What is black irish?

Black Irish is a term with no definitive or agreed-upon meaning, generally used to refer to Irish people with dark hair and eyes. The idea gained traction during and after the Irish diaspora when Irish people migrated to different countries. There are several theories, none definitively proven, that attempt to explain the origins of the "Black Irish" phenotype.

Some common, though often disputed, explanations include:

• Spanish Armada survivors: This popular theory suggests that sailors from the Spanish Armada, who were shipwrecked off the Irish coast in 1588, settled in Ireland and intermarried with the local population, contributing to darker features. This is related to a general sense of historical%20links%20between%20Ireland%20and%20Spain.
• Pre-Celtic origins: Another theory posits that the dark features are remnants of the original inhabitants of Ireland, who predate the arrival of the Celts. These earlier inhabitants are believed to have been of Mediterranean%20origin.
• General variation: It's also possible that the term simply describes a natural variation within the Irish population. Hair and eye color are determined by complex genetics, and darker features can occur naturally in any population, including the Irish%20population.

It's important to note that the term "Black Irish" can sometimes be considered insensitive or even offensive, depending on the context and the individual using it. The concept is generally more associated with phenotype%20descriptions than any factual historical or genetic data.