The term “Black Irish” is often used to describe people of Irish descent who have dark features, black hair, dark eyes, and a swarthy complexion. However, the origins of the term and the exact characteristics associated with it are somewhat shrouded in mystery.

   One theory is that the Black Irish are descendants of the Spanish Armada, which was shipwrecked off the Irish coast in 1588. Many of the sailors were said to have swarthy complexions and dark hair, and some may have intermarried with the Irish population. This seems unlikely since ship survivors who reached land were nearly all killed by local inhabitants when they reached shore or were captured and executed by the English. A few of the wealthy survivors were ransomed by Spain and returned home safely.

   However, there were Irish clans protecting survivors like the O’Rourke of Breifne (Cavan), McClancy of Rosclogher(Leitrim) and Redmond O’Gallagher of Derry who, at the behest of the three Hughs of Ulster – O’Neill, O’Donnell and Maguire – safely smuggled survivors back to Spain. Virtually none survived to settle down and wed Irish women since those few who escaped detection were more anxious to get out of enemy territory and back to home and family in Spain. The Irish clans hoped that Spain would reciprocate for this this good-will gesture and send troops to Ireland to help the clans overthrow English rule. Spain did not.

   The most likely source of the Black Irish is the Celts. The Celts came from Northern Europe and eventually migrated to England and Ireland. Today DNA analysis provides more information about the Black Irish. If you are Irish and your DNA indicates France as a source of your DNA, you are probably Black Irish. Case closed.

   It is also worth mentioning that Ireland has a wide range of physical characteristics. If you are blond/red-headed with light complexion, you can probably trace your lineage back to the Vikings who invaded and settled in Ireland many years ago.