Ireland and Scotland undoubtedly dominate kilt traditions worldwide, but kilts are also worn in other countries. All parts of the UK embrace kilt-wearing due to the strong presence of Scottish and Irish communities. This article tells you about some popular Irish and UK events where kilt-attiring is very common.
Iconic Irish Occasions for Kilt-Wearing
Ireland hosts almost 400 events every year. Most of these events are traditional and connected to the people who were part of Ireland in any era such as the Normans and the British Empire. Here are five Irish events where kilts are commonly worn.
St. Patrick’s Day
The Irish nation strongly follows Christianity and Saint Patrick was a messenger of the same religion. His day is celebrated on 17 March every year. Humankind in the entire Ireland wear kilts to pay tribute to their culture. In kilt selection, they usually have many options such as wearing their regional tartan. Similarly, a tartan is affiliated with Saint Patrick named “Mens St. Patrick Clan Tartan Kilt.” If not wearing any of these, the Irish also dress themselves in green tartan to admire their saint.
Gaelic Athletic Association Matches
This event does not comprise a single game but Gaelic games such as hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, and handball are its major parts. These games do not have a fixed date. Those participating there usually dress themselves in their traditional kilts.
Irish Music and Dance Festivals
People living in Ireland love arranging Irish music and dancing festivals at different times of the year where they experience these activities in their traditional attire. Some famous dancing and musical events there are:
- The Fleadh Cheoil
- Feakle Festival
- TradFest
- The Galway International Arts Festival.
St. Brigid’s Day Celebrations
On the first of February, St. Brigid’s Day is celebrated in Ireland and other Christian countries. According to an old Celtic custom, it’s a celebration of Saint Brigid, Ireland’s only patron saint, and the beginning of spring. St. Brigid’s crosses, candle lighting, eating, and nature walks are common celebration activities.
Scottish people, like those in Ireland, may decide to dress traditionally or decorate themselves with saint-related symbols on St. Brigid’s Day. This might involve donning a traditional Scottish outfit, such as a kilt, or adding aspects of traditional Irish clothing.
Irish Heritage Week
Irish people are known to be culture and history-oriented and want their children to learn too. They want not only children but everyone to learn about Irish history. To do so, they celebrate National Heritage Week from the 16th to the 24th of August. During this week, they promote their heritage to raise awareness and let others know about the ways to preserve their culture and traditions. Though events do not have a proper dress code, they prefer wearing the ones that reflect their traditions. However, nothing is better than wearing Celt-inspired kilt outfits meanwhile.
Top UK Events to Wear a Kilt
Now that we’ve covered Irish events, let’s look at some key occasions in the UK where kilts are commonly worn. The number of kilt-wearing events is also significant there while a few of them are given below.
Burns Night
The celebrations of Burns Night take place every year on the 25th of January in remembrance of Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland. The entire Scottish community living in the UK and other countries proudly celebrates this cultural event. Scots proudly wear traditional kilt outfits on special days, especially during Burns Night.
Highland Games
The Highland Games are one of the UK’s most iconic cultural events. This iconic event attracts large crowds every year. Individuals from different countries contribute there as performers and spectators. To fully experience local culture, they often wear kilts. Locals dress in their family tartans. Whereas, foreigners prefer universal tartan patterns or other kilt variations.
St. Andrew’s Day
Saint Andrew’s Day is a major event in Scotland where the entire Christian community celebrates this day. It is not a public holiday in other countries like England and Wales but people there contribute to the celebrations. The event takes place on the 30th of November every year, where feasting, bonfires, and wearing cultural attires are common practices. People wear their traditional tartans, often featuring blue, to honor the saint. Those who do not have Scottish ancestry can wear “St. Andrew Tartan Kilts,” which is the universal one and everyone can wear it.
Formal Black-Tie Events in the UK
Formal Black-tie events are occasions that have a particular dress code and are usually held after 6 pm. Kilt-wearing communities in the entire UK celebrate different events following the same theme. They typically dress themselves in black jackets, white shirts, black ties, and their family tartan patterns. If we specifically mention some black-tie events, they are given as follows:
| Traditional Weddings | Award Shows |
| Cultural Festivals | Dinner Galas |
| Graduation Ceremonies | Business Ceremonies |
How to Choose the Right Tartan
Those who have interest in wearing kilts but do not have a specific tartan usually ask about the ways to choose the right tartan. The selection of the right tartan seems to be simple, but it’s a bit tricky. First of all, the buyer must confirm whether he has Scottish or Irish ancestry or not. If he has, he can wear his family tartan in Scotland and regional tartan in Ireland.
Those who do not have Highland lineage should not worry because Scotland has 400 clans while Ireland has 32 counties. Therefore, the number of tartans is approximately 7,000. The rest of the patterns are universal ones and no one needs permission from Highlanders to wear them.
One more thing, the color of patterns should be according to the event’s theme. For example, choose a blue tartan pattern for Saint Andrew’s Day while green will be efficient for Saint Patrick’s Day. Why? Because these shades are specific to the saints.
Where to Find the Right Tartan
Now that you have decided what tartan you will wear on the next Irish or UK occasion, it’s time to figure out where to find it. Digital and physical markets are full of stores claiming them to be the best ones to buy. You must opt for the one that has some features such as uncompromised quality, affordability, personalization, and easy return and exchange policies. Instead, consider the trusted ‘Irish Kilt Shop.” We offer what we claim and deliver what we show. Visit our online store today and order a kilt before the event approaches!
FAQs About Irish and UK Events and Kilts
What is the cultural significance of wearing a kilt in Ireland versus Scotland?
Wearing kilts in both countries means to honor the culture but there is a small difference. Irish kilts have a connection with counties or states, while Scottish kilts represent their clans.
Can I customize my kilt with modern designs or colors?
Doing so is neither a traditional nor a suitable practice with a traditional kilt. However, the rest of the kilts are possible to modify. Those who want to wear cultural tartan kilts in modern shapes should consider visiting our Tartan Utility Kilts.
How do Irish kilts differ in style compared to Scottish kilts?
Irish and Scottish kilts share the same design and appearance while the primary differences between them hide in color combination and pattern intricacies.
Are there regional variations in tartans within Ireland and Scotland?
Regional variations in tartan patterns are more common in Ireland while Scottish tartans are about the clans. Therefore, some regions of Scotland follow regional tartans.
Are kilts worn year-round, or only during specific seasons or events?
The story of kilt-wearing times differs greatly in both primary countries. In Scotland, kilts have become everyday wear since they have many kilt variations. Their tartan kilts are particular for formal events, while the Irish wear kilts preferably for cultural or traditional events. It means kilts are not an everyday wear in Ireland.
