Irish pub culture & taking the piss

Yesterday I was reflecting a bit on my time in Ireland since I’m headed there now for the 30th+ time in my 28 years. I just wanted to ask about something I’ve often experienced in Ireland but never to the same extent anywhere else.

On any given night out, there’s a 90% chance I encounter a 30-55 y/o man or group of men who are DEEPLY committed to taking the piss. They’ll start chatting with me and/or my group and it’ll become clear that they’ve invented an elaborate backstory for themselves for the night or they’re pulling some sort of prank for the banter.

Examples: “This is my cousin from my grandad’s affair” and come to find out they’re just friends. “My wife over there is 15 years older than me” and come to find out he’s never been married. Or something like pretending to be a flat Earther or saying they can “spot prods by their nose.”

I’m not complaining haha but is this just a normal aspect of Irish pub culture and it’s happened to everyone?