Ireland and my kilt

[DrWilson]

I am heading off to Ireland in a few days and was wondering if anyone has been there with their kilt lately?

I know it more than likely will not be common especially this day in age but surely couldn't be as uncommon as here in Washington State.

Going to be a very long flight, with a very long lay-over. But I've really had my heart set on wearing it and more than likely will, consequences be damned.

Any experiences to share?

[The Q]

Ireland never was the home of the Kilt, it was purely a highland Gaelic (in Scotland) form of Dress. The Irish wore the liene but not the kilt.
The adoption of the Kilt in Ireland is 19th /20th century, was firstly by those supporting Irish independance then by both British- Irish regiments and and Irish regiments.
Unless you come across the Army on parade in Ireland you probably have less chance of seeing a kilt there, than in Washington state.

[Jock Scot]

We have a member here who resides in the island of Ireland who might spot this thread and comment. Where are you John?

However Q is pretty much on the mark in my experience.

[John_Carrick]

I'm here Master!

Dr Wilson. You will be politely and even warmly received across Ireland (RoI and NI) and I would not worry about which tartans you wear, because tartan is seen as Scottish, kilts are Scottish and Scots are well regarded Celtic cousins, with a similar culture and a degree of common heritage. There are a few kilties around. There will be kilts aplenty in pipe bands on St Patrick's Day or in Orange Parades in Northern Ireland in July. In the summer months there will be a series of pipe band events, especially in the North (Google Ulster Scots Society).

You may be asked if you are a piper or here for a wedding, or the occasional sarcastic youth will praise your skirt. I'm sure this is all water off a duck's back. I've had one abusive comment in 13 years here.

The Saffron kilt will go down especially well, but people will not recognise individual tartans, even for their own county. About half the population in Northern Ireland have some Ulster Scots heritage and may be especially interested.

Go for it. I have no solution for the long haul flight (perhaps some sports trousers and change back at the airport perhaps?).

I will PM some contact details in case you are in my neck of the woods.

Slan go foill

John

[Cedric the Bagpiper]

Greetings,

I visited Ireland 2 years ago and kept a watchful eye for all things "kilted". The only kilt noted was in a picture of a piper at an oyster house I visited south of Galway. That said, I do actually see more kilts worn in everyday circumstances here in Washington State than I did in Ireland (mostly utili-kilt style). I hope you have an excellent trip!

[cessna152towser]

I have worn kilts in both Eire (RoI) and Northern Ireland (NI). Most folk took no notice and what few comments were made were positive.
On one occasion I saw a lot of other kilted gents around Belfast city centre and at the airport as there was a pipe band contest taking place that weekend, but otherwise I have not encountered any other kilties during my visits to Ireland.