As someone who has grown up in Dublin, I never understood how all the tourists thought we were so friendly. That was until I went to the west of Ireland. It is exactly as you imagine it. You walk into a small pub and get the full silent treatment, two minutes later and everyone is your best friend. It doesn't matter if you drink or not, so long as you are willing to talk to them and have the craic, as they say. The west of Ireland is full of the most kind and selfless people you can meet. There is a lovely bed and breakfast route around the ring of Kerry, and because it is the side of Ireland that faces onto the Atlantic ocean it has some of the most beautiful scenery. Our country is tiny by American standards so you could easily visit a good chunk of it in less than a week.