The controllers in the UK are usually excellent.
However ATC in Irish airspace seem often unable to stick to proper phraseology.
Just the other day I was given this clearance:
'climb to (2?) eight zero'
When I asked for clarification I got a snide sounding slow readback (with heavy emphasis on the previously missing phrase 'Flight Level'). The emphasis continued in all level clearances until handover. Childish.
The thing about pilots is that they travel from sector to sector getting variable standards of controlling, and soon recognise what's good and what's gash.
Controllers (esp. in Ireland) just don't get the same kind of exposure on a daily basis, so if standards are allowed to slip they can soon become pretty bad by comparison.