I am curious about shopping in Ireland. We are lucky enough to be in West Ireland in late Sept. and wanted to get some of our Christmas shopping done. I have wanted an authentic Irish fisherman sweater for oh, only about a billion years so we are making a trip to the Aran Islands. Obviously, there is Waterford crystal and Belleek china and Irish whiskey : but what are some of your most treasured purchases from your trips to Ireland?

I received a small Waterford vase one year ago in the mail. It has special value to me as it was sent by my daughters best friend. She was on a school exchange program and while there she thought of me. I have always called her my "second daughter" and when I received this treasure it brought tears to my eyes. Half way around the world and she thought of me!
This wasn't a purchase but to me it is a priceless piece of crystal.

I'm not a big shopper, but the only thing I bought in Ireland that I really consider unique and special was a beautiful mohair scarf. They have a lot of those there in beautiful colors. I did buy some Wateford crystal but regretted it as you can buy that anywhere, and I later saw the exact same pattern of crystal wine glasses back home (Los Angeles) at a discount department store cheaper than I paid in Ireland, and I wouldn't have had the shipping and potential breakage problems. If you can find a small vase or something that is easier to take, that would be better, in my opinion. The sweater sounds like a good idea if you want one.

I really enjoyed getting a wool/cashmire/velvet cape at the Blarney Woolen Mills and my husband tresures the irish whiskeys from Jameson Distillery in Dublin (special reserves).

My favorite purchase was a special Waterford piece that is not exported outside of Ireland. It was purchased at the Blarney Woolen Mills at the Blarney Castle. TIP: If you see something you like, buy it, you may not find it elsewhere along the way. You can checkout their website:blarneywoolenmills.ie. I had my Waterford shipped for a small fee and it was so well worth it. It actually arrived before the posted date. Enjoy your trip!

Woolen scarves. I bought one in an Irish Shop in Boston several years ago for $75, loved it, and wore it until it got moth holes. On a trip to Ireland 2 years ago, I found the same scarf for a third of the price and bought several. They make great gifts.

My niece went to school over there and brought me a similar one back except that it is a loop. I double it up and use it as a hat--perfect on the really cold days.

I bought some sweaters but rarely wear them because they are so heavy and scratchy. Wish I'd saved my money. Blarney Woolen Mills has some gorgeous suits, which I wish I had bought instead. Also bought some Galway crystal Christmas ornament crosses (a lot cheaper than Waterford), and some lace napkins and tablecloth, but my favorite items seem to be the Celtic jewelry I bought(earrings, bracelet, pin)--didn't pay very much for any of it but I wear them all the time. Gifts I gave: some crystal crosses, jewelry, silk scarves. All were small and easy to pack and popular with the recipients. My husband bought a woolen hat that he loves; also bought a woolen scarf for my dad. I don't usually buy many souvenirs or gifts--usually post cards and a keychain, but I must admit I went wild in Ireland--there are so many nice things to buy.

I haven't been to Ireland, but I buy Nicholas Mosse pottery and Simon Pearce crystal here. The Mosse pottery is high quality, mostly with simple floral designs. The Pearce crystal (there's a store in NYC) has much simpler lines than Waterford.

Two Waterford champagne glasses.

Sure you can buy almost anything from anywhere in the USA nowadays but we use the glasses for special occasions and holidays and it always reminds us of our romantic trip to the Emerald Isle.

You might like something made of Connemara marble. If you want to take a look at it, go to www.connemaramarble.net. I have a rosary I was given many years ago made from the green Connemara marble, as well as a pair of earrings. It is a very distinctive Irish product.

Last year ('02) I brought back for my wife a gold Celtic cross with a Claddagh symbol in the center - In May ('03) I brought two silver crosses for my granddaughters of the same design. I bought the gold one at Roche's in Ballina and the silver ones at Ennis Gifts (across from the Old Ground)

Antique pewter coat pin purchased at an art fair. I don't know anything about it other than I like it.

Every country we go to I always buy a painting for our walls - what wonderful memories as I look around our house.
I also have a shelf in our dining room that I buy something small to fit on it from each country. Most of the items are Christmas ornaments.

I bought birthday boxes at the Belleek factory for my nieces and my daughter for Christmas gifts (and one for myself) as well as a small candy dish and a vase. They shipped everything home for me which eliminated the VAT, and it arrived in perfect condition.

At one of the little shops on the Aran Islands, on the other side of the big Island near the fort, I bought a beautiful sweater vest. It was May a few years back.

The interesting part of the story was she did not have my size, and I wasn't in any real hurry considering the time of the year. She said she would knit one and ship it to me in New Jersey when she in the States visiting relatives. I purchased it on my credit card.

4 months later, I had completely forgotten about the sweater when this mysterious package addressed to me arrived at my door. The sweater!! Was I ever surprised.

Two years later, I bought a Donegal Tweed sport coat in Donegal -- I just love that jacket!!

If you are thinking about a sleeveless men's Aran Knit vest, they were in very short supply when I was there last Sept. I was looking to purchase one for my Dad (size 40-42) and the ONLY place I found it was at the Blarney Woolen Mills. I can't wait to get back there!

DIN
I checked out the Connemara web-site....Wow, loved the Galway black marble jewelry!!
Thanks for the recommendation!!

Wow, what great suggestions! This is exactly what I was hoping to receive. The marble is beautiful and I am just hokey enough to buy that shamrock My grandmother loves scarves so that will definitely be on the list, too. We love to hit the local craft fairs and farmer's market. I hope that we will have the opportunity to do that in Ireland.

Thanks, everyone and keep those ideas coming.

I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but go to this website: www.bewleys.ie, which is the website for Bewley's tea. They have been purveyors of tea and coffee in Ireland for more than a hundred years. Their cafe is on Grafton Street in Dublin. You won't be going out that way on this trip, but their tea can be found in all Irish food shops. Tea caddies full of good Irish tea are wonderful! I have a row of them in my kitchen, in fact, most containing teas that aren't so readily available here, like lapsang souchong (sp!). The good thing about Bewley's tea is that the company is a veritable Irish institution, and they do mail order! That way, if you or lucky gift receipients get addicted to a cuppa, you can always get more. They also sell teapots and picnic hamper goodies.

When driving around the dingle peninsula there was a wonderful pottery place...
Got some a mortal and pestle there for my "foodie" friends as well as for myself. I also got a few other items. When I traveled around I found his items in some expensive shops for at least twice the price. Gosh- as much as I try I cannot remember the name! Donald M..... yeah, that narrows it down!