The difference is between the "Shanty-Irish" and the "Lace Curtain Irish"

[Faust]

I've no idea what a shanty irish or lace curtain irish is.

Lace curtain Irish came to America in a cabin on a ship.

Shanty Irish got locked below decks when that ship sank.

Sounds like they both got a raw deal.

If the Irish had any luck, they'd be Londoners.

Back then maybe. I've lived in London. I'd never, ever live there again.

Because it's uber-expensive?

Because it is an ugly depressing city, full of Londoners.

Yes, but there's at least things to do.  I mean, besides play "pass the parcel" in a Belfast pub.

Hrm, I don't think so. Part of the big problem when I was a kid there was not even being able to play outdoors in case some creep snatched you.

London is one of the worst cities in Europe.