Who are the Black Irish?

Well, after reading some discussion about the Black Irish in a discussion board, my curiosity has been piqued. There does seem to be some controversy on the origins and meaning of this expression.

It seems that the fundamental meaning of "Black Irish" is simply anyone with Irish ancestry who has dark hair and eyes, as opposed to the more typical and paler complexion we associate with people from Ireland. But there are many differing opinions on the specifics of this "ethic group", if it even really exists as a common group at all.

Ironically, the term "Black Irish" isn't used in Ireland particularly. It's mostly seen in North America.

One tale is that the Black Irish are descendants of an armada of Spanish sailors who were shipwrecked in Ireland, in 1588. It's highly unlikely that this event would have the lasting ethnic impact that people seem to believe. Most of the Spanish sailors were killed in the shipwrecks, and many of those who survived were put to death as invaders. Afterwards, it was reported to the crown that only 100 survivors remained on Irish soil. Hardly enough to have any genetic impact on the population.

Another possible source for a Black Irish ethnic group, is the island of Montserrat. Many Irish were brought to the Caribbean island as servants, and their cultural impact is still seen there today.

Though some people insist that the Black Irish is a unique and particularly ethnic group, there are too many interpretations to really nail it down. Generally, the term applies to any dark-haired people of Irish descent, whether they are a mix of Irish/Spanish, Irish/Italian, Irish/Native American or any other racial blending.

There is a mailing list from Rootsweb that focuses specifically on this group of people, and their various backgrounds.

_{This article was first published at Suite101}