You’re not going to believe this one — but then again, you might, because this is Ireland and we do love a bit of chaos wrapped in charm. This week’s tale is pure gold: a Cork stag, a missing Skoda, and a lad from Wicklow who lost the run of himself (and the car).

As always, I’ve packed in a joke worthy of a pub round, a fact to make you sound clever over your next pint, and a quote that might just make you snort-laugh.

So stick on the kettle (or pour a cheeky one — I won’t judge), and get comfy. Your Weekly Dose of Irish is ready and waiting — full of craic, Cork, and car-related calamities.

📰 The Irish Story of the Week (two from Cork!)

Lad, Where’s My Car? – The Most Irish Stag Party Ever

Every now and then, a story comes along that makes you laugh, wince, and say, “Only in Ireland.” This one ticks all three boxes.

Kieran, a poor soul from Wicklow, travelled down to Cork recently for a stag party. Nothing unusual there — Cork is, after all, one of the best places in Ireland for a bit of a mad weekend.

But our Kieran made the classic mistake. He arrived late, couldn’t find parking in the city centre, and left his car in “a housing estate somewhere outside town” — no pin dropped, no landmark noted, not even a mental breadcrumb trail. Just vibes and a hope for the best.

After a full night of pints, sing-songs, and what he vaguely remembers as “maybe a kebab?”, he woke up with no memory of where the car was parked. None. Just a faint recollection of a roundabout.

Now, Cork has more roundabouts than rainclouds — so off he went, returning to Cork not once, not twice, but three times with a friend to search. They trawled 59 suburbs. Even the Guards got involved. Eventually, in pure desperation, Kieran posted a reward of €200 for anyone who could help him find his beloved burgundy Skoda Superb.

Enter Cork woman Susan Maguire, who spotted the car in Ballyphehane, sitting there like aliens had abandoned it. Almost three weeks later, the car was found — parked neatly, tyres intact, probably wondering what all the fuss was about.

The best bit? The car was just a 30-minute walk from where the stag began. He was nearly within shouting distance of it the whole time.

Kieran said it best: “The stupidest thing I’ve ever done.”

But let’s be honest — it could’ve been worse. At least he didn’t lose the groom.

📰 Bonus Irish story of the week also from Cork

He Tried to Fly to the U.S. Using His Mate’s Passport – Because He Looked "A Bit Like Him"

Read the full article here

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, someone in Ireland goes and tries to outdo the madness. A lad recently attempted to board a flight to the U.S. using his friend’s passport — purely because he thought they looked “a bit alike.” Spoiler alert: he didn’t get far.

The cheek, the optimism, the madness of it all — pure Irish gold. Authorities weren’t quite as entertained, but it’s safe to say this fella will be getting slagged for years to come.

😂 Irish Joke of the Week

Paddy walks into a bar...

… and orders three pints of Guinness.

The barman asks, “Are you expecting company?”

“No,” Paddy replies. “One’s for me, one’s for me brother in America, and one’s for me brother in Australia.”

This goes on for weeks. Then one day, Paddy only orders two.

The barman, concerned, says, “Ah no Paddy, I’m sorry for your loss.”

Paddy looks confused and says, “What? Oh no! The lads are grand – I just gave up the drink myself.”

🧠 Did You Know?

The word “galore” comes from the Irish go leor, meaning “plenty” or “a lot.”

So when you hear someone say “Guinness galore,” they’re basically speaking Irish. You're fluent and didn't even know it.

Another fact? There’s an actual place called “Lost Car Park” in Cork city. Coincidence? I think not.

💬 Irish Quote of the Week

“There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet lost your car with.”

— Not exactly W.B. Yeats, but close enough.

🧠 Did You Know? Fascinating Facts About Cork

• The Rebel County: Cork earned this nickname due to its history of resistance, notably during the Irish War of Independence.
• Blarney Castle: Home to the famous Blarney Stone, which, legend says, grants the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.
• Butter Capital: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Cork was the world's largest exporter of butter, with the Cork Butter Market established in 1769.
• Titanic's Last Port: The town of Cobh in Cork was the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912.
• Culinary Delights: Cork boasts a vibrant food scene, with 13 Michelin-rated restaurants and events like the Cork on a Fork festival celebrating local cuisine. 

Read more amazing facts about Cork here.

👀 Coming Next Week...

A deep dive into the history of May Day in Ireland – and why some of our old traditions are a little bit spookier than you’d expect.

That’s all for now, folks. Mind yourselves this week, and if you go out on the lash – drop a pin. For the love of St. Anthony.

Slán agus beannacht,

Stephen Palmer

Founder Irish Around The World