Americans talk about the 'Black Irish' - many a myth of Ireland has erupted in the U.S.

Some say;

1. That black hair is evidence of the Spaniards marooned on our shores during the Armada. Only thing is the number of shipwrecked Spanish sailors who landed and stayed in Ireland was few.

2. It is also said that 'the black Irish' were the Phoenicians, (that is the first settlers). The 'red Irish' descendants are Normans descendants, Blond Irish are Vikings descendents. Only thing is which blows this theory from the water is were are the good old Gaels and what colour hair are they supposed to have?

3. Another thought is that black hair is left over from the indigenous population who were overrun by Gaels. A tale has been spun, that there are more black Irish in the western counties (like Cork), which wasn't reached by Gaelic invaders. But were does that leave your redheads in cork? - probably down to swarming U.S tourists :-) I see a nice image of a red haired lass in Celtic costume in your gallery! Just out of interest Turtle do you have red hair :-)

But more frequently 'Black Irish' is used as a term for immigrants from Britain or generally anyone foreign. this is generally a negative connotation, but can be sometimes used in a coy way amongst friends. This term comes from the word 'blaggard' which in turn means black (hearted) Bold or Brazen. Maybe it was this term you grandmother was referring to ???

The notion of someone with red hair being the epitome of an Irish lass, is plain old incorrect. As my old school motto used to say 'The truth shall set you free' - I did not say that there are no red head's in the country, just that they are slim to middlin' and Ireland as like many other countries we has a good old melting pot going on!

Forever Jolly
:-)
Helena

Jolly : CP Store :