Travelling to Ireland

[Woodsman]

I'll be travelling to Ireland for a week's stay and am somewhat limited on kilts and accessories but hope to look my best.

I'll be bringing my USAKilt Casual Tara, with brown leather belt and Rob Roy sporran. However my usual dress is casual -T-shirts, scrunched down hose and hiking boots.

I realize that I may be the only standout in a kilt. And since I am limiting myself to bringing just one kilt, I will probably wear it for a few days or part of a day (at pubs, fairs, etc.).

Any advice from the rabble -either Irish born Irish bred; those of you who have visited Ireland before; or those of you with more fashion savvy than me.

I will try to post a photo or two.

[Mael Coluim]

Pack a sweater and mac (rain coat).

It's a beautiful country. Enjoy!

[beloitpiper]

I lived in Galway and Belfast for awhile and if you wear a kilt everybody will assume that you are a Scot over for a bachelor party or football (soccer) match. The Irish never wear kilts, unless they're pipers in the military.

Just thought I'd give you a heads up.

[Woodsman]

I lived in Galway and Belfast for awhile and if you wear a kilt everybody will assume that you are a Scot over for a bachelor party or football (soccer) match. The Irish never wear kilts, unless they're pipers in the military.

Just thought I'd give you a heads up.

I figured as much. But somehow I just can't travel to Ireland without wearing the kilt. It's something I do here to honor my ancestrial Irishness. Understand now, I expect the same reception-perception as wearing a kilt in this country.

[Mikilt]

Unless you meet some hardcore kilties, don't be surprised if no one recognizes the Tara tartan. While it's a lovely tribute, I doubt you'll meet anyone who even knows there is such a tartan.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I figured as much. But somehow I just can't travel to Ireland without wearing the kilt. It's something I do here to honor my ancestrial Irishness. Understand now, I expect the same reception-perception as wearing a kilt in this country.

It's not something that the Irish do and, frankly, expect to be met with a degree of hostility in some locales where the wearing of a kilt-- especially by a yank-- is going to be seen as anything but respectful.

If you truly want to honour your Irish ancestry, don't dress like a Scotsman. Especially in Ireland.

[Jock Scot]

.......I Understand now, I expect the same reception-perception as wearing a kilt in this country.

Er, not quite! It all depends on who you meet of course, but there are some that will not appreciate a Yank(or any one else) wearing the kilt in any circumstances and will voice their opinions loudly and not pleasently.

[davidlpope]

If you truly want to honour your Irish ancestry, don't dress like a Scotsman. Especially in Ireland.

***.

[Paul Henry]

I figured as much. But somehow I just can't travel to Ireland without wearing the kilt. It's something I do here to honor my ancestrial Irishness. Understand now, I expect the same reception-perception as wearing a kilt in this country.

I don't understand the connection to ancestral Irishness, I've got nothing against you wearing a kilt, I lived near Belfast for 18 years and can't remember ever seeing a kilt except perhaps from a visiting Pipe band.
I'm not sure there reaction would be as strong as MOR suggests, but it will be seen as something rather unusual

[beloitpiper]

It's not something that the Irish do and, frankly, expect to be met with a degree of hostility in some locales where the wearing of a kilt-- especially by a yank-- is going to be seen as anything but respectful.

MoR is right--the Irish aren't as stoic and reserved with their opinions as the Scots are....