10-11th Century Irish Warriors

[Celtic505]

In my research into Irish history, particularly the conflicts with the Vikings, clontarf, Brian Boru, etc. I have come across a bunch of depictions of Irish warriors wearing a sort of apron-like cloth hanging down to about the knees and about a foot wide. Sometimes it is depicted as having studs on it. What the hell is this? I have never seen any depictions of it in Irish sculpture, effigies, manuscripts, crosses, etc. I have yet to see them anywhere else except a few modern depictions of Irish warriors in battle with Vikings. Some of the pictures in mention are done by Angus McBride as you can see with the image I've posted below. I've always taken the late Angus McBride as someone who does his homework on his pieces but you never know. I have seen them elsewhere though and it baffles me as to what it is, where it comes from, sources for it and why does it appear only in the early middle ages and then disappear? I'm probably making a big fuss over nothing but it's just been bugging the hell out of me as I can't find any answers anywhere. I'm hoping you guys might be able to help me. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks,
-Dennis

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