Did the Irish beat Christopher Columbus to the chase?

While Christopher Columbus is generally acclaimed to have discovered America way back when, maybe, just maybe we got there before him.

One of the most well-known explorers would presumably be disappointed with reports in recent years that a colony of Irish was going strong in South Carolina before he arrived in 1492.

Spanish research in recent years has suggested that we got there first, with writings from historian Peter Martyr d’Anghiera from around that period suggesting a European settlement in what is now South Carolina.

He died in 1526, but describes a settled European colony, Duhare, as having “red to brown hair, tan skin and grey eyes, and were noticeably taller than the Spanish.” The tan skin may have developed over time, but the hair colour and height is plausible.

Subsequent research on Irish rock carvings found in the US found Irish lullabies, while the name itself was believed to be translated from “du’hEir” in Gaelic, meaning place of the Irish.

The leader was called Datha, coming from the word ‘painted’ further cementing Irish links.

Irish Central have re-opened the debate, with further research found at an article from Examiner.com two years ago.

Nothing certain has been proven, but Columbus could be shifting uneasy in his grave at the prospect of us getting to 'The New World' before him.