Who are the Gaels?

The Gaels are an ethnic group and nation native to Ireland and Scotland, and historically spoke the Goidelic languages (a branch of Celtic langauges). There are over 80 million people of Irish descent worldwide.

In Ireland, the Gaels are often referred to as the "Gaelic Irish" and are seen as distinct from the indigenous peoples of Ireland, the Tuatha Dé Danann, whom the Gaels defeated. The Gaels arrived in Ireland in waves from 500 BC to the 1st century AD from Britain and Continental Europe. Gaelic culture and customs were dominant in Ireland until the Normans invaded in 1169 and English influence began to grow in the following centuries.

In Scotland, the Gaels arrived from Ireland from the 5th century AD onwards and quickly spread throughout the region, becoming the dominant cultural group. The Scottish Gaels are often called "Highlanders" because they traditionally live in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, while Lowland Scots typically live in the Southern Uplands and Central Belt.

The Gaels have a rich cultural heritage that includes Celtic art, literature, music, and folklore, as well as traditional sports such as Gaelic football, hurling, and shinty. The Gaelic languages, Irish and Scottish Gaelic, are still spoken today, although English has become the predominant language in both countries.

Overall, the Gaels are a significant part of the historical and cultural heritage of both Ireland and Scotland and have influenced various aspects of modern life in these regions.