Who were the Black Irish, and what is their story? – IrishCentral.com

What a serendipitous find!

Who were the Black Irish, and what is their story? – IrishCentral.com.

I was browsing Irish Central the other day and came across this really interesting article on the source of the phrase “Black Irish” in relation to people of Irish ancestry with dark or tanned complexions, black hair and dark eyes.

I refer to the “Black Irish” colouring in my novel, as a mixed blessing – exotic, yet very different from the majority of Irish complexions, which tend to the very pale, with light coloured eyes and either fair, red or dark hair.

Several characters in And The Buntings Flew exhibit typical Black Irish colouring, as do I, and many of my family (check out my profile picture) – pictured above is my paternal grandmother who was a beautiful example of the Black Irish colouring.

Irish Central’s article provides a great introduction to the subject, so please have a read, as it gives some context to a phrase that might otherwise be misunderstood, as it is not one in common parlance.