"Ireland sober is Ireland stiff"

In this quote, James Joyce is recommending that the Irish individuals are known for their love of alcohol which without it, they become stiff and unyielding. He is commenting on the cultural stereotype of the Irish as heavy drinkers and how this excessive drinking is viewed as a defining quality of their identity. By saying "Ireland sober is Ireland stiff," Joyce is indicating that without the impact of alcohol, the Irish lose their sense of looseness and spontaneity, ending up being more uptight and restrained. This quote can also be analyzed as a criticism of the negative impacts of alcohol on Irish society and the need for moderation in their drinking habits.