Find the top Irish souvenirs from wool sweaters and Irish tartans to Guinness.
Most people think of Ireland as a land of rugged, green cliffs with quaint pubs. They also imagine a warm, friendly population. Ireland is a country with a colorful and long history. It also has many unique features, including its people.
We have a wide range of Irish gifts and souvenirs for your enjoyment, whether you are planning an Ireland visit or simply want a taste of Ireland. There’s something to suit every taste and budget, from the world-renowned poetry to the breads, cheeses, Guinness, breakfast tea and Guinness Beer.
You’ll definitely love at least one Irish-themed souvenir, even if you don’t get to visit the isle.
The Best Things to Buy in Ireland: Irish Souvenirs You’ll Love
Here’s a list of some of the most popular things you can buy in Ireland.
ARAN FISHERMAN SWEATER
Ireland’s hills, valleys, and meadows make it a great place to raise sheep. It is said there are actually more sheep on the small island than humans. There’s plenty to find, including the iconic Aran Fisherman sweater.
The thickly knit wool sweaters that are available are usually hand-knitted (although there are also cheaper machines made versions), and are incredibly durable. They are a good way to keep warm in the cold weather.
Originally, they were made by the wives of fishermen on the Aran Islands. These islands are located in the Atlantic Sea at the mouth Galway Bay and both fishermen and farmers lived and worked there. Aran fishermen sweaters were made between 3 and 6 weeks and provided warmth and comfort for the men while out in the sea. They are a great souvenir.
IRISH WHISKEY
The Irish are responsible for the widespread popularity of whiskey around the globe. It is believed that the word whiskey, or whisky in some countries, comes from an Irish expression uiscebeatha which means water of life. Around the 12th Century, Irish monks who had traveled abroad refined the distilling method until it produced a drinkable glass.
Although today’s Irish Whiskey is of higher quality, it was the number one liquor around the globe before the decline in late 1800s when Scotch became popular. Irish Whiskey is smoother and less smoky than Scotch Whisky.
While many of the Irish Whiskey Distilleries were closed in the early 1900s because of this downturn, some remained. These include the Old Bushmills Distillery which has become a tourist attraction, and Irish Distillers, who produce notable brands such as Jameson, Powers and Middleton very rare, Redbreast. Since then, dozens of Irish Whiskey distilleries have opened or reopened. Irish Whiskey has become popular all over the world.
IRISH TARTAN
Irish tartans, also known as plaids on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean (but more commonly called clan or family tartans by the Scots), have a rich history.
In Scotland tartans tend to be associated with clans or families, but in Ireland the most common association is with a particular county or region. There are many colorful Irish tartans, made of local wool. They can be found on everything from bags and kilts to blankets, hats, sweaters, sock, and even sock covers. Each one would be a wonderful Irish gift or souvenir for someone you love.
IRISH SODA BREAD, OR IRISH BROWN BREAD
Irish soda bread is found in most bakeries around the globe. Irish soda bread is known for not using yeast. Instead, it relies on a combination of baking soda and buttermilk to produce a chemical reaction that allows the bread to rise. Combining the soft wheat from Ireland with this soda bread, it became one of the least expensive on the market. It was also a mainstay in Ireland during the 1800s and 1900s.
Irish Brown Bread, also known as Wheaten Bread, is also very popular in Ireland. While both breads are made with baking soda, Irish soda bread uses white flour and is slightly sweeter, while Irish brown bread contains Irish oats, whole grain flour and has a slightly nuttier taste.
If you want to enjoy Irish Brown Bread properly, be sure to spread on authentic Irish butter that is deliciously creamy.
IRISH CREAM LICHORY
Irish Cream Liquor is not a classic Irish drink, but it was created in Ireland by a group of enterprising individuals in the 1970s who were looking for a way that they could combine the delicious Irish cream with the famous Irish whiskey. Baileys Irish Cream Whiskey, a smooth mixture of Irish whiskey, milk and chocolate, was created. It quickly became renowned for its blend. There are now several brands of Irish Cream Liquor, including Kerrygold Carolans and Brendan’s.
IRISH BOOKS & POETRY
Ireland has an amazing history of poetry. You may have been exposed to a few Irish limericks as a child, but the country is full of beautiful poems. Ireland’s oldest poem, which dates from the 6th Century, is still surviving today. There are also many fine examples of Irish Poetry in English as well as Gaelic (Irish).
Jonathan Swift and Oliver Goldsmith are credited with Ireland’s current literary resurgence. Ireland has produced novels and poems for centuries. The 17th-century authors Jonathan Swift and Oliver Goldsmith helped put Ireland in the literary spotlight with books like Gulliver’s Travels, The Vicar of Wakefield and The Vicar of Dublin. Both men were well-known for their works, but they also enjoyed poetry. Goldsmith’s The Deserted Village has won many accolades due to its pastoral view of Irish life. A book or novel in Irish, as well as a poetry collection would be a wonderful Irish gift for any Ireland-lover.
IRISH CHEESE
Ireland is known for its delicious cheeses, but they are not easily available. In any country with more livestock than locals, you can expect the cheese to be good. You will find a variety of cheeses in the different regions made with the milk from cows, sheep and goats.
Cashel Blue is Ireland’s first blue cheese, which has become quite popular in the entire country. It can also be found throughout the rest of the world.
IRISH WOOL HOODIES, WOOL CAP OR WOOL SCARF
Has it been enough for you to understand that Ireland has a lot of sheep?
A traditional Aran Fisherman Sweater is a favorite among wool lovers, but a pair of Irish Wool Stockings, trendy Irish Wool Scarf, or warm Irish wool hats are also great Irish souvenirs. You can choose from a variety of products, including a tartan motif or a traditional heavier weave.
GUNNESS BEER
Guinness is the most Irish beer you can get. It’s known for its thick, creamy head and dark colour.
Guinness is an Irish dry-stout that has been made in Dublin since over 250 years. It’s available in almost every country in the world. The tradition began in 1759 by Arthur Guinness at St. James’s Gate Brewery.
From mugs to t-shirts and golf balls, there are many Irish souvenirs that feature the Guinness Logo. All of these items would be great Irish or beer lover souvenirs.
IRISH BUTTER
Ireland’s nickname isn’t just a coincidence. You’re likely to find cows in a land that is covered with an infinite sea of green fields. Dairy is highly valued in Ireland, as you can see by the large herds. It is said that a cow’s milk can only be as creamy as the grass it eats. So, Ireland must have a rich taste.
Irish Butter, which is produced by a variety of dairy farms in Ireland and exported in large quantities, is highly valued, whether it’s purchased in your local supermarket or from the Irish farm. Home cooks as well as pastry chefs value brands such Kerrygold because of its high butterfat content. You can’t say for sure whether Ireland’s creamy butter is worth the trip, but I’m certain you will want some to bring home.
IRISH BREAKFAST TEA
The Irish Breakfast Tea is a great alternative to the English afternoon tea.
This black tea is more intense and dark than other teas. It contains a lot of Assam tea and Ceylon leaves. You can add some Irish honey or milk to the blend to make it lighter. You can serve this tea with Irish butter and brown bread or without.
BLARNEY STONE ROD
Many people flock to Blarney castle in Ireland, where they hope to acquire the gift or flattery. Kissing the Blarney Stone, which is said to give the kisser wit and great eloquence without any deception is an enormous tourist attraction. It is also the highlight of a tour through the Blarney castle that was first built in 1446.
You can make a kissing stone at home using a sample of local limestone. The results may not be guaranteed but, if it is wrapped in a woolen scarf, and placed on top of Guinness, the recipient will recognize it.
IRISH MUSIC
What song comes to mind when you hear Irish music?
What do you think? Is it the fun song “Rover Song” by The Dubliners, The Cranberries’ haunting vocals, Sinead Connor’s plea, Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl, Bono’s smooth tone, or Edge’s steady guitar chords? Answer: Any of these. Ireland, despite its small size has made a significant impact on music around the world.
Ireland is home to a wide range of music, from traditional Irish singers like U2 to rockers such as U2. If you’re looking for the best Irish music, I recommend starting with an Irish Party Favorites playlist.
IRISH COFFEE
Do you feel like you could use a little boost in the mornings?
This won’t really help you, but it could relax you on your morning off. There is no Irish Coffee as such, but adding some Irish Whiskey into your coffee will definitely change the taste.
Baileys Irish Cream is a great way to enhance a bland black coffee. Baileys is also a great addition to hot chocolate if you don’t drink coffee.
Have you got a favorite Irish memento or Irish gift which didn’t appear on the list? You’re not telling the truth.
Please prove me wrong by leaving a comment and we’ll humbly ask for your forgiveness.
Safe travels everyone!
