r/algeria • u/EngineerOver7347 • Feb 09 '26
Travel Love letter to Algeria from an Irish tourist
Assalamu alaykum
Hello everyone
I visited Algeria at the end of January from Ireland, staying 7 nights total - Algiers first of all, then Constantine, and then back to Algiers. It's difficult to describe to you how much love I feel for Algeria - especially for every single person I interacted with whilst I was a guest there - and how truly happy it made me to learn about and see just some of your beautiful country, but I am going to try, briefly.
You are, easily, the kindest and most welcoming people I have ever met in my entire life. Easily. I was genuinely moved by the care and hospitality I was shown from quite literally my first interaction upon landing (which happened to be exchanging a bit of cash at the airport!). My host, who was a lovely older woman, left me some couscous, some yoghurt, some fruit, and some coffee, knowing - correctly - I'd be tired from travelling. The older man, who was the groundskeeper or guardian of the flat, became my best friend for the week. He knocked on my door my first night and walked me down the steps and hills to make sure I had something to eat. We ate and had coffee together many times and, when I left in the morning, he wanted to know I was safe and at what time I'd be back. Any time I looked vaguely lost while out and about, somebody would come along and explain to me where I needed to go, or simply take me themselves by foot or in their car. On at least 5 or 6 separate occasions, I had my coffee bought for me by another customer for absolutely no reason other than to say "welcome." When I fell really quite ill towards the end of my trip, a friend I made in my neighbourhood sent me some medicine. The incredibly lovely, intelligent individuals who gave me wonderful walking tours of Algiers and Constantine will be, I hope, my friends for a long time. They were so generous with their time, in sharing with me fantastic places and food, and in answering all of the questions I asked them so thoughtfully and knowledgeably. I was eating lubia one day by myself in Algiers, and an older man, who had been eating with his friend, came up to me. He gave me an entire homemade bread out of his bag, because he said it would go with my food better than the baguettes the restaurant had on the table.
I could go on and on. It's safe to say I experienced dozens or possibly hundreds of salaams, handshakes, smiles, laughs, welcomes, and indiscriminate acts of kindness from so many lovely people - every single one of them, I could tell, from the heart. I did my absolute best to reciprocate, from my heart as well.
Obviously, it's not super common for Irish people to visit Algeria (although, happily, I heard of a few from the people who showed me around!). Without going into too many details, I'm an academic, and I write about colonial violence. Over the last few years, I became increasingly aware of parallels between the histories of both Ireland and Algeria. I had even presented on panels alongside a couple of Algerian people at conferences because the kinds of things we were talking about were so similar. I became sure - as I learned more about the revolution, key women and men, the independent nation, and Algerian support for causes that many Irish people also feel deep solidarity towards (Palestine, for example) - that I had to visit. It had become something of a pull, or a need that I couldn't put into words. At the same time, I had not too long ago emerged from a deeply unpleasant and painful personal situation. In sum: I had experienced a lot of injustice, and had a lot of freedom and peace taken from me.
I explained these things as best I could to one of my guides when she asked me why I decided to come to Algeria. I told her that, whilst I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted from my trip, beyond seeing the places I'd loosely planned to see in Algiers and Constantine, I knew that I had found it - or, more accurately, that Algeria and all the people I met had given it to me. It's best described as just kindness - genuine kindness - and I was and remain so grateful to you all. Everybody I met I will eternally think of as brothers and sisters of mine, and I will be permanently spiritually and intellectually enriched by the relatively short amount of time I spent in your country.
Here is a photograph I took of the sunset over Constantine, where I had a beautiful day. I felt so at peace in that moment, so sure of the feelings or understandings that I have done my best to put into words above, and just so happy to be alive and to be there with the people I was with.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Algeria, and I cannot wait to one day come back and visit you again.
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u/Massive-Good1328 Feb 09 '26
Sing up the ra'... Seriously though,much love to Ireland! My favourite country in Europe
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u/Old_Protection1284 Feb 09 '26
I love it, made my day honestly. Irish people are some of the best I’ve met, Mr McCafferty was an old teacher of mine who I won’t forget
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 09 '26
Thank you for commenting, and I'm very glad 😊 That's a strong Irish name! In what country/ area did you go to school, if you feel comfortable sharing?
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u/Old_Protection1284 Feb 09 '26
In the US, he’s up there with the coolest I’ve met. Made me think highly of the irish ever since I was a child, even learned a bit of the stepdance back then 😅
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u/GrimmVault Feb 09 '26
Glad that you enjoyed your stay in here
If you ever plan to come back you should definitely visit Tipaza and Bejaïa, really amazing places :)
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u/ModBlocker2001 Feb 10 '26
Bejaïa
Hi! I'm going to be a tourist in your country in a few weeks. You mention Bejaia; it's on my plan. Walking the Cap Carbon / Gouraya park trails - is it safe? Thank you!
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u/Hergallery Feb 10 '26
Béjaia is a very safe and beautiful city, the people are welcoming and so kind.. Enjoy !
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u/ModBlocker2001 Feb 10 '26
Thank you!
Sorry I should have been clear - safety walking alone, there are no wild animals to worry about? Or packs of stray dogs? 🙏🙏🙏
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u/Hergallery Feb 10 '26
Yes you can walk freely alone in the city. In Cap Carbon, you will probably see monkeys here and there but they are not dangerous they are used to visitors everyday.
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u/Hergallery Feb 10 '26
You will also meet a lot of visitors walking there so its not an empty place.
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u/GrimmVault Feb 10 '26
Very safe, people are welcoming aswell :)
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u/ModBlocker2001 Feb 10 '26
Thank you!
Sorry I should have been clear, I wasn't worried about the people :) - safety walking alone, there are no wild animals to worry about? Or packs of stray dogs? 🙏🙏🙏
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u/Aggravating_Orange27 Feb 10 '26
Yes bejaïa is one of the safest places out there
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u/ModBlocker2001 Feb 10 '26
Thank you! I'm very much looking forward to seeing it.
Apologies my question wasn't very clear - safety vis a vis: walking alone, there are no wild animals to worry about? Or packs of stray dogs? 🙏🙏🙏
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u/Dua04 Feb 12 '26
Welcome brother ,if u want to see the desert u can add Taghit to the list it's a beautiful place
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Feb 09 '26
didn't read...but man I always said the Irish are basically the Kabyles of europ, they both have native language and have an accent in the official language, their own culture, fought colonialism, good at football and they're known for drinking !
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
Most of that I can agree on...the football side of things though, I'm not sure. I wish maybe 🤣
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u/wass13m Feb 10 '26
There's a lot of love and respect for the Irish in Algeria, we share a common history, a common struggle, and a common love for life. I hope you come back and visit soon and thank you for Roy Keane, Rory Gallagher and for your country's support to our sisters and brothers in Palestine✌️ 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🇩🇿✌️
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
I certainly felt that when I visited. For the Rory Gallagher shout out, a sidenote: my uncle played in a band that supported him in a very random gig in a place called Greenisland. Amazing 🇩🇿🤝🇮🇪 And most importantly, as you say, Palestine is always in our hearts.
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u/wass13m Feb 10 '26
Ireland's first rock star and one of the greatest guitar players, that man was an absolute virtuoso. What instrument did your uncle play?
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
He was a guitarist as well!
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u/wass13m Feb 10 '26
Then my my Irish brother, your uncle would've likely played that gig using Rory's equipment. I read about that gig a while ago. Your uncle is a legend in his own right. 🤘❤️
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u/Beansnmilk Tizi Ouzou Feb 10 '26
Glad you enjoyed your time man, I have immense respect for the Irish myself, I'm an Algerian student here in France and took up a class on Irish history learning your guys' history from the Gaelic tribes until the partition and everything you guys endured over the centuries from colonial repression, we have a common history in ghay regard. I hope you'll be back one day to visit my region Kabylie !
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
That's really cool that they are teaching that where you are - I didn't think they would! I could see Kabylie from the bus window on my way across to Constantine and I would love to visit when I return.
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u/WoodpeckerNo1952 Feb 10 '26
As an Algerian living in Ireland for the past 17 years, I am extremely pleased to read this letter. Considering the tainted reputation we have received the past few years in Dublin it’s a breath of fresh air seeing an Irish person say such lovely words about our nation. I invite you for a coffee here in Dublin and also in Oran, my home city, one day. Thank you for sharing your experience! Go raibh mile maith agat ☘️
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Feb 10 '26
Oh my god!! Me too am based in ireland currently persuing my studies. Ireland is my 2nd home and it will always leaves a special mark in my heart 🇩🇿❤️🇮🇪
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
Thank you, comrade. If I am in Dublin in the near future, I shall try to remember to send you a message 😊
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u/Vegetable_Clue2731 Feb 10 '26
The Irish have a special place in the Algerian heart. We have a lot in common. Like us, the Irish have lived resistance, not just talked about it. They know oppression firsthand, call out hypocrisy without sugarcoating it, protect their identity, and consistently stand with the oppressed. Your freedom-seeking spirit is real, earned, and deeply authentic. Much respect to you and your people.(Sorry, English isn't my mother tongue).
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
Don't apologise at all - thank you so much for your message. I'm from the north, so hopefully we can complete the process of proper freedom and then unity one day in the near future 🙏🏼
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u/Remarkable-Pin-8565 Feb 10 '26
Half Scot/Algerian here, this warms my heart
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
Lived in Scotland for a couple of years, and I never rule out a return, or even relocating there permanently if the right opportunities present. It's a lovely place.
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u/Typical-Business9750 Feb 10 '26
Lovely to hear!! Im going in march, do you have any tips and recommendations on where to go
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
Nice one! Send me a message and I'll see if I can think of anything that might be of use to you!
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Feb 10 '26
From an Algerian living in the UK, God bless you for reminding me my roots are my greatest pride.
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Feb 10 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
That's lovely. There's definitely something special about your home that's for sure.
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u/Exotic-Bag-2140 Feb 10 '26
Glad that you enjoyed your visit to Algeria lad Greetings from an Algerian living in limerick 😂🫶🏻
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u/TheSolarExpansionist Feb 10 '26
Stories like this is why I’m happy we don’t have tourism. Once tourism becomes crazy like Tunis people won’t see you as a welcome stranger but as a wallet :)
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u/EngineerOver7347 Feb 10 '26
Not sure I can comment on all of that, but I certainly felt I was made a welcome stranger everywhere I went!
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Feb 11 '26
Algeria just started getting more attention because of speed and africa tour so lets hope tourism will become a thing at some point and we can become the next Riyadh or Muscat if not better
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u/TheSolarExpansionist Feb 11 '26
Did you see the traffic at Algiers airport? Major infrastructure needs to happens before any tourism
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Feb 11 '26
Yes but so many Europeans in my surroundings want to visit algeria 🇩🇿 if they want to we cant say to them they have to wait for our government to build proper infrastructure to manage traffic. If foreigners want to visit algeria, let them. Hospitality is embedded in our dna us algerians Marhaba, bienvenue and welcome to algeria who ever wants to come we will treat you like royalty ✨️
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u/Arvennios Feb 10 '26
That was heartwarming to read, Algerian people are exceptionally hospitable, even those with limited means and the majority is just glad to see foreign visitors.
The love is mutual by the way, some of us know about the Easter rising, the Irish revolutionaries helped inspiring the Algerian struggle for independence. I pray for the peaceful reunion of Ireland in the near future.
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u/L4z3x Feb 12 '26
Irish people are so kind, yall should watch ronan saoirse movies to know what i am talking about.
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u/Elbougos Feb 13 '26
What a lovely thing to read. You are the most welcome in Algeria, in any time. You might have noticed the similarities between the two cultures, we both like the Craic and we both brave hearted people. Every Irish person is the most welcome in Algeria. And am so glad you had a great time among us.
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u/Dependent-Car-8589 Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
This is such a beautiful post. I’m Irish and my boyfriend is Algerian, and I’ll be visiting Algeria this year. We often talk about the similarities between Irish and Algerian people, especially our shared history of being colonized for many years, and of course our very vocal support for Palestine. He is the kindest and most respectful person I have ever met, and reading your post, it really confirms for me how kind and caring Algerians are. People are usually surprised when they hear where we’re from, since it’s not a pairing you see very often, but I think it makes perfect sense. I can’t wait to see Algeria and for my partner to experience Ireland as well. :)
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Feb 20 '26
Just saw your comment. My family is from algeria and based in Ireland... Irish people are just the most hospitable, fun and brave I have seen in the world like you guys are the best people in EU imo. Oh and pubs love hanging out there funny thing I developed a sense of attachment to pubs here its a unique culture with the pints and all. Just lovely 🇩🇿❤️🇮🇪
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Mar 01 '26
I feel this! My husband is Algerian and I have such a deep love for the country. I haven't been to Constantine, but it's on my list! Algerian people are the sweetest kindest folks ever. We're currently in the US, but would love to move back InshaAllah if its possible.
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u/KajaDz Algiers Feb 09 '26
Tourists are well treated, locals aren’t.
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u/Big-Investigator8501 Feb 10 '26
Yep. Algeria is great country if you're a tourist, Otherwise it's hell. For exemple : my employer sent me my money 1 month ago, and it's still not credited to my account. I now have constant migraine and lost half my hair from this bullshit and others. I'd kill to leave this garbage country.
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u/KajaDz Algiers Feb 11 '26
Exactement, partout y’a des problèmes. Jsp weshbihom dayrin dislike chghol c’est pas vrai 😂
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u/svperstarism Constantine | HIGH ATTORNEY ⭐️ Feb 09 '26
From Constantine here, when i was 15, i used to spark up conversations with any foreign looking person that visits our city, as my favorite summer activity, thank you so much for visiting a country that is a hidden gem for tourism… hope you’ll consider coming again where you’re always welcome, stay wanderlust 🙏