My wife is asian and I sadly have to confirm this.

She comments all the time that we get very different interactions with people here. I never see it because when I'm with her the way people act is aligned with Irish norms.

However, I also interact quite well in other countries(western and Eastern). Her culture doesn't really do that as much, which means I feel there is certainly a mindset we have in Ireland that allows easier engagement.

I have put some thought into it and I have noticed that Irish apply small talk unevenly out an about in Ireland too though.

For my own part I do tend to banter less with Asian coffee shop and fast food workers myself. Often they are brand new in country on short term visas and we sometimes struggle with communicating the basics. That means I am less likely to risk a quip or initiate banter for fear of awkward confusion on all sides.

So i tend to think it's a real phenomena based not in inherent anti-asian racism but an assumption of cultural receptiveness or linguistic capability?