Irelands 15 Best Souvenirs

Looking to buy some quality gifts and souvenirs to take home and not a cheesy leprechaun hat? Support Irish producers by buying quality souvenirs made by Irish designers and craftsmen. Whether it’s a souvenir for yourself, or intended as a gift for friends and family, these 15 Irish made souvenirs will become treasured possessions that will be an everlasting reminder of your special time in Ireland.

If you run out of room in your luggage, worry about paying extra luggage allowance or getting through customs or simply just get too busy enjoying the sites of Ireland to find time for souvenir shopping, then don’t stress. The best thing about these souvenirs is that you can order them online and have them delivered and waiting for you when you arrive home.

1. Irish Chocolate

Ireland is the best place to go if you love milk chocolate. The secret to Irish chocolate is Ireland’s super creamy milk. Ireland’s dairy cows benefit from the rich green grass which grows in abundance due to the country’s year-round temperate climate which makes the cow’s milk much more creamy and rich. Stock up on Cadbury’s at the supermarkets in Ireland (except Lidl and Aldi, which only stock their own brand of chocolate).

If you have a little more money to spend and have a more refined taste, then go for Butlers chocolate. They have a great range of products to choose from including hot chocolate, chocolate bars in a variety of flavours. There is also gift boxed range of luxury filled chocolates.

2. Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is a traditional ring which represents love, loyalty and friendship. It is worn by both men and women. Love is symbolised by the heart, loyalty is symbolised by the crown and friendship is symbolised by the clasped hands.

When worn on the right hand with the tip of the heart pointed towards you it means you are in a relationship. If it’s pointed outwards, then it means that you are single and available. When worn on the left hand with the tip of the heart pointed towards you, it means that you are married. If it’s pointed outwards, it means that you are engaged.

3. Irish Aran Wool Knits

Take home a traditional Irish Aran sweater. These gorgeous knits will keep you warm and stylish. Available in a range of designs and colours for men, women and children, there’s something to suit everybody.

4. Avoca Woollen Throws

These beautiful Avoca woollen throws are made by Ireland’s oldest weaving mill. The mill is located in Avoca village and was founded by three sisters in 1723 and is known for its colourful designs and quality woollen products. These stunning Avoca blankets will add a stylish flair to your home and are the perfect companion for snuggling on the couch and as an extra warm layer at night.

5. Irish Pottery and Ceramics

Ireland is home to a diverse range of artists creating unique ceramic and pottery pieces like those from the popular Belleek Pottery and Castle Arch Pottery.

6. Irish Whiskey

Ireland is the home of quality whiskey, so a gift of Irish Whiskey will be very much enjoyed. Alongside the better known Jameson Whiskey is a range of other excellent whiskeys to choose from:

• Connemara Peated Single Malt Whiskey: Well-smoked and peated, heather freshness and floral notes with a honeyed sweetness and a little wood. Hints of chocolate vanilla and oak leave a mouth-watering taste. This is one of my husband’s favourites.
• Feckin Irish Whiskey: Flavours of Honey with an Oak. Smooth, light and well balanced, this whiskey is ideal for sipping, mixing or cocktails.
• Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey: Embracing all three types of Irish whiskey – golden grain, pot still and malt, bringing complexity and depth. Superb drunk on it’s own, with ice or with a mixer.
• Wild Geese Single Malt Irish Whiskey: Smooth, peppery, spicy, malty oak and a complex sweetness with a hint of vanilla and a lingering earthiness.

7. Irish Books

Whilst bookstores have been closing down around the world, Ireland’s love of literature means that you will still find them going strong in Ireland. Try iconic Irish literature from James Joyce or, my personal favourite, Oscar Wilde.

For kids gifts, try Great Irish Legends for Children written by Irish author Yvonne Carroll. This volume of six traditional Irish legends includes stories that are a rich part of Irish history and lend themselves to great storytelling.

For those that like to cook, this new edition of Darina Allen’s bestselling Irish Traditional Cooking is the perfect souvenir. It contains 300 traditional dishes, including 100 new recipes such as Sea Spinach Soup, Potted Ballycotton Shrimps with Melba Toast and Rhubarb Fool. Each recipe is accompanied with tips, tales, historical insights and common Irish customs, many of which have been passed down from one generation to the next. If you love Irish cooking, then check out my post on the Best Irish Cookbooks.

8. Irish Leather Goods

Check out the Lee River range of leather goods in their shop in Cork, Ireland. From Celtic embossed belts to leather satchels and wallets, they have something to suit everyone. These beautiful leather goods are handcrafted using 100% genuine vegetable-tanned Italian leather. If your trip doesn’t include a visit to Cork, then don’t despair, you can still purchase their items online from their Lee River Etsy shop.

9. Newbridge Silver

Newbridge Silverware is Ireland’s premier designer and producer of silverware. Their collection includes a beautiful range including stunning jewellery and Christmas decorations.

10. Irish Crystal

Ireland is home to two leading crystal companies, Galway Crystal and Waterford Crystal. Both offer a beautiful range of crystal glasses and giftware featuring exquisite designs. I especially like Galway Crystal Christmas decorations.

11. Irish Art

Ireland is home to many talented artists. For a unique souvenir, consider a bronze Celtic plaque from Wild Goose, or these framed pieces of actual Irish bog cut into adorable art pieces by Bog Buddies.

12. Irish Musical Instruments

Musical instruments make a great souvenir gift for kids and music loving adults! The two most popular traditional Irish instruments are the bodhrán and whistle.

Made in Ireland, this traditional Irish bodhrán is made from genuine goatskin. This bodhrán is an authentic traditional Irish instrument. This is perfect to use for ceilís (a traditional Irish social gathering, which usually involves playing Irish folk music and dancing) or as a decorative piece.

This traditional Irish whistle will keep you entertained for hours. Available in the keys of D and C, they are made from high-quality materials and finished to produce the perfect whistle sound that has made them so popular.

13. Irish Linen

Ulster Weavers is a home textiles company based in Northern Ireland offering a vast range of high quality linen and textile products. The company can trace its history back to the nineteenth century. You will see their beautiful textile printed products such as aprons, tea towels, tote bags in souvenir shops around Ireland, but you can also buy their items on their Amazon store.

14. Scents of Ireland

Relive memories of Ireland with these beautifully scented candles made by Bearded Candle Makers in Belfast. These hand-poured soy candles use lead free, unbleached braided cotton wicks with premium grade fragrance and essential oils. All of their candles are free from additives, dyes, preservatives, phthalates, parabens and petroleum. Choose from a range of Irish inspired scents such as:

• Real Turf Fire with patchouli, woodsmoke, oakmoss, and cedarwood.
• Irish Gorse (whin) with scents of coconut, aniseed, and bluebell.
• Wild Flowers of Donegal featuring honeysuckle, primrose, and orchid.

15. Guinness Memorabilia

When beer lovers think if Ireland, it is always Guinness that comes to mind. A tour of the brewery in Dublin is a popular tourist hot spot. Guinness memorabilia is a great way to bring home your memories of Ireland. Not only is there the modern branding to choose from, there is also some really cool old classic branding.