Since the majority (65%) of Irish people have brown hair (only 15% have black hair, and almost all of them are fair-skinned and blue or green-eyed), classifying this subgroup with the term "black Irish" made them instantly distinguishable.

Nov 20, 2024 · Black Irish women have been celebrated for their distinctive beauty, characterized by dark hair, blue or green eyes, and pale skin. Their aesthetic often embodies the mystique of Ireland itself—ancient, diverse, and timeless.

Aug 11, 2022 · Researches at Penn State University identified SLC24A5 as the gene responsible for skin pigmentation, and a specific mutation within it responsible for fair skin. The mutation, A111T, is found most commonly in Ireland and all who possess it share a common genetic code descended from the same ONE person.

In 21st-century Ireland, Black Irish is now more commonly used to refer to Irish nationals of African descent. According to the 2022 census, 67,546 people identify as Black or Black Irish with an African background, while 8,699 people identify as Black or Black Irish with any other Black background. [4] [27]

Black Irish. From wiki: Black Irish is an ambiguous term sometimes used (mainly outside Ireland) as a reference to a dark-haired phenotype appearing in people of Irish origin. However, dark hair in people of Irish descent is common, although darker skin complexions appear less frequently.

Mar 7, 2025 · Irish people typically have fair skin, blue or green eyes, and a mix of hair colors, with brown being the most common. Some have freckles, angular facial features, and deep-set eyes, but Irish looks vary due to Celtic, Viking, and Norman ancestry.

May 23, 2024 · In many cases, it refers to people of Irish ancestry who have features that are darker than stereotypical Irish features — blue or green eyes, reddish hair and pale skin. Irish people who have dark hair, brown eyes and dark complexions are often referred to as Black Irish.

Dec 4, 2024 · It's employed to characterize "an Irish person, or one of Irish ancestry, having dark hair and a dark complexion or eyes." The expression, which can be divisive, an be perplexing as it generally doesn't relate to race or skin color.

Oct 27, 2024 · In 2018, geneticists at University College London and the Natural History Museum revealed that ‘Cheddar Man’ ― a Mesolithic skeleton found in a Somerset cave in 1903 ― had “dark to black skin”, blue eyes and curly hair.

Who Are the Black Irish? The term “Black Irish” refers to Irish people with darker physical traits, such as: Dark hair (black or deep brown). Dark eyes (brown or hazel). Pale skin, contrasting with darker features. This description differs from the common stereotype of Irish people with red hair, light eyes, and freckles.