I always expect a warm welcome in Ireland. But Galway blew me away | Adrian Chiles

Visiting the races this week, it felt as if there was no better place to be in all the world. No wonder the locals were so proud

When it comes to friendliness and fun, I hold the Irish to higher standards than people of other countries. So when the chap at the car rental desk at Shannon airport was merely civil, I was disappointed - not only in him, but perhaps in his country, too. I felt let down. I mean, this was harsh, as he wasn't remotely unfriendly, but I had expected more. On some level, I wanted to peer over the counter and see a furious stepdance in full flow below, even as his static top half tried to sell me extra insurance cover. But nothing. Where was this man's craic?

I don't think you should use that word if you are not from Ireland, but I ask again: where was his craic? He was Irish, therefore I needed more from him than simple efficiency. I appreciate this nonsense arises from me subscribing to a national stereotype as cheap as any other, but I would plead that there are worse prejudices to harbour.