Why I LOVE Ireland.

The colours of this country are brightest when the sun shines. I'm not talking about the different shades of green on the ground or in the trees - I'm referring to the people.

Dublin Zoo.

Irish people are the envy of others all around the world. Why? Because we have an innate ability to talk. Our favourite subject is the weather and our comparative lack of sunshine. We love moaning about how many rainy days in a row we've had and where trees used to stand before wind blew them down.

We're happiest when the sun shines for a few consecutive days. We start conversations with "this might be our summer!" Of course, we have no idea how long the good spell will last and are begrudging on ourselves enjoying it. 

Rivervalley Park.

We wear clothing that hasn't been seen since the "last summer that lasted three days." They may fit a little tighter and the colours may be gaudy, but we don't care. The orange ball in the sky is giving us Vitamin D direct into our veins. As a result of almost year-round sun deprivation, we tend to expose all manner of white and freckled skin to soaring temperatures. Despite medical advice of the harmful effects of skin exposure to the sun, we still reticently apply suncream - for fear that we won't get "a daycent colour."

Irish people are happiest when the sun blesses us for a prolonged period of time. If you ask any Irish person about world issues while they're out enjoying the sunshine, they will reply with " I don't really care what's gong on in the world- sure isn't the sun shining?"

Malahide - someone isn't warm enough.

Over the last week I have driven on dry roads and seen aspects of the country I hadn't seen in some time. Scenes that have been blocked by both weather and dullness have radiated through the greyness. Blues of lakes and rivers have contrasted deeply against the greens hues of grass and trees. The shine from car bonnets has been mistaken for dipped headlights.

It's also been the best few days to reinforce colours to my son. He's only a little over two and is still getting to grasps with the English language. This is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate what Ireland looks like in full colour. The words yellow and silver now have clear distinction and don't mould into the same colour.

Howth Head.

It is the people that make this country what it is. We are a nation of geniuses, begrudgers, bowsies and storytellers. We all know people who have a "gift of the gab" and those that are "cute hoors".

It is this mix of chancers and thinkers - that normally would never enter a room together - all agree when one thing happens - when the sun shines.

Weather is something that unifies us all. It is a national sport in Ireland. It is an ice breaker and an introduction all rolled into one. It sets the mood and can bring about the strongest and most honourable traits in humanity. It bashes and broils us, but never stops us talking about it. The fluctuation inspires the conversation.

Mother Natures' sun doesn't grace herself on these shores all that often, so we feel that we have to make the most of it. We make excuses to have makeshift barbecues, go for walks and enjoy being outdoors. What has struck me over the last week was how friendly strangers have been to me.

I'm one of those odd people that says hello no matter what the weather. I may only be nodding my head or saying a brief hi, but I try to make an effort. Over the last week I have noticed that utter strangers are being more friendly than I. They have said hello before I can mutter a reply.

Mayo coastline at dawn.

Is it because of the their better mood, caused by the sun? Can you imagine where this country would be in tourism terms if we had a guaranteed sunny summer every year?

Things could be so much better if the sun shined everyday in Ireland. Or would it be?

Would we ever have had the begrudging nature that is instilled in everyone's DNA? Would we ever have had the amazing writers and academics - if they all had the opportunity to go outdoors and play?

Would we have the most skilled and technologically advanced workforce in Western Europe? Would we trade this all for gifted athletes with fabulous outdoor facilities? I'm not so sure.

In the words of Pat Shortt "Sure it'd be a great country - if only we could stick a roof on it."
Would we have the comedy without the weather though?

Since I wrote this initially, wouldn't you know it, the weather has changed. Therin lies the juxtaposition of the Irish psyche. Always changing, whilst talking.