What Colors Not to Wear in Ireland

When traveling to Ireland, choosing colors for your wardrobe may not seem like a big deal, but certain colors can carry cultural significance or just feel a bit out of place. Here’s a quick guide to what colors you might want to avoid wearing in Ireland

• 1. **Orange**In Ireland, the color orange has historical and political connotations due to its association with the Protestant community and the Order of Orange. While not everyone may take offense to wearing orange, it’s a sensitive color with complex associations. Particularly if you’re visiting Northern Ireland, it’s best to avoid wearing orange in large amounts, especially on clothing items like jackets or hats that are prominent.
• 2. **Bright Green on St. Patrick’s Day**Green is strongly associated with Ireland, and wearing it can be fun, especially if you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. However, locals tend not to go all out with bright green clothing in their day-to-day lives, even on this national holiday. Many people will wear small touches of green, like a scarf or accessory, but a head-to-toe bright green outfit can be a little too much.
• 3. **Loud Colors and Patterns**Ireland’s landscape is known for its natural, subdued palette – soft greens, grays, and earthy tones. While locals are friendly and welcoming, wearing loud, neon colors or busy, bold patterns can make you stand out as a tourist. If blending in with the local style matters to you, lean toward neutral colors and softer tones. Think cozy knits in earthy hues or deep blues to match the coastal scenery.
• 4. **Bright Red**Red is another color that stands out quite a bit in Ireland. While there’s no cultural taboo around red, it’s not a color typically seen in large quantities in Irish fashion. If you want to fit in with local style, save the bold reds for accessories like a scarf or a handbag instead of head-to-toe attire.
• 5. **Dark Green in Sporting Venues**Dark green is widely worn in Ireland, especially as it’s the color of the Irish national sports teams. However, if you find yourself in a pub or sporting venue, keep in mind that certain shades of green might have affiliations with sports teams, particularly Gaelic football or hurling. Wearing a local team’s colors unintentionally could spark some friendly (or heated) debates, especially if the color aligns with a rival team.
• So, What Colors Are Best to Wear in Ireland?Irish fashion tends to be practical and influenced by the country’s weather – think layers, earth tones, and comfortable clothing. You can’t go wrong with shades of gray, navy, black, and muted greens. Weather-wise, Ireland is known for its rain and mist, so pack a good rain jacket and sturdy footwear. Choosing clothing that’s comfortable, functional, and in earthy or neutral tones will help you blend in and stay comfortable, rain or shine.