Souvenirs to Buy in Ireland

I thought going to Ireland for only 4 days would help me not spend so much money… I was wrong. I also thought I wouldn’t buy as much as I would in Paris or Copenhagen…. again, wrong. Ireland is full of artisans and everything seems to be so well-made, it’s hard to not get lost in it all and want to buy everything. Here is everything I bought and can attest are a good way to part from your money.

• Sweaters

  • Ireland is known for their Aran sweaters, and their handknit wool sweaters. As soon as you visit the west coast, you will see hundreds of sheep everywhere. I learned the different knitting patterns mean different things, so it was very special picking a knit with a special intention I loved.

  • I ended up buying 2 quarter-zip wool sweaters, a cashmere/wool blend contrast knit sweater, and a tweed cape. All were around $100 (but you get 12% back on anything over $75).

• Cloon Keen Perfume

  • Cloon Keen is a handmade luxury Irish perfume house with some incredible scents. I bought myself and my sisters a travel-size of three of their most popular fragrances. I can’t wait to get a full-size bottle of Bel Etage!

• Jameson Distillery Edition

  • When visiting the Jameson Distillery, included are 3 tastings: Jameson, Jameson Black Label, and Jameson Distillery Edition. The Distillery Edition one is a version you can only buy in Dublin and Cork, Ireland, so obviously the scarcity mindset set in and I had to buy a bottle. I personally don’t like Jameson, so I gave the bottle to my brother-in-law who (I think) enjoys Jameson :)

• Postcards/Local Art

  • I always buy and send postcards when traveling, but I had a hard time finding stamps this time around. So I kept my postcards and am sending them when I get home! I bought some beautiful postcards of a famous painting in Dublin, and some by a local artist on Slea Head Drive. I’ll probably end up framing the Slea Head Drive ones.

• Books from the Emigration Museum

  • I bought a book on The Troubles so I could learn a bit more on this recent issue and how it affects Ireland to this day. The Emigration Museum was very insightful and sad, but I hope to learn more about this beautiful culture and strong group of people!