Brian,

WELCOME I want to say that I too am of Irish Descent. I have a Co Fermanagh a District Tartan. I want both a green and saffron, but as of yet have not gotten any. I would like to suggest that you look at the various kilt makers that post here. I know that both Rocky (USAKilts) and Bear (Bearkilts) have tartans that you may like that do not have an affiliation with the Highlands. Bear has on his sight a kilt comparison section which is very helpful in decision making. Also like Bubba said you can get a tartan that you like.

Read some of the posts here, and do not be afraid to ask questions, because even if you think that it is a shallow question, it means something to you, and by the responses you get you may even be educating the others on the board.

What you may find is that we are a very independant bunch here, and we are not necessarily bound by tradition.