Irish Tartans?

[macwilkin]

There is no "governing body" for the registering of tartans in Ireland. The Office of Arms has taken the position that registering tartans is beyond the scope of its function.

I am uncertain as to what, if any, statutory status the various "tartan authorities" enjoy. My perception is that these are based on private initiative, rather than being founded by any act of government. If that is the case then their pronouncements aren't worth two hoots as they are merely "opinions" (albeit given by some very knowledgeable people) without any legal authority to back them up. If this is so, then I for one wouldn't worry overly whether my "Irish tartan" was "official" or not.

If you like it, wear it.

Scott,

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough: when I said "governing body" I meant a county council/local government. That wasn't a slam on the tartan; however, most tartan scholars agree that for a tartan to be "officially" recognised, it must be from sort of government body. Here in North America that generally means a state legislature or a provincial assembly.

To my knowledge, none of the county tartans have been recognised as the official tartan of County Mayo, Kerry, etc. by their respective local governments. And to be honest, I tend to agree with you; if you like it, wear it.

Please don't read too much into it that I was trying to degrade these tartans.

T.