'The Pale' is an area of Ireland from the North wall of Dundalk to the South of Dublin City. This has always been (and will continue to be) the most developed an wealthy area of the country. Anybody who comes from outside of this area is said to be from 'Beyond the Pale' meaning they are of a lower social class and intellect purely because of their geographical location. Great theory, I often rip apart people from outside the pale !!