In ancient Ireland, hospitality wasn’t just a social nicety, it was a legal obligation under the Brehon laws. Every household was obligated to provide hospitality to those who were allowed to travel throughout Ireland, which was determined according to your societal rank or your travel purpose. Brehons, druids, and warriors were allowed free travel, for instance. Not necessarily your neighbor over in the next valley. If someone authorized to travel showed up at your door needing food or accommodation, you had to provide it in accordance with their rank and your means. It was an honor to you and your family to show your generosity to strangers. It was considered a crime if you failed to do so.

Hospitality is still an Irish trait. You won’t find a friendlier people than the Irish. The Irish saying coined by William Butler Yeats that: “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet” says it perfectly. The saying Caed Mile Fáilte meaning a thousand welcomes is well known at Irish establishments and St. Patrick’s Day merchandise in the United States.

In my book I relate my wonderful experiences with Irish hospitality including my being welcomed by relatives when I showed up unexpectedly in my grandmother’s birthplace in Cunnemore, County Cork.

See pictures.  One of me with my Irish cousins, and one standing outside what had been my grandmother’s birth home. (Sent separately)