Which tartan should be next?

[jkane]

Hi all,

I wore a Utilikilt for a while until I lost over 100 lbs and it won't stay up anymore. I now am wearing a Stillwater kilt with the velcro adjustable size. Early next year I am gonna get another kilt. I have been thinking about which tartan to get.

First off, I really want a Union leather kilt! But that is a given, so let's skip past that and move on to the tartan which comes at the same time.

Anyhow, I am a Kane which is Keane and that goes back to O'Cathain. That Sept was part of the O'neil Clan (Ireland if you haven't guessed yet). My GGrandfather came from Co Clare in the mid 1800.

So, I am wondering if I should go with a simple green Ireland National, a Co Clare, One of the northern counties where the Sept O'Cathain was from, or even an O'Neil tartan. Or maybe none of those would be right!

I am leaning towards the Co Clare. I like the look of it, and I feel most connected to it. Even though I have no idea who of my family may still live there. My GGrandfather did not pass down any contacts with his family. I have looked, but no connections yet either.

What do you all think of the other thoughts about the Northern counties or O'Neil clan?


I will wear a kilt almost anywhere! Mostly to beer drinking events and camping. Plus motorcycle events. I am not bashful by any means! I do feel weird at places like Irish Fest or when I am hanging around with people who have actual clans they meet with at least yearly. But, in the end, I get over it and don't let them give me a hard time for not having a family that is that close.

[St. Amish]

I am leaning towards the Co Clare. I like the look of it, and I feel most connected to it.

Sounds like your tartan!

[slohairt]

Yes, County Clare is very nice. Although your next decision would be which: the House of Edgar's County Clare or Marton Mills' Clare County Crest! Sorry!

[ziggy]

I kinda look at this from the point of view, which tratn do I like aesthetically, and also, which will "mean" the most to be? don't choose one necessarily to be historically appropriate, it may not be possible to do justifiably. ultimately, the tartan you're most at home with

[jkane]

Yes, County Clare is very nice. Although your next decision would be which: the House of Edgar's County Clare or Marton Mills' Clare County Crest! Sorry!

Hmmm! The House of Edgars is what I had been eyeballing. What's with the other one?

[Bruno]

Yes, County Clare is very nice. Although your next decision would be which: the House of Edgar's County Clare or Marton Mills' Clare County Crest! Sorry!

I like the Edgars IMO but you are the one wearing it.

[cessna152towser]

I share the problem of a Utilikilt which won't stay up any more. Well I always wear a belt to keep mine up. Just make sure not to wear it when flying when you have to remove your belt to go through security.
The Irish counties tartans are very nice, they combine a traditional look with a non-traditional tartan. Just don't expect people to recognise the tartan, I have worn my County Armagh tartan several times out and about while visiting County Armagh and not one person has yet recognised the tartan, though many have approached me and enquired as to which tartan I was wearing.

[ByDand]

Hi all,


I am leaning towards the Co Clare. I like the look of it, and I feel most connected to it. .

I think you have already answered the question. Go with what you feel best with and you won't be displeased. Have fun wearing it and wear it with pride.