8 Great Things to Buy in Ireland

8. Irish Whiskey

Local alcohol is the most common thing I pick up while traveling, and it makes a great gift. In Ireland I always pick up whiskey.  Several of my friends are whiskey connoisseurs. Don’t tell them that I usually make my purchase based on the name or packaging. A bottle in a knit cosy? What a cute stocking stuffer! Duty Free Shops at the Dublin and Cork airport have a good selection.

7. Cook Books

Ireland has a great selection of bookstores overall, unlike many countries who are shuttering their brick and mortar stores in favor of online ordering. I have a longstanding habit of picking up cookbooks where ever I travel. My father was always impressed at my ability to find them in strange places. Once on a family trip to a U.S. Civil War fort, I managed to find a cookbook in a gift shop otherwise filled with military memorabilia.

My bookshelf includes cookbooks from cafe favorites such as The Brother Hubbard Cookbook and Avoca Cafe Cookbook. I purchased the latter after a dear Irish friend told me that the Avoca Cafe Shepherd’s Pie recipe was the best she ever had. After trying it, I must agree – I didn’t know Shepherd’s Pie could be that delicious! I also like books by Irish Chefs such as Donal Skehan and Rachel Allen.

I’ve noticed that many bookstores have signed copies of the latest best sellers on hand. It makes for a great gift.

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6. Bean and Goose Chocolate

Bean and Goose is a small craft chocolate company based in Wexford and makes the most delightful chocolate I’ve had in Ireland.  Local ingredients include Wexford honey and Irish sea salt. It’s available at two of my favorite stores, Fallon and Byrne and Avoca Cafe.

5. Butlers Hot Chocolate

Butlers Chocolate Cafe is a great place to stop for hot chocolate in Dublin. They also offer great melting disks with a truffle center, so you can take the experience home – Butlers Hot Chocolate.

4. Chupi Jewelry

Ireland is known for silver jewelry and claddagh rings, but my favorite jewelry is Chupi by Chupi Sweetman. The brand is based on “wild and natural things,” and my favorite is the Twig collection. The jewelry is made with attention to detail and the packaging is just as special. The “Hawthorn Twig Just the Two of Us” Necklace was a lovely anniversary gift from my husband.

3. Donegal Wool Blanket

You can get great wool products in Ireland, and I particularly love Donegal wool blankets. In Dublin, I often pick up blankets at Temple Bar store Scout, but you can also find them on Amazon – Donegal blankets

2. Irish Sea Salt

A number of my favorite foods in Ireland are made special by the addition of great Irish sea salt. I always pick up several packages to bring home, and it makes a great gift. When I’m in Dublin, I search for sea salt at gourmet stores or markets, but you can also order online: Irish sea salt.

1. Guinness Christmas Ornaments

I love Guinness, and I love picking up Christmas ornaments when I travel, so this is the perfect combination.  Newbridge Silverware makes a lovely Christmas tree made up of little silver harps. There are countless other ornaments available in case you decide to create a Guinness themed tree – Guinness Christmas Ornaments.