Bernard O'Shea: Observe the Constitution of the Irish Family Holiday

"...it’s time we acknowledged the truth: Without formal governance, Irish family holidays descend into chaos."

This will be you and your loved ones, provided the Constitution of Irish Family Holidays is adhered to.

There's a particular look Irish people get when you mention a family holiday. It’s a mix of hope, dread, and a kind of facial tension. 

On paper, it sounds idyllic: You, your siblings, their spouses, the grandchildren, maybe a stray cousin who’s “between places” — all heading off together for a glorious week of bonding in a rented house by the sea.