Top Ten Souvenirs and Shopping Ideas When Traveling in Ireland
Whenever I travel, I always try to come home with a few things unique to the area I’m visiting. We’re not talking about magnets, keychains, or coffee mugs from the corner tourist shop. We’re talking about the things you actually want.
I always have an idea in my head of what I’d like to look for abroad. It is usually a coveted splurge, but not always. At times, it is just something that I can’t get anywhere in the States. And, of course, I love shopping for gifts to take home and share with the special people in my life.
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To read an overview of our full eight-day itinerary through Ireland, click here.
Below are the things that came home with me in my suitcase and a couple things that I wish had (luggage space forces us all to make tough choices!). If you are planning a trip to Ireland, I hope this gives you some ideas of things to consider picking up while you are there. But, if you are just looking for some Irish flair without traveling to Ireland, I will provide links on how to order online and/or find in the US.
1. Orla Kiely Accessories
Orla Kiely has long been one of my favorite Irish designers. Her brightly colored handbags and accessories make you happy just looking at them. Orla’s designs are available through many retailers in the US. However, I really wanted to buy one of her stem print bags in Ireland. Just because:). You can find them at Kilkenny Design department stores.
2. Waterford Crystal
Another well-known brand around the world is Waterford Crystal. But, there is something special about visiting the Waterford factory and showroom in Waterford and bringing home that memory. My husband and I purchased a couple crystal Christmas ornaments of traditional Irish symbols, a shamrock and a claddagh. They are highly collectible and so special to pull out every year. If your plans do not include Waterford, you can still find pieces at department and specialty stores throughout Ireland.
Above photos: Waterford Crystal Showroom
3. Irish Whiskey
Duh. Hopefully you are enjoying some of Ireland’s “black stuff” (Guinness) and whiskeys during your visit. Don’t forget to grab a bottle or two of something rare or favorite to enjoy when you get back home. We visited the Jameson Distillery in Midleton where we purchased a couple exclusive Distillery Blends. The Bow Street Distillery in Dublin also offers special editions.
We were able to pack our bottles of whiskey in our luggage without incident. We wrapped them heavily in our laundry to make sure they were well protected from breakage. If you aren’t comfortable packing glass — or if you want to purchase more than just a bottle or two — the distillery can assist with shipping. Many whiskeys are also available to purchase online through Caskers.
Above photos: Jameson Distillery in Midleton
4. Butler’s Chocolates
There was a Butler’s Chocolates Cafe on the corner of Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin that I first spotted while we were walking around, but there are other locations in Dublin and throughout Ireland. After you’ve treated yourself to a hot chocolate at the cafe, the shop carries a wide assortment of individual chocolates and boxed gifts to take home. The truffles are truly amazing! I’ll be honest, some of these did not make it home b/c we ended up snacking on them back at the hotel:)
Butler’s does offer online shopping and shipping to the US. But, the shipping charges can be hefty if you don’t meet the free shipping threshold. Still, might be worth it! P.S. They also have an App!
5. Aran Knitwear
If you are going to be anywhere along the Wild Atlantic Way or the Western Isles, you will not want to leave without taking home one of the beautiful, iconic sweaters from the Aran Islands. My mother used to knit similar fisherman style sweaters for me when I was little. It is cozy, yes. But, it is special because it is handknit with care and tradition.
I bought my light blue sweater and matching fingerless gloves from a shop in Galway. You can also purchase them online here or from Blarney Woolen Mills.
Above photos: Aran Knitwear
6. Irish Tweed
Tweed is a sturdy woolen fabric that has traditionally been used for men’s jackets, suits, and hats. If you are looking for something special for a man in your life, Irish tweed makes a really great souvenir and/or gift. I am partial to the Hanna hats and caps because they are so classically Irish.
I could not convince my husband to go for the hat, but I did buy a tweed vest for my son. He wears it at Christmas and looks absolutely dapper in it. There are woolen shops all over Dublin and other cities throughout Ireland. You’ll see them everywhere!
Tweed suiting is available pretty much all over the world. It is special to buy something while in Ireland, but, of course, if you need to pick something up after-the-fact, Blarney Woolen Mills and Real Irish have a great selection to purchase online.
7. Rathbornes Home Fragrance
Rathbornes are the world’s oldest candlemakers and Ireland’s oldest company. You can find candles and diffusers at Kilkenny Design department store and other specialty shops all over Ireland.
My personal favorite is the Dublin Dusk Reed Diffuser. I have not found this anywhere is the US. However, it can be ordered online and shipped.
8. Avoca Cashmere and Woolen Scarves
Something that you will not find in the States are Avoca stores. I fell in love with the scarves and throws at the Avoca on Suffolk Street in Dublin. There are several locations throughout Ireland, as well as a store in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport.
I came home with several scarves and wraps in various colors that I absolutely love. The quality is wonderful and I feel very special wearing them knowing where they came from. Online ordering is available for Avoca in case you can’t wait.
Above photos: Avoca
9. Barry’s Tea
One of the best places to shop for souvenirs is the grocery store! It doesn’t take but a few minutes to pop into a grocery store or mini market to scan the shelves for stuff that doesn’t look familiar. This is one of my favorite things to do with my kids. Weird snacks, familiar snacks in weird packaging, different flavors, different brands — all of it is just good fun!
The Irish like their tea, which is something I have in common with them. I tried Barry’s Tea for the first time because it was in my hotel room in our in-room cafe basket. It’s good! Anyway, when in Rome, I like to eat and drink like the locals and always come home with a few new discoveries from the local food market.
10. Claddagh Jewelry
Galway lays claim to the origin of The Claddagh or ‘An Cladach’ meaning ‘the shore’. The Claddagh was a fishing village from the 5th century. According to legend, Richard Joyce, who was a member of one of the merchant tribes, was kidnapped by pirates on the way to the West Indies. During his captivity, Richard was taught the jewelry craft. Eventually, he was released and came back to Galway where he established a jewelry business and created the symbolic ring we now all know as the Claddagh Ring. It is a great souvenir for those who visit Ireland, and especially for those who visit Galway.
A couple places to purchase Claddagh Jewelry online are the original Claddagh Jewelers and Glencara.
Above photos: Claddagh Jewelry Shops in Galway
Your Photos
Last, but not least, there are some things that you simply cannot bottle or pack. Corny as it sounds, memories and time spent with special people are the best souvenirs. Photographs are a close second because I don’t have the best memory and photos help me recall the moments. In that regard, here are a few suggestions for organizing and printing your beloved memories:
- Mpix: love their albums and photo gifts
- Shutterfly: great for creating greeting cards from your photos
- Printique: great for wall prints
- Mixbook: great for creating photobooks
- Snapfish: my longtime fave for individual prints
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