Is the hair color Blonde rare in most from Irish decent?

Answer 1

Yes, for such a northern European country, Ireland seemingly lacks a large blond population. Physical anthropologists state that the few traces of natural blondism is usually found in families where there is a history of English Protestant ancestry. True blond hair can also be found to a limited degree in areas of Ireland that experienced Viking settlements, such as around modern day Dublin, Wexford and Cork. The Irish are more generally known for having an abundance of thick, curly, dark hair. Indeed, it is in the Celtic speaking areas of the western peninsulas where jet-black hair is common, and is often combined with vivid blue eyes. Ireland also has a noticeable minority of people who could be classified as olive skinned or dark complected. This contrasts markedly with their largely ginger-blonde, ruddy-pale complected English neighbors, who are noted around the world for their pale, sun-sensitive skin tone.