Not so here in America. I'm not even out of the ordinary, especially within my group of friends and about 85% of enlisted veterans (officers have much stricter rules regarding tattoos)
It may be fine in Alabama or whever you hail from
It's fine where ever I go, especially since I hail from Detroit Michigan.
but most people I know would be repelled.
All that I've shown them to were impressed by the skill of the artist, so perhaps you should expand your circle of friends
The fact that no one commented on your trip to Ireland was probably the Irish quiet acceptance of foreigners as rather simple folk who know no better!
Did I say no one commented? (Seriously, did I? If so I am in error). Not many people saw them, as I do tend to wear sleeves most places, where my only visible tattoo is the letters RKBA. Those that did see naturally inquired and I explained, and they were quite satisfied with the explanation. All they are is different representations of heritage and culture, yet you try to make it out as something far grander and more insidious.