Since the early 20th century, when Joyce wrote "Araby," Dublin has undergone many changes, yet many of the conditions from that era still persist today. In 1904, all of Ireland was under British rule, a situation that caused deep resentment among the Irish people. Although the nationalist group Sinn Fein (which later contributed to the formation of the Irish Republican Army—the IRA) had not yet been established, Irish politics were already lively and contentious. The issue of Irish independence from Britain was a major concern for every citizen.

Roman Catholicism, Ireland's predominant religion, significantly influenced Irish culture. Many families enrolled their children in schools run by Jesuit priests (such as the school attended by the narrator in "Araby") and convent schools managed by nuns (like the one attended by Mangan's sister). Folklore, fairy tales, and stories passed down through generations were common forms of family entertainment. These cultural traditions contributed to several turn-of-the-century Irish stereotypes, such as large families, drunkenness, poverty, and imaginative storytelling.

The prevalence of large families in early 20th-century Ireland was largely a result of Catholic beliefs. Divorce was against church doctrine, and both abortion and birth control were considered mortal sins. Additionally, it was deemed a mortal sin for spouses to refuse sexual relations to avoid having more children. Consequently, it was common for Irish Catholic families to be quite large and often live in poverty as a result. Although the modern Catholic Church does not wield as much influence, these issues continue to play a significant role in Irish culture today.

At the turn of the century, there were no televisions or radios for entertainment. Many homes lacked electricity and were heated only by a central fireplace. Therefore, storytelling after dinner (or "tea") was one of the few available forms of entertainment. Given these living conditions, it is understandable why an event like the bazaar in "Araby" would generate such high expectations.

The stereotype of the drunken Irishman partly stems from the widespread poverty experienced by many in Ireland following the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. Beer was inexpensive and often safer to drink than water. The Irish were also renowned for their whiskey, which many still consider the finest in the world. The local pub served as the village's central gathering place and also functioned as a small hotel for travelers. Visitors could always find warm hospitality, good beer, hearty mutton stew, and engaging stories around the hearth to lift their spirits. In the evenings, men would gather at the pub to drink, discuss politics or sports, and enjoy music. Unfortunately, this led many men to squander their limited resources, reinforcing the stereotype of the drunken, irresponsible Irishman. The narrator's uncle in "Araby," who keeps the narrator and the pawn broker's widow waiting before coming home drunk, fits this stereotype.

In major cities such as Dublin and Belfast, numerous Irish cultural stereotypes have faded away as Ireland has modernized. However, in various regions of Ireland, poverty remains prevalent, and the pub continues to serve as the social hub of the town.

1906: The Abbey Theatre is established in Dublin, driven by prominent literary figures like W. B. Yeats, aiming to spark a cultural renaissance in Ireland.

Today: Irish theater and playwrights, such as Neil Jordan (known for The Crying Game), enjoy both critical acclaim and global popularity.

1906: The Irish nationalist organization Sinn Fein (meaning "We Ourselves" in Gaelic) is founded with the objective of securing Irish independence from English rule over all of Ireland.

Today: While most of Ireland gained sovereignty in 1948, Northern Ireland, composed of six counties, remains under English control. English troops are stationed in Northern Ireland, and the IRA (Irish Republican Army) continues its terrorist activities.

1899: W. B. Yeats releases The Wind Among the Reeds, a poetry collection that weaves in ancient Irish-Gaelic myths and cultural traditions.

Today: Irish poet Seamus Heaney, who explores Ireland's cultural and physical landscapes in his work, is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995.