The traditional
Irish woman's dress, known as a Gúna (pronounced "goonah")
is a well tailored garment consisting of elaborate pleating. It was
worn over a simple linen Léine. The Gúna was made of wool
and presumably could be of any colour but red or green were prefered.
There
are written descriptions of this garment as well as one medieval example
found in a bog. The written descriptions match the bog find, known as
the Shinrone Gown. The dress is tight fitting in the bodice with a very
low neckline which was designed for the purpose of showing part of the
Léine underneath. It was closed by means of a leather or wool
cord.
We know
that the Gúna was worn with the Léine underneath as we
have pictorial evidence plus the sleeves of the Gúna are of the
same design as the male Ionar, the purpose being to let the sleeves
of the Léine hang down.
PRODUCTS
TO FOLLOW...
