I've never been frisked Ard but I have had my instrument case searched, a rucksack emptied, been question about who I am, what I do etc. In Holyhead in the past (I've not been over in years)...

Here is a little tale for you from my first ever trip to Ireland (c. 1987). I asked a friend and I was told his family would welcome me in Rathangan. I walked up there from Kildare town and met my friend's father. Something had clearly gone wrong in communications - his reaction was to call for my frined's brother saying something like "There's this English bastard at the gate who claims he knows you". Anyway, to cut a long story short, matters were soon resolved and I had a good 3 or 4 days camping in thier field/garden, going for walks by day along the canal, nice pints in pubs, being treated to proper soda bread cooked on a peat fueled range, etc.

I think I'm trying to say that the suspicion about many of us is quite unfounded (and perhaps it works the other way too). I've only had happy times in your country and even once asked (Keatings or perhaps Hughes in Dublin) to be kidnapped as I didn't want to get on the Dart to start my journey home.