Like catherinehaas, I like buying things that are difficult to get elsewhere. I try to buy local artists or crafters stuff - jewelry, handmade scarves, etc. Something I can wear and use and remember my trip. I have a couple bogwood sculptures as well, and some basic primer books in Irish. I also got a copy of a book written by a Blasket Island resident. Sure, I might have found it on amazon - but I prefer to buy it there :)

Anything with Celtic knotwork catches my eye :)

I brought back beautiful Irish sweaters -- not the fisherman style, but desginged and made in Ireland with colors inspired by nature -- heather, flowers, a variety of greens. The cardigans have interesting metal buttons that look old.

Also bought one-off silver jewelry in a Southwest Cork crafts shop.

Bought tin whistles for my grandkids.

I try to bring back Chrsitmas ornaments for all the family from our yearly Christmas trip for gifts the following Christmas. This year we stayed home at Christmas but are going to Ireland at the end of March. We will be in Dublin, Enis, Tralee, Killarney and Kilkenny for all of a day each.= Any specific suggestions as to the best place to find small ornaments to bring home with us - for next year.
Or conversely - where not to shop. Thanks for any help.

I purchased ornaments of Connemara marble in the gift shop at Bunratty Folk Park.

btw, in case any of you are wondering, bodhrán (see my post above, Feb 17) is pronounced bower-on (like flower-on) & it's a circular drum usually made with a goatskin stretched over a wooden frame. It may not be really old-fashioned but it is used a lot now in traditional Irish music. I wasn't sure if I could bring one separately when flying to USA a couple of years ago, so I phoned Aer Lingus to ask. "What's a bodhrán?" asked the confused girl. She was from eastern Europe. She then put me on to an Irish staff member who explained that her colleague had never heard of a bodhrán!

Thanks for the clarification - I too wasn't sure but it's a great idea and I have the perfect person in mind for it - as a christmas gift Thanks

Thanks again for all of the great ideas! I'll have to budget in the money for the extra bag that I'll have to check with all of these wonderful souvenirs inside. :)

Newbie

My grandfather brought us back a gorgeous blue/green mohair throw from his trip in 1961. It was getting just a little worn when I went to Ireland in 2004 so I bought two more. The colors are so beautiful, and they are so light and warm, I think of the soft green Irish hills and valleys everytime I curl up in one.

We each packed an extra bag to bring home our treasures - and also had a few things shipped.

Bailey's Irish Creme
Irish Whiskey
Irish linen
local pottery
Christmas Ornaments
LOTs of pictures and post cards
Music CDs
Sweaters
Earrings
Book of Kells prints - I actually called and ordered these after my trip. I found them in a small gift shop and loved them. I thought I would wait and see if I found something else I liked better. I didn't, so I called the gift shop and had them ship the set of 3 prints. They are beautiful and something I was not able to find elsewhere.


Have a lovely trip!

I bought a Waterford Crystal Irish Harp, about 15cm high. It makes me smile whenever I look at it.

Woolen Scarf ...made in Ireland - you can't get here -

Rings made of silver and irish designs (one of all the celtic signs - got in Adare)

Photographs I took -- best souvenior

Bookmarks that each time I read I think of Ireland

Tina Mulronney CD's -- only at her website and at Cliff's of Mohrer -- absolutely wonderful voice -- so so so good - we listen to them ALL the time - and think of our past trips and the trip in Sept!

Jewerly - made there -- something when you wear you think of your trip!

J