Traveling to Ireland next week. Anything special I should plan to shop for while there, other than Waterford, china, or sweaters? Any suggestions for special, not-to-be-missed shops?

I fell in love with the beautiful woolen scarves at Muckross House in Killarney. I'm sure you can find them other places too. They are truly handwoven by the locals and reasonably priced. I gave them as gifts to friends and family here and they loved them. We also found Irish football jerseys were a hit and very unique... sort of the equivalent of hockey jerseys here. And if anyone likes jewelry, the Celtic designs are beautiful in both silver and gold.

we bought a beautiful wool blanket in march for about $90---king size

sorry it is cousin of the sweaters you don't want to hear about....

generally we found everything quite expensive and quality varried....

These ideas are very helpful! The kinds of things I had in mind.

I bought myself a small hand made piece of lace from the Kenmare Design Center. It is a dying art that these craftsmen are trying to preserve.

Nicholas Moss(e?) pottery.

We recently returned from Ireland, and did most of our shopping in the Kilkenny area. I agree that Nicholas Mosse pottery is very nice, as is Jerpoint glass. There are also crystal manufacturers besides Waterford, and you might even find you like one of them better.

There's a place in the Burren that makes perfume, soap, and other aromatherapy products from local flowers. Some of their wares are available at other gift shops, but it was fun to see the complete line.

I'd recommend buying a Bodhrán or tin whistle (both are Irish musical instruments) and a Bodhrán can look nice as a wall ornament when not in use.

CDs of Irish music, books of Irish literature and poetry. The best!