Kilts in Ireland

[shillelaghbruises]

Well, by this time tomorrow I'll be on my way to the Emerald Isle with 100 or so other kids my age. But before I go (I'll try to check back while I'm there) I was hoping I could get some advice on wearing kilts in Ireland. My mother and her friend (they've both been there) think it's a bad idea to wear something so Scottish in Ireland, I think b/c of all the people of Scottish descent in Northern Ireland (my mom compared it to wearing a Spanish flag in the Basque region). I know there are Irish kilts, but I do understand where my mom is coming from and that the Irish might not really like it too much. I just wanted to know what all of you think of it.

[macwilkin]

Recommend you look at the Irish Kilt Club's web site; many persons wear kilts in the Irish Republic, as well as Northern Ireland.

http://www.somebody.to/irishkiltclub.htm

T.

[Alaskan]

Take note that, as mentioned on the site provided by episcopalscot, the national dress of Ireland is the kilt.

[macwilkin]

All of the Irish folks I have ever met have never expressed any "anti-kilt, anti-Scottish" attitudes towards me, and that is folks from both the Republic and from Northern Ireland. Oh sure, there is some good-natured teasing, but nothing serious.

T.

[Plastic Paddy]

My wife is Irish, from Dublin, and loves my kilts... or me in them. Her brother wears a kilt, but only for special events.

We went to the VFW, I was kilted, and when she saw their faces turned inside out at the sight of my kilt, she said loudly to them all, "Stop looking at my man's legs." Well no man in their right mind would be accused of looking at another man's legs in the VFW, so they quickly went about their business.

Needless to say, she is very supportive... of me and kilts.

Slainte,

Tobie

[Plastic Paddy]

I may add that the Irish are very polite, and only the knackers or thugs would say anything about someone in a kilt.

Have a good time.

Slainte,

Tobie

[Graham]

shillelaghbruises, I hope you have a great trip to Eire, I've been there only twice and see it as a wonderful place. It is rich in scenery, culture, heritage and music.

I'm most familiar with Co.Clare, where are you going?

[macwilkin]

I may add that the Irish are very polite, and only the knackers or thugs would say anything about someone in a kilt.

I would echo Paddy's sentiments here; the thugs, regardless of side they claim to be on in the Troubles, are just that: thugs. They (along with some of their counterparts here in the States) continue to stir up the hatreds that prompted this thread, but most folks in Ireland on both sides of the border just want peace. Sorry for the politics, but it needed to be said. I do not wish to discuss Irish politics, so let's not start, but wear your kilt in Ireland -- I think you'll be surprised at the reception you get.

T.

[GMan]

I have worn my kilt in front of Irish people here that come to visit, and find out that I am of Irish heritage and am extremely glad that I continue to carry on with my heritage.

Have a good trip my lad.

[Plastic Paddy]

I find that the people in my family, Irish and American, that aren't supportive of me wearing a kilt, are the type of person that wants to blend in and glide through life. It's a sad and boring way to go through life I think.

Slainte,

Tobie