Best souvenirs from Ireland?
 

What are your favorite souvenirs from Ireland? I'm sure the Aran sweaters are available everywhere, but what else? Celtic pottery? Woolen blankets? Any other useful everyday items?

I don't know how useful they are, but I bought a great pair of Celtic coin earrings from a Spiddal village north of Galway. Everyone loves them. I also bought some wonderful limestone wall plaques from Connemara. <BR>Lots fof great "stuff" there. <BR>Judy :-)<BR>

We brought back Aran sweaters and Waterford crystal. Neither are "everyday items" but we love all of our purchases. Waterford crystal is cheaper in Ireland than in the U.S., and there are beautiful patterns that are only available in Ireland.

You know, I've seen the post about Waterford being cheaper in Ireland than the U.S. before, and so I have to wonder where people are buying their Waterford crystal in the U.S. I have never in my life seen Waterford that was cheaper in Ireland than the U.S. Usually, it's more expensive, as sales are much more common in the U.S.<BR><BR>I grew up in Ireland, live in the United States (for the past 12 years), and visit Ireland at least three times a year, in case you're wondering.

I once came upon a website with Celtic pottery. Is this a common thing in Ireland? <BR><BR>As for the Waterford Crystal factory, can anyone give info about the tours? Haven't been able to hit any info with a search.

Terry: I want to know where you find sales of Waterford crystal! Because of the restrictions Waterford places on its distributors in the U.S., sales of Waterford crystal are extremely rare. That is why it usually doesn't help to try and buy from discounters like Ross-Simons--they charge the same as department stores, although they will often throw in free shipping.<BR><BR>Anyway, my wedding patterns are Waterford, so I am pretty familiar with prices and I definitely found the prices to be lower in Ireland when I was there last week. Not 50% cheaper like I've hear, but 20 to 30% cheaper depending on the item.

Just out of curiosity what is the average price of an Aran sweater in Ireland and where is the best place to shop for one?

Simon Pearce crystal and pottery is becoming popular in US now; as compared to Waterford, the lines are more simple, less ornate. He has a store in NYC, also. www.simonpearce.com, I think. It's really lovely--a favorite on wedding registries these days.<BR>Nicholas Moss makes pottery that has a country, yet sophisticated appearance.

Well, I see Waterford stuff for sale quite often at Hechts. I buy a fair amount of it as gifts for people, and I truly have never seen lower prices in Ireland.<BR><BR>A good Aran sweater will run roughly $50-$100. I know that's a big spread, but the prices are all over the place. The best places to shop for Aran sweaters are not the stores that stock a million of them. Look for small, non-touristy towns, and have a look in the local shops. That's how you find the real handknitted ones, not at the big souvenir shops. Besides, what the big shops tout as handknitted often isn't.<BR><BR>Shopper, I'm not sure what you mean by "Celtic pottery". You can buy pottery with Celtic designs all over the country. Again, small towns are the best places for this. You'd be amazed at what you can find off the beaten path.

Terry-<BR>Thanks for your reply; a ballpark figure is all I was looking for.<BR>Any specific town or even particular store you would recommend in the Southwest part of the country? I am definitely going to Ireland sometime in the near future and I am torturing myself looking at maps and choosing places to see and stay. My problem is that I have a couple of obligatory family trips I have to take and I need more darned vacation days.

I bought a skirt-length piece of Donegal wool which was enough for a skirt and vest. I love them every time I put them on.<BR><BR>Belleek - we found small ornaments, only available at the factory...and a honey spoon which doubles as a caviar spoon (it's got a bigger bowl than those shell things, so biiig scoop of fish roe!).<BR><BR>There are many crystal factories, not just Waterford. Rather than look for a bargain, look for unique. If you ARE looking for a particular pattern or item, price it at a store in your area. No point in paying almost the same, add on duty & freight, then find a broken piece when the package arrives.<BR><BR>And Irish music...from freedom songs to those ballads that make you burst into tears.<BR><BR>As someone mentioned, jewelry with a Celtic (as in Gaelic, not Larry Bird) design. When people admire it, they see other things, like Navajo and Greek. The designs sort of connect you with the world.<BR><BR>Irish linen, Irish linen, Irish linen - dishtowels, napkins, handkerchiefs... most men don't have a beautiful pocket handkerchief to wear when they don a suit, so they make great gifts (they don't break, and they weigh nothing!)

Go to www.celtictreasures.com/mosse to view Nicholas Mosse sponge pottery before going and to get an idea of price over here (USA). An Irish shop here in Pgh. sells it; I give it for wedding gifts, etc. They have a very pretty Xmas design, also. Great mugs, bowls, etc.

I don't have any specific towns to recommend in the southwest. I do a lot of driving around the country, and just stop where ever looks interesting. Most of the time, I don't even know the name of the town.<BR><BR>It's really hit or miss. Yes, some of the towns and villages can be a disappointment, but others are a revelation. Like the little village I wandered into in Northern Ireland once. I found, tucked away in the back of a dress shop, an incredible display of oil paintings for sale by a local artist (his mother ran the dress shop). You wouldn't believe the comments I've received on the painting I bought.<BR><BR>There was another town, somewhere west of Kilkenny, where I found the most wonderful hand-thrown pottery. This was in a mill town, with about 5 pubs, a small grocery store and a post office. The last thing I expected to find there was a little artist's enclave.<BR><BR>Sorry I can't be more specific. Part of the fun I have when I'm home is just wandering aimlessly around the country. And I love doing that in the U.S., too, but the distances are just so much longer!

Terry,<BR><BR>Your driving adventures in Ireland sound great! Since you're from Ireland and seem familiar with several areas, can you recommend one or two areas that would be good destinations to make "home base", with plenty to see within a short drive? We'll be there for a week to ten days, and are leaning towards either Waterford and Dingle areas, or Dingle and Galway areas. Any advice here?

One hell of a hangover, it was fun, I think?

And your point is...?

I think xxx was referring to the time that he drank several pints of Guinness from a Waterford Crystal vase and then danced a jig on the bar while wearing the Aran sweater he had just knitted himself.....

It is not exactly useful but a definate must if you are going to Ireland. I think the best souvenir is a claddagh ring. Its a wonderful keepsake from your trip and a great conversation piece. You can spend as little as a few pounds on a silver pinkie ring or much more for gold. If you are not into rings, you can get a claddagh broach, earings, necklace and you will find the symbol on many gift items.<BR>Cheers,<BR>Fiona

I think that bog oak makes a great souvenir from Irealnd. A sculpture, a bowl, jewelry; every piece is one of a kind...

Traveler, sorry, but I'm not overly familiar with the Waterford and Dingle areas. I grew up in Northern Ireland. I have driven all around the country, but I have to confess that I don't get down to that part of the island as often as the rest of it.<BR><BR>My favorite spot in all of Ireland is County Donegal (it's on the northern coast, but it's in the Republic). There's no where like it on earth. The Inishowen Penisula and Malin Head are incredible. But, as I heard a priest once say, it's in a damned inconvenient place. So that probably is not what you're looking for.<BR><BR>You can't really go wrong by basing yourself in any of the places you mentioned. But you will still be limited on how much you can see by how you define a "short" drive. You may also want to consider Kilkenny. It's a wonderful town, and within driving distance of Dublin. I most recently stayed in Kilkenny after I injured my foot while hiking the Wicklow Way, and I loved the fact that I could easily hobble to a number of pubs (in addition to a great Indian restaurants) from my B&B.<BR><BR>Hopefully, this isn't a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you, so you can come back and spend time in another part of the country.<BR>

Hi, shopper: My favorite souvenirs are Nicholas Mosse pottery - so charming and so darn Irish, claddah rings or jewelry, and belleek pieces. The Blarney area is a hotbed of shopping.<BR><BR>When traveling, keep in mind that Ireland is only about the size of the state of Maine, so is easy to get around in.<BR><BR>Enjoy the trip.

Of course it all depends on what you like. <BR>There is fine china made in Ireland. One was Belleek (wife bought a lovely pitcher and a creamer and some coffee cups) and another brand that I don't recall. Also the Waterford crystal, there are some other brands of crystal also. The Celtic jewelry and the Arran sweaters are very popular too.<BR>There was a factory type store in the big castle in Dublin. One advantage was to have them ship the crystal and china to the US instead of doing it in your luggage. The place I enjoyed shopping (and I am NOT a shopper) was in Galway. The historic area of Galway was very nice and had a lot of good shops. A good place for the jewelry as it comes from that area. Also lots of pubs and restaurants to take a break in. Go to the King's Head. Wish I had another night there to do a good pub crawl.

I agree with the Claddagh ring! I have lots of friends wearing them now since they have come to Ireland with me.<BR>What I brought back last summer is some bags of prepackaged Irish Brown Bread mix-cost L.69 and it turned out great! I make great soda bread but just can't make great brown bread (any easy recipes anyone?) so I was happy it turned out great and brought wonderful memories as I sat down to a nice slice (with butter!) and a cup of tea....<BR>(sigh)<BR>Shadow

A rock.<BR><BR>

Chris...Are you serious?! Actually, I LOVE the idea! I've brought rocks back from several travels. They do make great souvenirs. I've got some placed outdoors in an herb garden, some displayed indoors, even use one slate piece as a doorstop. So, anyway, whether you were trying to be funny or not, it rock souvenirs are a great idea!

Dear Shadow - Brown bread is basically soda bread only with 2/3rds wheat flour instead of all white. Pick up an Irish Cookbook the next time you can and a recipe is sure to be in there. I use my recipe straight from my Irish cookbook and my husband (who's Irish) swears it tastes like it's from home.

Just outside Galway is the Connemara Marble Factory. They have wonderful jewelry made out of marble. I got some great items there. No one has mentioned cashmere sweaters. I have gotten several of them also. Blarney has the best prices on Waterford, much better than Waterford itself which never discounts. There are Waterford outlets in this country but they do not cover everything. My sister's pattern is the Lismore and I have made several purchases for her in Ireland that were much less than what the items would have cost here. Also found pieces in that pattern that you cannot get here.<BR>I love irish music and usually pick up tapes/cds of performers that I cannot get here. Shop Til You Drop!!!

Aran sweaters, Brass Celtic wall cross and a rock from the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head Drive and it is beautiful!!

I found that Blarney was the best place for souvenir shopping. They seem to have everything imaginable and at the best prices. Plus they will package and ship. It is soooo convenient! One stop shopping and then you can relax and just enjoy the rest of your vacation! The souvenir gift that was most appreciated by my friends and family was a waterford shot glass with a bottle of Irish whiskey (my favorite is Jamesons, but there are many others). Have a wonderful trip! I'm going back in July - can't wait.

I always buy a ton of books. There are Irish and British authors that I buy regularly, but I also usually try out about 10 authors I've never read on each trip. Sure, I could order them through Amazon.co.uk, but I like to browse.<BR><BR>And we usually stock up on Bushmills. If we make a run up to the distillery, they sell a 12-year single malt that you can only buy there. Haven't yet opened our Millenium bottle (25-year-old).

You can buy a type of lottery ticket in Ireland which lasts for your whole life.It costs Euro 25 and the prizes in the weekly draw are made from the interest paid by the government on the tickets bought.The prizes are modest-around $100,000 is the top monthly prize but you could win any time in the future.I won $100 myself on a tickert I bought over 20 years earlier and they posted the prize to my address which I had updated.Ask in any post office for details.

I bought some of these lottery tickets too-they are called Prize Bonds and they have a web site at www.prizebonds.ie.Online purchases are only available for Irish residents but in a post office they will sell them to anybody with a valid identification.

Thank you all for your wonderful tips. My husband and I are going to Ireland in August and have book a house near Rosscarbery in County Cork. It is our first time and we are very excited about the trip. We will use your varied advise as best we can while we are there. I really don't know how much time we will have to shop since my husband wants to go fishing as much as possible but we will definitely make some time to buy a few things.

oh gee, lets see... Waterford crystal, Beleek China, Galway crytal, Cre Porcelain, claddagh jewelty (a must!), sweaters. Irish Whiskey, Irish choclates, salmon (you can get it at Shannon airport), Killarney Crystal, Tipperary crystal, Donegal tweed, Wickford pottery, Donegal porcelain, shamrock jewelry, celtic knot jewelry, Inis perfume, t-shirts, Conemarra marble.... There is a wide variety of items. Shannon Airports Duty Free shop is great for any last minute things you need to bring home for friends/relatives.

The best place to shop for just about everything is Blarney Woolin Mills in the town of Blarney ( next to Blarney Castle). You can't beat their prices, selection, and they deduct the VAT tax for you. They have a huge selection of crystal, china, clothing, jewelry, pottery, and the usual "irish" souvenirs.

I always love bargains! My favorite purchase was a teapot near Gortin in a little china shop that kept me dry while it rained. The shopkeeper packed it well and I caried on the back of my bike back to the B&B. It was on sale from a discontinued pattern. They also had discount Beleek. I toured North Ireland with Tony Boyd's fabulous tour company emeraldtrail.com. Stephanie

Coo - Stephanie - I'd love to get a teapot that keeps me dry when it rains! (just kidding)

When we were driving through Connemara (ack, excuse my horrid spelling..), after visiting Kenemore (?) Abbey, it was rainy and chilly. We stopped at this tiny shop at the side of the road. Nobody else was around, but the shop had tons of nice stuff. I got a beautiful wool blanket for about 25 pounds. I also got a nice celtic-knot ring in Westport (County Mayo, I believe?). My geography/memory is failing me, and it was only two years ago...

I did a lot of my Christmas shopping at the Belleek factory last fall, and they shipped the merchandise home for me. The birthday boxes are lovely.<BR><BR>At the Blarney Woollen Mills shop, I got a Waterford dolphin for a niece who collects dolphin objects and a pretty Christmas ornament, china painted with shamrocks for myself, as well as sweaters for gifts and for myself. I like souvenirs that I wear or use. It's such fun to say, "Oh, I got this in . . ."

My favorite souvenir was a peat burner-little clay/pottery house with a place to put a lit piece of peat...the smoke comes out of the chimeny.<BR>The smell of burning peat is so heartwarming to me...all I have to do is close my eyes and I am back on the coast of Sligo...but I digress.<BR>These little trinkets are available at any gift shop in Ireland.<BR>Slainte!