What are the best Irish memories and what is worth bringing home from an Irish holiday? Well obviously not the mother of all hangovers, should you indulge yourself on your last night? But some alcohol could be a good bet. And a sweater, when the warming effect decreases. The options are endless and confusing, but there are some things that are “typically Irish” that are worth taking home. Keep an eye out for them and save some money by claiming a tax refund.
Whiskey and other spirits
Irish whiskey is available in all price categories and qualities; If you are not interested in a special whiskey, you should try to find a store where you can actually taste the product. Or buy directly from the distillery, for example at Bushmills or Jameson’s in Dublin. Don’t avoid sweet liqueurs made with whiskey and / or cream. But a word of warning: Irish whiskey as a souvenir is a great idea, as long as you know their stuff and their prices. Due to high taxes, good things are often more expensive in Ireland than in other countries. So don’t go for the bargain, go for those “specials” that are only sold here.
Aran Sweaters
Traditional knitwear from the Aran Islands, once handcrafted by fishermen and using ‘familiar patterns’. To identify the washed bodies of the drowned, according to legend. Available almost everywhere in Ireland in natural wool and even synthetics. Choose a white or off-white sweater, not one of the garish colors. Again, compare prices – visitors to the Aran Islands themselves occasionally reported higher prices there than in Dublin!
Crystal
Irish glass for many people is synonymous with Waterford Crystal, but there are many more factories and craft shops that produce their own products. These are not of lesser quality. Caution: insist on shockproof packaging. Or ask about shipping the goods (fully insured) to your home address, often a sensible alternative to shipping fragile on every continent.
Tweed
Tweed clothing in all shapes and sizes is an investment – you’ll have years to enjoy the garments and they will never go out of style. Again available in most stores and from a variety of manufacturers. Men should have at least one tweed cap for those rainy days on the golf courses. Maybe avoid the flashier multicolors … once again, they could go with those ‘funky tartan’ plaid pants.
Linen
The linen industry is especially strong in Northern Ireland and you will find factory shops, craft shops and designer shops selling everything from kitchen towels to ‘grandfather shirts’. Invest in a long nightshirt with a matching cap if you dare! For the less adventurous, a collection of patterned tea towels might be the best idea. They can be used for decorative purposes, and if you get tired of them, you can use them well, as well as kitchen towels.
China paria
Visit Belleek Pottery and splash on a complete set. Or buy individual pieces with sentimental value at any major tourist store. Irish porcelain has come a long way since the ‘rustic teacup’ stage, although the latter is available as well. The Ceramic Showroom at Belleek has a complete collection for sale, and they also specialize in affordable and (above all) safe shipping to every corner of the world.
Fishing tackle
Even if you are not planning to pluck a fish from its native element, take a look at fishing stores. Colorful, handmade flies for fly fishing can be a conversation piece if displayed at home. There’s even a famous tackle shop in Dublin’s Temple Bar district, Rory’s… home to the “I’d rather be fucking!” Fishing, silly, fishing!
Irish music and DVD
Although there is a fair amount of Irish music available around the world (and more on the internet), you can find hidden gems in Irish stores. Ask for local artists and you can even get home produced CDs. If you plan to buy DVDs, be sure to check that they are compatible with Regions 0 (Worldwide) or 1 (US & Canada) and the NTSC standard.
Smoked salmon
A culinary delight best bought at the airport to keep fish fresh. Although it is not a long-term memory, it is worth considering.
And finally … a piece of Auld Sod!
You can actually get pieces of grass to burn at home, prepackaged for your convenience and transatlantic shipping – look next to clover seeds at souvenir shops. If you don’t have an open fireplace, a miniature porcelain cottage with special grass granules might be an alternative. You light the pellet and let smoke escape through the small chimney of the cabin. Cheesy, but also very popular.
