The latest census figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicate that 93% of Ireland's population ('white-Irish' 82% and 'white-other' 9%) fall into the fair-complexion skin type 1 and 2 category.

Why is Irish skin so pale?

Common ancestry

Researches at Penn State University identified SLC24A5 as the gene responsible for skin pigmentation, and a specific mutation within it responsible for fair skin. The mutation, A111T, is found most commonly in Ireland and all who possess it share a common genetic code descended from the same ONE person.

What race are the Irish?

The Irish are an ethnic group who come from or came from the island of Ireland. There are two countries on the island of Ireland: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Historically, the Irish have been primarily a Celtic people.