These handpicked items not only offer a glimpse into different cultures but also represent the essence of their origins. Get ready to explore a curated selection of treasures that promise to be cherished keepsakes from your travels.
Buy Chocolates and a Mug from Blarney
I bought myself the cutest little mug from the Blarney Castle gift shop. It makes me happy every time I drink my morning coffee from it. The best gifts I bring home from Ireland are always the chocolates! Irish chocolates are hands down so superior to American chocolates. My family loves getting them every time I visit.
Kelie Fiala, Ireland travel planner, Vacations Planned
Receive a Handwoven Wool Throw from Avoca
The most treasured gift I’ve ever received from Ireland was a handwoven wool throw from the Avoca Mills that my best friend brought back for me in 2012. I’ve taken it on countless camping trips along the California coast, and it’s become my signature comfort item when I’m homesick during international travels. Beyond its practical warmth, this throw carries a story of craftsmanship dating back to 1723, making me feel connected to Ireland’s rich textile tradition every time I wrap myself in it.
During my own travels through Ireland’s west coast, I discovered that the most meaningful gifts aren’t the obvious shamrock keychains or leprechaun figurines, but rather items crafted by local artisans that tell Ireland’s story. My favorite purchase was a hand-carved wooden spoon from a small workshop in Dingle, made from native Irish ash that survived the fierce Atlantic winds. It’s both a beautiful kitchen tool and a daily reminder of Ireland’s resilience and natural beauty.
For anyone seeking authentic Irish gifts, look beyond the tourist shops and seek out local farmers’ markets, craft fairs, or small family-run stores in villages outside the major cities. The best Irish gifts—whether you’re buying whiskey, woolen goods, or Celtic-inspired jewelry—are those that carry the “fingerprints” of their maker and the essence of the land itself. They don’t just represent Ireland; they transport a small piece of its spirit across the ocean to your everyday life.
Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor
Purchase an Aran Sweater from Aran Islands
One of the best gifts I’ve bought in Ireland was a beautifully crafted Aran sweater. The hand-knit sweaters from the Aran Islands are iconic, and I was lucky enough to find a high-quality, authentic wool sweater made by local artisans. The craftsmanship and the story behind it made it feel like much more than just a gift–it felt like a piece of Irish heritage. It’s warm, durable, and timeless, and every time I wear it, I’m reminded of the culture and history of Ireland.
Another great gift I received was a bottle of whiskey from the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, County Cork. It was a special edition bottle, and it felt like a unique, Irish experience in a bottle. The smoothness of the whiskey and the personal connection I made with the distillery’s history made it a gift I’ll always cherish. Plus, it made for a great story to share with friends!
Tip for Visitors:
When looking for gifts in Ireland, local, handmade goods always stand out. Whether it’s pottery, woolen goods, or artisan food, the craftsmanship and quality of Irish-made products are exceptional. They’re not just souvenirs–they carry a part of Ireland’s culture and tradition with them.
Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER
Get a Digital Picture Frame
For Christmas years ago, my middle goddaughter and her family gave me a gift I had been asking about for years! Our families are very close, and her parents were friends with my husband even before I knew him; they were all in grad school together in the 1980s. Her father always has a camera on him and has documented every gathering and joint vacation for decades. Every once in a while, he’ll send us a few photos, but I had lobbied for a photo album for many holidays and birthdays. We were all in Italy together celebrating my 40th birthday, for example, which was a wonderful gift indeed, but no photo album appeared. I know it is a labor of love because the pictures were scattered in boxes, on disc drives, on computers, all over after several moves from coast to coast. Well, I decided if he didn’t do it for my 40th after almost 20 years of friendship, I should stop bugging him about it.
I had completely forgotten about it, and we were with them sharing the New Year holidays as we had many times over the years. My goddaughter handed out the gifts, and she placed a box on my lap with a huge smile, barely able to contain her excitement. I opened the present, and it was one of those digital picture frames filled with literally hundreds of photographs from our many years together, even before she was born. It was such an amazing surprise and overwhelming to turn it on and watch “this is your life” scroll before my eyes. Her dad had been laid off from a long career on Wall Street, so I knew it had been incredibly stressful for him, and I am so grateful he decided to channel that energy into giving me such a wonderful and thoughtful gift that I will treasure always.
Another special gift came from my husband, who proposed on my 26th birthday with my final gift, a Christmas ornament he had made as a child. It is a mason jar cap with glitter around the edges and his grade school picture glued to the top. There was a small handmade birthday card on the back, and when I opened it, he asked me to marry him. I was surprised; it is adorable, and I pass it multiple times a day in my office. I do not want to only see it for a few weeks a year. It means the world to me. We are celebrating our 33rd anniversary this year.
Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls
Gift an Aran Jacket from Dublin
When you think of unique gifts that capture the essence of Ireland, the first thing that comes to mind is the Aran jacket. My aunt traveled to Dublin in 2019, and while traveling, she opted to bring one of these gorgeous jackets back with her. When I saw it, I immediately knew that it looked like an actual piece of the island’s rich heritage, mostly because of its dense and complex knitting designs and its deep cream color, which only served to add to its beauty. But it wasn’t the fabric that kept you warm on those cold nights; instead, it was a calming memory that was full of family ties and the generosity of good deeds shared among loved ones. I have always been fascinated by things that possess a story or a history of their own. The classic patterns on this sweater made me think of hundreds of generations of gifted textile artists who had preceded me, creating pieces of art that were not only beautiful but meaningful.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
Buy Handcrafted Woolen Sweaters from Donegal
Gifts from Ireland carry a unique charm, often imbued with the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty. One of the best gifts I’ve bought was a set of handcrafted woolen sweaters from a small shop in County Donegal. These sweaters are not only warm and durable but also feature intricate patterns that are deeply connected to Irish culture, making them both practical and culturally significant.
Another unforgettable gift that I received was a beautiful piece of Waterford Crystal, specifically a wine decanter. Known globally for its exquisite craftsmanship, Waterford Crystal originates from the city of Waterford in 1783, and owning a piece is like holding a fragment of Irish history. The decanter sparkles beautifully on any table, and it always serves as a conversation starter about its origin and the skilled artisans who made it. These gifts are not just memorable but also serve as a constant reminder of the scenic beauty and rich history of Ireland.
Alex Cornici, Writer, Insuranks
