Silly sartorial question

Heed your wife's words.

Wear the one that will look best in the photos your sensible Mrs. will be snapping of you. :O)

Your wife is right; next time you buy a jacket/coat, consider black. It's just easier and universally accepted. :-)

Your correct in that the orange jacket does have a distinct meaning to people of the Republic of Ireland but you will find them to be friendly and fun to visit regardless of what you wear. Symbols have great meaning in people’s lives and out of respect I would wear the Camo jacket as it would be less conspicuous but that is just my choice, you should do whatever works best for you.

(This is not a silly question, it shows you respect Ireland’s historical struggles)

Walked into a pub in Tinahely wearing a black windbreaker along with a khaki shirt. One of the guys there said....."Here are the black and tans !!!".....with a scowl on his face. I was horrified - and thought in a split second....I've given offense.....I'm an idiot .....and I'm in trouble. They all then broke out laughing. They had pegged me as an American tourist and were having good natured fun. We got along great afterward with great talk and good natured kidding going on......and I'm a very reserved person. The Irish people are warm and welcoming....Will tease you and as long as you don't take yourself too seriously will include you in an amazingly down to earth way.

You'll be fine regardless of what you wear. I think only if you asked super political/historical questions or offered your opinions on those matters would you cause any problems or give offense. Have fun !!!!

Times have very likely since I was last in Belfast (1994, before the Good Friday Agreement). But I will share an interesting story.

We drove from Dublin to Belfast in a Republic-registered vehicle (ie: different colour license plate than UK). As we drove down the Shankill Road (Protestant area), people shouted at us, "Paddy go home!"

As we turned round the corner onto the Falls Road (Catholic area), we had no trouble with the people, but we did have a British Army tank turn its turret on us to check us out.

I doubt colour matters now, but it certainly did then!

Well I think its nice you are trying to consider the historical implications. And, some might still be holding a grudge, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Its not like your going to be shot!!
We spoke to several Irish locals in pubs and they said that the English and Irish are ok now!
However, we did speak with some young gals in a pub who were down from Northern Ireland. The Protestants and the Catholics are definetely still not ok with each other. The girls were escaping N. Ireland because of a big festival going on (I don't recall what it was). Belfast continues to be the only walled city.............

"..think New Mexico or Sedona soil"

This is not "Ireland orange". Leave the British Army jacket home.

Thank you all for the considerate advice and anecdotes!

I still have a few days before departure, and although I haven't made up my mind yet, I am feeling much better knowing that it's not as big a deal as I thought.

ewewoolknit -- great story! That sounds like something that would happen to me, and being a reserved person myself, I would have reacted the same way. I definitely have no plans on engaging anyone in political discussions or asking questions about past difficulties.

I live in Tokyo, where everyone wears black suits, parkas, sweaters (and has black hair and eyes). I bought the Santa Fe coat specifically because I was trying to avoid going along with the crowd...and because, ironically, I thought it looked European (LOL). I'm still not sure why I thought so. I'm doing a short side trip to the Netherlands on the way back to Japan, so the Santa Fe should fit right in...

Given that most hillwalkers are likely to be wearing something like orange, the colours are not that important. Most of the reaction of seeing someone in an orange raincoat is going to be 'there goes someone in an orange raincoat'.

Clothing colours are only going to be an issue in certain locations and at certain times.

Sean,

As Dave said above that's not really Irish orange! But it wouldn't matter anyway.....

The most important question I would ask is: are you bringing waterproof SHOES, too!? That would be much more important, to me!

I remember when my parents crossed the border back in the early 80's. My dad was surprised they didn't search their car at the checkpoint. He said as much to the guard, and he said "ah, you're just a bunch of Yank tourists!" I think my dad was very disappointed he came across as so harmless. :-/

Also - you do know you'll be called John, sometimes, over here.... right?

Susan
expat living in Waterville/Skellig Coast

Susan,

I have waterproof shoes, so at least my feet will stay dry. All my life my name has been pronounced in unintended ways..."Say-ahn", "Seen" and "Sane." My understanding was that Sean is Gaelic for John, but I didn't realize that is how it would be pronounced in Ireland! Thanks for the head's up.

One addition question: I am wondering if I can leave the wool long johns at home? When I compare temperatures in Tokyo and Ireland, it seems to be colder here in Tokyo (and I definitely do not need long johns here)...

John,

;-)

Here's what I have discovered -- it's colder INSIDE a house than outside, most of the time. I went to creative writing one day, and was dying I was so cold.... at one point I looked around and realized every other person was wearing their coat. Unzipped; unbuttoned - but still on....! It's often that cold INSIDE some places!

That said, today (Feb 1) was sleeting and hailing and raining and sunny and --- I was walking on the beach with my neighbor's dog with no hat and no gloves, for 30 minutes. A few hours later I was meeting a friend with a wool cap and waterproof pants; for sunset (awesome tonight) I was again without gloves.... So just have that sort of thing handy, just in case!

Susan
Expat living in Waterville, Skellig Coast