25 Best Shopping in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands, Ireland

Take extra time to leaf through this treasure trove of literature. Heaving with 10,000 publications, the flagship store has new, discounted, and out-of-print titles, and an unrivaled range of Irish-interest books. Check in on Saturday for good old children's storytelling sessions.

Ceramics by Judy Greene—a local potter specializing in hand-thrown ceramics depicting landscapes and Irish flora---as well as handmade jewelry and knitwear can be found in this two-story store in atmospheric Kirwan's Lane.

Together, Seamus and Kevin Sheridan know all of Ireland's artisanal-cheese makers personally and stock the widest possible range of delectable cheeses in their aromatic store to the rear of St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church. Italian charcuterie and home-branded chutneys along with the fine selection from the wineshop upstairs will complete your picnic.

Tweeds, caps, rainproof gear, and a sizeable selection of contemporary clothing make this a good one-stop shop for gifts or to buy gear without the garish hues in other tourist-centric stores. Next door (or by upstairs annex) Meadow's and Byrne offers tasteful home furnishings and appliances. A daytime restaurant upstairs offers sandwiches and reasonably priced mains.

Just a five-minute walk past the entrance to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on the Low Road is this unexpected find, which sells unique Irish alcoholic beverages such as mead (a fermented honey drink that was the beverage of choice at the castle banquets) and poitín (or potcheen). The latter is a potent liquor that was legalized in 2008 in a somewhat diluted form; however, its original ingredients of potatoes (of course), molasses, and beets remain.

Shopping opportunities are not abundant in this rocky terrain, so don't miss the chance to buy Burren-inspired organic perfumery products at this delightful spot. The Burren is known for its wildflowers, and the perfumery is committed to its conservation: all the products on sale are sourced from ethical specialist growers, and made on-site, in small batches. As well as perfume there are soaps, creams, and balms, and you can visit the workshops to see them being made (Apr. to Sept.). There is also an organic herb garden, and a flower-bedecked tearoom (Apr. to Sept.) selling delicious organic home baking and light lunches.

A popular spot with locals for its own line of knitwear as well as its mix of Irish and international brands, Carraig Donn is also a sure thing for visitors looking for some contemporary Irish fashion, jewelry, crystal, and pottery.

The candles, body-care products, and perfumes stocked here are produced in nearby Spiddal by dedicated artisans.

Phyllis MacNamara's cute two-story boutique is filled with an irresistible selection of antique jewelry (real and costume) and collectibles for men and women. A selection of jewelry from local goldsmiths is also available.

This is where Ennis's traditional musicians stock up on sheet music, specialist books, and musical instruments.

This long-established bookstore carries a wide range of local history and Irish-interest titles along with new publications.

The choicest selection of Irish-made sweaters can be found here, and all competitively priced.

A factory outlet on the city's ring road, Galway Irish Crystal sells hand-cut Irish glass, Belleek pottery, and other fine porcelain.

Established in 1966 and specializing in antique clocks as well as Irish and internationally sourced antiques, this old gem of a shop is handily located in the town center.

Inis Meáin Knitting is a young company producing quality knitwear in luxury fibers (a slick twist on the standard Aran sweater) for the international market, including Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman. The factory showroom has an extensive selection of garments at discount prices.

A display case of the craft of Irish luthiers, this lovely old-world shop stocks acoustic stringed instruments and some wind instruments, including Irish handmade uilleann pipes, Irish bouzoukis and, more tempting for the traveler, pocket-size tin whistles.

Synonymous with good modern design in Ireland, the Kilkenny Shop stocks the best ceramics, crystal, leatherware, clothing, and other craft items from around the country.

Rosemary Buckley's surf shop, the first in Ireland, dates from 1989, and is a landmark on Lahinch's Promenade. You'll find top-quality boards, wet suits, and accessories, as well as lots of local tips and advice. Check their website for daily surf reports and a live webcam.

This large, long-established deli on Galway's main street has a large selection of Irish and international specialist foods including home baking, wine, local confectionery, charcuterie, homemade jams and preserves, and farmhouse cheeses. Light snacks are served in the second-floor café.

O'Máille's is popular for its selection of Aran sweaters and handwoven tweeds.

This little find in the heart of the town's market square is proof that there is hope for the traditional, independent bookstore. Every copy from the vast collection of rare, new, and used books is hand chosen by a member of staff or requested by a customer, with a selection of new, out-of-print, or secondhand books available on-site. Scéal Eile (translated as "another story") doubles as a performance theater, and is popular as a book-signing venue.

Stop here for a good selection of gold and silver jewelry as well as some lovely Irish-made gifts.

Branded garments including throws, coats, capes, scarves, men's sweaters, and other woolly products sourced from select mills help stave off chilly weather while still looking chic.

Dating from 1750, Thomas Dillon's claims to be the original maker of Galway's famous claddagh ring. In the back of the crimson shop the Claddagh Ring Museum has a small but interesting display of antique claddagh rings and old Galway memorabilia.