If you read my blog regularly, you know I’ve posted quite a few times before about Irish crafts, hand-dyed yarn, and more, so it won’t be a surprise to read this post. I spent many MANY hours combing Instagram and the internet looking for Irish Souvenirs from makers and artisans based in Ireland who create unique and original items. Whether you are trying to shop within our island to reduce your carbon footprint or looking for a real souvenir or gift for yourself or someone special, this list will give you ample ideas.
I originally posted this last March (2020), but updated it with more local makers and artisans I’ve learned about this coming year. In this time when we are all at home and our shopping and travel habits are hindered, it is important to spread the word about local shops, makers, and artisans.
No one has paid me or given me anything to be included in this post, no one knew I was compiling the list until it was live. It is my contribution to offer a resource to connect consumers to makers and artisans based in Ireland.
You are welcome to link to this list, but do not copy and paste for your own site/blog. If you want this content for your own site, compile it yourself. I have a separate post for yarn dyers in Ireland. Perfect to buy gifts for the knitter or crocheter in your life.
Dedicated Shops
Chou’s Cottage in Clonmel, Co Cork
Forest & Flock in Bantry, West Cork, Co. Cork
Gallery Crafts in Kilworth, Co Cork
Irish Design Shop, 41 Drury Street, Dublin 2
Trinity Gift Shop, Dublin
The Yellow Door, Baltimore
Jewellery
Lost Forest Wildflower Jewellery
Plantaring (eco jewellery)
Apparel & Fashion
(Designers, Makers, and Boutiques)
Carousel Clothing and Circus Clothing
Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy
Skin, Hair, Beauty, Wellness, Aromatherapy
Zero Waste & Ecological Focus
Tableware, Homewares, and Wedding Gifts
Charlie Mahon Ceramics Pottery
Furniture, Rugs, and Woollen Creations
Grá Agus Sonas Creations (Macrame)
Subscription Boxes
Art
Elaine Tobin Art (I have a lino print I bought from her that I LOVE)
Karen Pleass Textile Arts (etsy)
Toys and Children Clothing
McNutt of Donegal has a baby blanket made from the finest 100% merino lambswool. Every blanket is designed and woven in the seaside village of Downings, on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Leigh Tucker Willow collection from Dunnes Stores
Personalised Gifts
Alcoholic Beverages
Bradley’s Off-Licence (they ship)
Food & Beverages
Chocolate
There are SO many Irish chocolatiers to choose from. The chocolatier stall in Cork’s English Market has a thorough selection and I was impressed with the options at Bradley’s Off-License on North Main Street. There are also some exclusive to Dunnes Stores grocery department.
Simply Better Belgian milk chocolate bar that is made by Aine’s Chocolate in Cavan. It’s great to see larger stores focusing on keeping production local. The Simply Better Salted Caramel Belgian Chocolate Bar earned Bronze in the Blas Na Héireann Awards 2017.
The Chocolate Box from Butler’s because it is an all-around perfect sampler that if nice to share. Butler’s has been a favourite in Ireland for almost 90 years! The company is 100% Irish family owned and has cafés across the Republic as well as an impressive retail distribution system. You can find this at the Cork airport shop.
Lily O’Brien’s Salted Caramel is a perfect design to break apart and share, or not share. I love that this chocolate company has been in Ireland for almost 30 years. Personally, I love that the company grew from a woman’s determination to follow her passion following debilitating illness. Those of us who’ve battled chronic or life-threatening illness know how important it is to maintain and seek out what fulfils us and Mary Ann O’Brien’s story is inspiring for that reason.
Green & Black’s Velvet Collection Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt was a bit off the island, but it is one of my favourites so I included it. This bar combines Green & Black’s Velvet Edition dark chocolate with delicate flakes of Anglesey sea salt. As each flake of sea salt hits the tongue, it offers a delicious contrast to the sweet chocolate. Culminating in a delicate crunch and truly moreish flavour.
More wonderful Irish chocolates:
- Áine Hand Made Chocolate
- Bean and Goose
- Caffrey’s
- The Chocolate Garden
- The Chocolate Shop
- Clonakilty Chocolate
- O’Conaill Chocolate
- Skelligs Chocolate Factory
- Wilde Irish Chocolates
This is a partial list and I will keep adding to it as more Irish Souvenirs, makers, and artisans based in Ireland come to my attention. If you are an artisan in Ireland or a small business, let me know so I can add it in the correct category.
Paddywackery has its place, but when you’re traveling to Ireland why not bring back something authentic? Having lived in Cork, Ireland for 11 years, I see the wealth of artisans and talent on this island and long to shout from the rooftops to all tourists to buy these authentic items, but the cheap tee-shirt with a leprechaun. I’ll be posting more about this subject in the future because this blog has a unique position that it’s read by about 5,000 people a month and almost evenly split between Ireland and North America. So, it’s my effort to raise up the profile of designers, artists, and makers on this Emerald Isle.
Very well written and useful!
Thanks and kisses! 🙂