There is no doubt that Ireland is an ever-changing country, but these things which were typical in the 80s will prove just that.
Ireland has changed a lot over the years, and there are many things we witnessed in the 1980s that we certainly wouldn’t see today in Ireland.
With Ireland becoming a busier, more populated country and more restrictions appearing, we can look back and see just how different life was in the old days. So, let’s see how many things you remember.
Here are ten things you could do in Ireland in the 80s that you can’t do now.
10. Drive without an NCT test – no need for it
Believe it or not, the NCT or National Car Test was just brought into Ireland in 2000, so before this, you could drive to your heart’s content without worrying about the dreaded NCT.
In the 80s, it was a luxury to have a car, so when you did, you made sure it was well maintained regardless.
9. Win a walkman as a prize – the sought-after device
While many things out there today captivate us, such as the latest iPhone, Go Pros or even high-tech drones, the walkman was the most sought-after music box of the 80s.
One of the things you could do in the 80s was win a walkman as a first prize, which was as exciting as it got.
8. Let your kids play on the street – when kids could be kids
Back in the 80s, there were far fewer cars on the road than there are today, so letting your kids play out on the road was quite normal, as well as the fact that we generally knew all our neighbours, so it was a safe thing to do.
However, a lot has changed these days, and it’s not something we can easily do anymore.
7. Enjoy holidays at Mosney – the best place for summer adventures
Mosney, located in County Meath, was the place to go for the holidays since it was the first Butlin’s holiday camp outside the UK and provided all the necessary facilities for families and groups.
It was opened in 1948 as Butlin’s and became Mosney Holiday Centre from 1982 until 2000 when it had its last season.
6. Rent a video – the weekend event
One of the things you could do in Ireland in the 80s that you can’t do now is rent a video. Videos are a thing of the past, and in the 80s, renting a video from your local Xtravision was the highlight of the weekend, not to mention the whole experience of choosing the film and the treats to go with it.
5. Get away with wearing leg warmers – the 80s fashion statement
Yes, the 80s was the era for legwarmers, and not many people would venture outside wearing a pair of leggings with accompanying leg warmers. However, in the 1980s, this was as normal as a crisp sandwich.
4. Let your dog roam free – freedom for dogs
We all had the local neighbourhood dogs who walked around from house to house and then returned home in the evening.
This was a normal thing in the 80s, but now with more and more restrictions for dogs being off lead and busy roads, neither is allowed or safe to do in modern Ireland.
3. Get more for your money – a pound went a long way
In the 1980s in Ireland, the currency was the Irish pound, not the euro. The 80s was not a booming time for the country, and while there weren’t many chances for luxury items, we certainly did get more for our pound than we do for our euro these days.
Most 80s children will recall buying a whole host of sweets and treats for under a pound, which cannot be said for Ireland in 2022.
2. Drive on Dublin’s beaches – the freedom of the coast
Most Dubliners will remember the days when you spent the summer parking the car on the beach, putting out the picnic blanket and enjoying the glorious weather.
In contrast, others may even remember learning to drive on beaches such as Donabate and Dollymount Beach, which is now restricted.
1. Smoke indoors – an authentic smoky Irish pub
One of the things you could do in Ireland in the 80s that you can’t do now is smoke indoors until the ban came in 2004, which included workplaces, bars, restaurants and enclosed public places.
Ireland was the first country to introduce such a ban, and many other countries followed.
So, there it is, ten things you could do in Ireland in the 80s that you can’t do now. Do they ring a bell?
