Whether you’ve got a family member or friend with Irish roots or just Irish wanderlust, an Irish gift is a wonderful way to indulge someone you care about. From clothing items made in Ireland by craftsman using centuries of technique to works of literature and music created by Irish creativity, the Emerald Isle is full of many wonderful gifts. I’ve put together a list of nine wonderful Irish gifts that will bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Irish Literature
The Irish are famous for their “gift of gab” and it applies to the written word, as well. The country is the envy of the world with its rich literary heritage. And that includes poetry and theater, too. If you’ve never been to Ireland or you’re looking to revisit, if only in your mind’s eye, try a book by James Joyce, like the short story collection Dubliners or Ulysses, both of which recall locations in Dublin and nearby Howth, among other spots. Readers who are looking for a laugh would do well to pick up one of Oscar Wilde’s farces, such as The Importance of Being Earnest. If you’re looking for something more modern, try Holding, the latest book from television personality Graham Norton.
Available from Amazon: Dubliners, Ulysses, The Importance of Being Earnest, Holding
Aran Sweater
The popular Irish fisherman sweater is actually the Aran sweater from the island of the same name off the coast of County Galway. For decades, these sweaters have been widely sought after. In other words: a classic never goes out of style. The sweater’s honeycomb stitch is said to bring good luck. No gift recipient will turn down a beautiful and incredibly cozy Irish made wool sweater. Aran sweaters are as stylish as they are functional. It’s perhaps the loveliest and warmest of the Irish gifts!
Available from The Irish Store
Bewley’s Irish Breakfast Tea
For me, buying tea during my travels is a no-brainer. It’s a favorite souvenir that allows me to indulge at home and relive my travel memories. Dublin-based Bewley’s has been in business since 1840 and their cafe on Grafton Street in the capital is a landmark — and not just for its historic and extremely beautiful building. The tea and coffee at Bewley’s is worth writing home about and there are lots of varieties on offer. I recommend the Irish breakfast tea: it’s strong, smooth, and pairs well with a meal. (Or something sweet!)
Available from Amazon: Bewley’s Irish Breakfast Tea
Traditional Irish Breakfast Gift Basket
Do you know what goes well with a nice hot cup of tea, or cuppa? A nice, traditional Irish breakfast! Spoil your special someone with a gift basket full of Irish specialties! The folks at The Irish Store have put together a lovely Irish Family Breakfast Basket that is sure to be a hit. Irish sausages, black and white puddings, Irish bacon, scones, Irish butter, jam, cheese, and more all in a beautiful wicker basket.
Available from The Irish Store: Irish Family Breakfast Basket
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Tourists to Dublin, Ireland flock to Jameson Distillery Bow Street to see the legendary whiskey brand’s museum which is in their original distillery site. There are no shortage of Irish whiskeys. You could really list them all day. But Jameson is iconic for a reason. The brand was founded in 1780 and formally established in 1810. Today, they have instant name recognition even from those who don’t know anything about whiskey. Any whiskey fan would be thrilled to receive Jameson Irish Whiskey which, conveniently, is available in a smart-looking gift tin.
Available from ReserveBar: Jameson Original with Gift Tin
Gaelic Football Jersey
The term “football” doesn’t mean the same thing in Ireland as it does in the rest of the world. Gaelic football is a lively, fast-paced sport that unites the people of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in a little friendly sporting competition. And, boy, do they take it seriously! Each county has its own team and what a great gift a team jersey makes. If you can’t make it over to Ireland to see a game in person, at least you can don your team’s (or county’s) colors and cheer from your home.
Available from Life Style Sports
Irish Rock Music
The Emerald Green Isle isn’t terribly large, relatively speaking. But despite its small size, it’s rich in music. Ireland is famous the world over for its rock music. Musical acts include U2 to Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, and Van Morrison. Sure, there’s traditional Irish music but this is rock’n’roll! Give a gift that gets someone dancing with a compilation of Irish rock music.
Available from Amazon: Greatest Irish Bands compilation
Butlers Chocolates
Dublin-based Butlers Chocolates have been manufacturing luxury chocolates since 1932. Today, the Irish-owned company has shops across the country and even a few around the world. Any of their carefully crafted chocolates would make a wonderful gift, but I recommend their chocolate assortment in a lovely “A Gift from Ireland” tin.
Available from Amazon: Butlers Assorted Chocolates in a Gift from Ireland tin
John Hanly & Co. Ltd. Lambswool Scarf
For more than 125 years, John Hanly & Co. Ltd. has been specializing in textiles like scarves and throws from wool, cashmere, lambswool, and more in Ireland. Their specially crafted scarves are beautiful examples of their craftsmanship. Traditional and classic, the John Hanly scarves will keep your friend warm all winter and look very smart, too!
Available from Amazon: John Hanly & Co. Ltd. Lambswool Scarf
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out these gift guides:
12 German Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Germanophile
Austrian Gift Guide
Unique Scottish Gifts for Your Favorite Scotophile
Yo! Philadelphia Gifts Guide
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