The Black Irish

Representation of the sinking of the Spanish Armada, which supposedly gave birth to the Black Irish.

Discover the mystery of the Black Irish: a historical enigma tinged with legends and cultural identities. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of these dark-featured Irish, between ancestral myths and contemporary realities.

In the vast world of Irish emigrants, one expression comes up regularly: that of the “Black Irish”. This term, although never used in Ireland, refers to an often controversial subject, touching on the history and cultural identity of a certain fringe of the Irish population. A look back at a subject that fascinates as much as it divides, and which is considered more of a myth than a real concept.

History of the Black Irish

Origins of the term

Ireland has been the scene of many invasions, including the Viking invasions.

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The term “Black Irish” has evolved over the centuries, and has been gradually transformed.

However, its origins date back to the 19th century.

Originally, the term was used by Irish immigrants to the United States to designate Irish people of mixed race, with darker-than-average hair and eyes.

This has often been attributed to the influence of the various migratory groups that settled in Ireland over the centuries, such as the Celts, Vikings and Normans, each bringing their own distinctive physical characteristics and assimilating to some extent into Irish society.

But for many, these physical traits were the result of ethnic blends straight out of Hispanics. It has been suggested that the Black Irish were descended from sailors who survived the sinking of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

According to this theory, between 24 and 36 Spanish ships sank in storms off Ireland after their defeat by the English. Around 5,000 Spaniards and Portuguese are thought to have drowned, but some managed to wash up on the Irish coast.

These survivors, known as “Los Gantemalos” (those who escaped), are said to have integrated into local Irish communities, particularly in the west of the country. By marrying Irish women, they would have passed on their physical traits to their offspring – darker-than-average hair and eyes.

A controversial myth, now debunked

However, extensive genetic and historical studies have since refuted this theory of Spanish influence on Irish genetics.

In fact, of the 5,000 Spanish sailors stranded off the coasts of Ireland and Scotland, the few survivors were either hunted down or executed by English forces, or quickly repatriated to Spain. As a result, they have not been able to significantly influence the Irish gene pool.

Other theories on Irish immigration

The term Black Irish was also used in an emigration context, notably to describe the Irish who fled the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849 and settled in countries such as America, Canada and Australia.

In these new societies, the term “Black Irish” could be used pejoratively or as a sign of distinction among the Irish immigrants themselves.

But that’s not all. The term is also thought to have been used to refer to interracial conjugal unions, which were frowned upon at the time. Indeed, some Irish emigrants arriving in the United States were said to have paired up with African-Americans, creating a miscegenation that was unfortunately controversial at the time.

Modern reinterpretations

However, in the 21st century, the meaning of the term “Black Irish” has continued to evolve.

In Ireland itself, it now refers mainly to Irish citizens descended from the African diaspora.

In the 2016 national census, for example, over 10,000 people voluntarily identified themselves as “Black Irish”.

At the same time, the Black Irish legend has also been reinterpreted and used for a variety of symbolic purposes in different international contexts.

For example, some Australian Aborigines have used it to claim European ancestry and integrate more easily into the dominant white society.

Similarly, African-American leader Malcolm X evoked it to highlight the diverse origins of the black people.

Black Irish

From Richard Nixon to Mariah Carey…

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Admittedly, the term Black Irish remains vague. However, many celebrities now qualify as such. Here is a list of well-known Black Irish celebrities:

Phil Lynott: Founding member and leader of rock band Thin Lizzy, Lynott was born in England to an Irish mother and a father from British Guiana. He is considered one of Ireland’s greatest musicians.
Richard Nixon: President of the United States, his Irish origins and dark hair and skin color often earned him the nickname “Black Irish”.
Paul McGrath: An exceptional footballer, McGrath was born in England of an Irish mother and has played for Ireland in all the major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
Barack Obama: Although primarily known for being the former US President, Obama has Irish roots through his maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Falmouth Kearney, who lived in Moneygall, on the border of counties Offaly and Tipperary.
Mariah Carey: Born and raised in New York, this famous singer has Irish roots on the side of her mother, Patricia (née Hickey), who is a former opera singer and vocal coach.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson: This famous actor and former wrestler also has Irish ancestry on his father’s side.
Alicia Keys: The “Empire State of Mind” star has a mother of Irish-Italian descent, adding an Irish touch to her impressive multicultural heritage.

A witness to changing attitudes

A window on the multiple assimilations of Irish genetics

So, while the exact origin of the term “Black Irish” remains unclear and the subject of historical speculation, it is clear that it has been used in a variety of ways over time, reflecting the complexity and richness of the history of Irish immigration and identity.

Although very rarely used in Ireland, it remains a subject of interpretation and division. Its multiple meanings are controversial, and none of the theories put forward can be clearly verified.

So, although it’s interesting to know this term, we don’t recommend using it: its multiple meanings can set precedents and put your interlocutor off guard…