I need some assistance

**ravenccp1** · 18th March 07, 02:23 AM

I am of Irish decent and I would like to purchase a kilt but which one is right for me? Does it matter about family name or does that not matter. If someone can help me please email me at ravenccp1@yahoo.com And if it is possible that my family are actually Scottish then how would I find that out.

**Pour1Malt** · 18th March 07, 02:32 AM

walcome tae the rabble...

start here... http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...earchid=466097

**porrick** · 18th March 07, 03:00 AM

First of all: a warm welcome to the rabble from northern Norway

Pour1malt has given you a good link.

In short, many of the Irish tartans are relatively new (so are Scottish, depending with what you compare...). There are some Irish family names with "own" tartans, but you will see the district tartans are many in Ireland.

Many have a personal relationship to tartans, as in family/geographical connections - and some chose a tartan out of liking to the colours.
The Irish National is always a safe bet...

Good luck - you'll enjoy!

**Jerry** · 18th March 07, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by ravenccp1

I am of Irish decent and I would like to purchase a kilt but which one is right for me? Does it matter about family name or does that not matter. If someone can help me please email me at ravenccp1@yahoo.com

Are you sure you are Irish? My father's family immigrated to Va from County Tyrone in the late 1920s. A couple of years ago, my last relative on his side of the family (in this country) passed away, and with him my only contact with the family in Ireland. I stopped by the Irish American tent at a Celtic festival to see if they could provide some ideas as to how I might re-establish contact with my "Irish" relatives, and after looking in their books, a representative informed me, "You are really a Scot" I'm still trying to find someone in the Dungannon area, though.

**David Dalglish** · 18th March 07, 04:35 AM

Welcome from Carlisle England

**cessna152towser** · 18th March 07, 05:25 AM

from the Scottish Borders.

You might like to consider a district tartan rather than, or as well as, a family tartan.

**ardchoille77** · 18th March 07, 06:53 AM

If you can't choose which tartan to go with, the Irish National Tartan is a safe bet. However, you can get Irish county tartans like Antrim, Tyrone, Donegal, just to name a few. I have the St. Patrick tartan from Lochcarron, and I wear it out of respect for him, and I am also looking at the county Donegal tartan because that's where my family is from in Ireland. Part Scottish/ Part Irish. The best of both worlds. Whatever irish tartan you choose I wish you the best of luck, and wear it with pride.

Ard Choille

Mike

**Fearnest** · 18th March 07, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by ravenccp1

I am of Irish decent and I would like to purchase a kilt but which one is right for me? Does it matter about family name or does that not matter.

Welcome to the fray!

I think it only matters if you decide it matters. Find one you're happy with, and let it go at that! If that happens to be a family tartan, a district tartan, or the Irish National, then so be it!

As to your "please email me," you'll find we like to drag most everything (and everyone) through the process where everyone can revel in it (and on occasion - if you can imagine - post contradictory opinions).

**Rusty** · 18th March 07, 08:27 AM

Welcome from North Dakota

I can echo the others before me...... it's all good advice.
I recently purchased a kilt in the Irish National tartan from Stillwater Kilts. If you don't have the money for a Tank an SWK is a good starter kilt.

**PiobBear** · 18th March 07, 08:54 AM

Many of the County tartans are quite lovely, particularly Mayo. I wear the saffron, both for it's history and as I'm a piper. I also like the All Ireland Green (I like the colors better than the Irish National).