Irish Tartan
Hello All:
I’m new to this site. I’m Irish/American and proud of my Irish and Celtic heritage. Needless to say, I’ve become enamored with the kilt (thank you Scotland). It seems they’re more popular in Scotland than Ireland, but increasingly more popular with Irish Americans, especially the Irish National, Irish American, Irish Diaspora, County/Districts, and a few clans. I’ve been looking into my McDonough clan and, yes, there is a tartan…the original spelling: MacDonagh.
So, my question is: is there anyone out there who has ordered this unique tartan? Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Or, just talkin’ the kilt talk is fine. Hope to hear from someone. Denny
1101 Answers
It’s not a surprise that kilts are more popular in Scotland than Ireland, as they are a scottish garment not an Irish one!
In a real sense though , they are probably more popular as a everyday garment in America, not just for special days.
There is no real evidence that the Irish ever wore kilts, and although the Scoti came from the North of Ireland to the place we now call Scotland, there is nothing to suggest that they brought kilts with them.
The Macdonald clan is a huge one, with lots of variations, so if you like the look, of course wear it with pride.
There are now a complete(almost) range of Irish county tartans from a few different suppliers, completly designed to fill a merchandising need, without any historical background, but often using the colours of the coats of arms. In time, I suspect, they will be seen as representing the differnet parts or areas of Ireland, in exactly the same way that the orignal “clan” colours of Scotland were rather arbitary as well, but now we see them as the “colours” of Scottish Families.
Whatever tartan you wear I think it is a great idea to have an idea of it’s background and history, when you get yourself your tartan, be proud and show it off!
