“But once you cross the Shannon - even though geographically you have only come a short distance - different rules of time apply, and most people still understand the crucial secret of human happiness: that it's better to do a few things slowly, than a lot of things fast.”
“Just remember, it's an easy place to be at home in, Ireland. I think the people are very skilled at relating. I notice, watching the different nationalities on the mountain, the fluidity of interaction the Irish people have with the visitors, and with each other. It's a skill that's less developed in other nationalities, and it's so instinctive it doesn't even look like a skill.”
“If you've had the right kind of education, it's amazing how many things you can find to feel guilty about.”
“I like reading in a pub rather than a library or study, as it's generally much easier to get a drink.”
“I reckon if I can't spend the day sleeping, the next best thing is to spend it reading and drinking.”