What is the difference between Black Irish and Irish?
The term “Black Irish” was originated in America by those who are under the impression that the Irish are predominantly reddish- or light-haired. This is an erroneous stereotype. About 43% of the Irish have dark hair: another 35% have medium brown hair. Light-hair is definitely in the minority. The famed redheads only make up 5% with another 4% having reddish-brown hair. DNA research has revealed that the “Celts” of the British Isles trace their origin to the Iberian peninsula over 18,000 years ago. The “Black Irish” look is rather common in Ireland: with blue eyes many regard it as typically Irish. Pierce Brosnan, e. g.
