Dublin Irish Festival and Kilting in Public

[jrmiller]

I recently attended the 2008 Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, OH.

It was truly an outstanding festival, there were many very large tents with all manner of Celtic musical entertainment within. We sat for the Tannahill Weavers (http://www.tannahillweavers.com/) an outstanding group visiting from Scotland.

There were many places where you could purchase beer and ale, the lines were incredibly long (it was very hot the evening we visited).

Also several shops selling all manner of food, jewelry, clothing (did see some kilts) and general Celtic gift items.

I did not have an Irish National kilt, so I was torn between wearing my Scottish National and my Utilikilt (plain tan). Given this was an Irish Festival, I chose the Utilikilt.

No one gave me a glance as I walked thru the crowds. I was hoping to see at least another kilt or two and was very pleasantly surprised to see many Utilikilts! There were also several Irish National kilts in evidence as well.

So, like me, many others who enjoy their kilts donned them for this event.

I will wear my kilt for a night on the town or just to the movies and my wife always reminds me that I am the only one in the entire world that must like these things! No one else ever wears them she says! It was very gratifying to see so many other UK's at the festival.

Guys, get out there and wear your kilts. If enough of us do it, they will eventually be fully accepted with no more gripes or sneers from the crowd!

I also wanted to note that I met Captain Karrot (Keith), another member of this board and yes, his hair is red!