The All Ireland Blue Tartan was designed in the Lochcarron of Scotland in 1997. This tartan was made to acknowledge the early historical and cultural links between the Scots and Irish. Although this tartan is of recent origin, it seems fitting that tartans should exist for Irish use, as the Scots who are normally associated with tartans are of Irish origin, the Irish being described during the Roman occupation of Britain as “Scotti”. Soon after the Romans left Britain the Scotti began raiding the north western shores of Britain, and gradually settled throughout the area becoming known as Scots. Hence the close affinity between the two nations in customs and culture. The existing provinces of Ireland can be traced back to kingdoms in the fifth century ruled by “Ri Coicid” or Kings of a Fifth, indicating that there were originally five kingdoms or provinces, Connaucht, Leinster, Meath, Munster and Ulster.
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