Interesting email from an Irish fellow about Irish kilts.

[macwilkin]

Lets not forget the plantations of the late 1600's early 1700's. Lots of Scots were brought over, as well as some English.

Frank

The plantations are a bit different though, Frank. As I mentioned, the Old English and the Anglo-Normans assimilated into the larger Irish society, whilst the Lowland Scots, Borderers and others generally avoided their "Irish" neighbours all together.

Regards,

Todd

[irishcoloradoan]

Very interesting - and informative. Makes me wish I'd talked to my grandmother more before she passed. Thanks!

[Phil]

This one seems to run and run. What many here may not appreciate is that Ireland and Scotland are only separated by a narrow stretch of water - you can see the coast from either side. People have crossed over and intermixed from time immemorial and there is really little or no difference in culture, language or outlook, especially as many, such as myself, have roots in both countries.

[KiltKenny]

This one seems to run and run. What many here may not appreciate is that Ireland and Scotland are only separated by a narrow stretch of water - you can see the coast from either side. People have crossed over and intermixed from time immemorial and there is really little or no difference in culture, language or outlook, especially as many, such as myself, have roots in both countries.

I'm going to agree with Phil here, as my family are from both areas as well. In point of fact from county Donegal, Ireland the mileage to Scotland is fairly minimal. Add to that the idea that we are all one in spirit no matter Irish, Scottish, English, or Welsh, when wearing the kilt we acknowledge our common celtic backgrounds and our common pride and heritage.

[Carolina Kiltman]

A number of "Irish" family names are actually "Old English"; i.e. settlers in Ireland who came over after the Norman invasion. Over time, the "Old English" and Normans were assimilated into the larger Irish society.

T.

And swhile we are on it, do not forget the Norman names, Fitzpatrick, Fitzgerald and the like, were originally Norman. Now everyone just assumes with one of those names, they are of Irish extraction. (Fitz being the NF equivalent Mc/Mac).

[slohairt]

The plantations are a bit different though, Frank. As I mentioned, the Old English and the Anglo-Normans assimilated into the larger Irish society, whilst the Lowland Scots, Borderers and others generally avoided their "Irish" neighbours all together.

Regards,

Todd

Indeed. Many Highlander gallowglass were assimilated into the native Irish population before the Plantations as well.

[macwilkin]

Indeed. Many Highlander gallowglass were assimilated into the native Irish population before the Plantations as well.

Yes indeed; I forgot to mention the galloglass, the west Highland mercenaries.

Todd

[O'Callaghan]

This one seems to run and run. What many here may not appreciate is that Ireland and Scotland are only separated by a narrow stretch of water - you can see the coast from either side. People have crossed over and intermixed from time immemorial and there is really little or no difference in culture, language or outlook, especially as many, such as myself, have roots in both countries.

I believe there are quite a few differences between Irish and Scottish culture, as well as many similarities. There's also only ten miles of sea between England and France, but no-one would say there's no difference in culture there, and vive la difference.

[Ancienne Alliance]

, and vive la difference.

oui Monsieur !

[bowser]

I believe there are quite a few differences between Irish and Scottish culture, as well as many similarities. There's also only ten miles of sea between England and France, but no-one would say there's no difference in culture there, and vive la difference.

Quite a few similarities as well if you consider Brittany and Cornwall, if you can speak Breton you would understand Cornish (not that many still speak it).

Just remember there are more celtic nations than Scotland/Wales and Ireland.

for those interested

Alba (Scotland)
Cymru (Wales)
Kernow (Cornwall)
Mannin (Isle of Man)
Galicia (Spain)
Briezh (Brittany)
Eire (Ireland)