do find it interesting to hear different cultures speak with an Irish accent. No, I'm not racist. Like I said, it's just interesting. The Irish, do, however, love to drink. They aren't drunk all of the time, despite what some people think, but they do like to drink after work, and mostly all of the pubs are packed by midnight every night and stay open past 3am.
I have never met people more friendly than the Irish, however. They love to talk to you about anything and everything, and they will always help you out no matter what. Just be careful, because sometimes when you ask them for directions, they'll be so eager to help you that they lead you all the way to your destination. And don't be surprised if they ask you to stay for dinner, and maybe get you to sign adoption papers while you're at it. :) They aren't THAT friendly, but that would be pretty funny.

Anyways, to put it in a few words, I'm having a blast in Ireland soaking up the culture and the country's beauty that surrounds it.