We are traveling from Texas to Ireland in 3 days. Seems to be no point in packing a sweater with hand-knits being the "souvenir of choice". Landing in Shannon and immediately heading in direction of Lahinch, Doolin and Ballyvaughan. Anybody know the best sweater shops in County Clare?

ONE LAST QUESTION ~I have read about other "Waterford quality" crystal that can be purchased in Ireland for excellent prices. WOULD APPRECIATE THE NAME of alternative high quality crystal manufacturers that are either not availble in US or sell at discount over US prices.

Thanks for help!

I went to Ireland a couple of years ago and I found this site to be by far the best for info on Ireland. The author of the site, and the people on the message board are fantastic. Check it out.

http://www.irelandexpert.com/forum_intro.htm

Hi Philip,

I am originally from Waterford city where of course the Waterford Cyrstal factory and shop is located. However there is another crystal factory in Waterford which is over 200 years old and manufactures cyrstal equal in quality to that of Waterford Crystal, this is Penrose Crystal. Its shop is located in the city centre and its website is www.penrosecrystal.com if you need more information. Tipperary crystal has also been gaining quite a reputation as well.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday

Philip -
If you are going to Kinsale, take a look at Kinsale Crystal (http://www.kinsalecrystal.ie). Gerry left Waterford in 1992. Or if you're going to Galway, try Galway Crystal.
-eyps

Dan, The forum you mention is good. I also liked www.irelandyes.com where there is a cosy forum with lots of funny and friendly regulars and good advise from the author. I would try them both to see which one best fits your personality. It always helps to get all the information you can before travelling. These are the best two forums dedicated to Ireland only.

Philip, I bought Galway, Heritage and Tipperary crystal in Ireland. Galway was the cheapest followed by Heritage, and Tipperary was the equivelent pricewise of Waterford.