This film fell flat for me. If that was the director's intention, then job well done.

My friend with Irish relatives said it was a hilarious study of Irish stubbornness.

My favorite movie based in Ireland is The Field (1990), based on the play by Irish playwright John B. Keane. Profoundly dark, allegorical, haunting:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099566/

My partner I found it gripping and unsettling from start to finish, and yet hilarious and heart warming and life affirming. It's a weird genre we decided; tragi-comedy. In some ways all the funniest bits were in the trailer, but the trailer doesn't really prepare you for the tragic parts.

Agree. By the time (spoiler) he threatens to set the house on fire at a specific time, you can’t help but realize the whole thing’s a metaphor for the civil war.

Deals with the idea that friendship, while supportive and kind, can also be extremely dull. At least that was my takeaway. What makes any relationship worth it?