Dizzying cliffs, cozy pubs and Celtic legends: Ireland leaves strong images, but also real treasures to bring back. Before packing your suitcase, here are the 5 souvenirs that appear most often on travelers’ shopping lists, with their recommended points of sale and tips for getting through customs smoothly.
- 🧶 Authentic Aran Sweater – guaranteed warmth and traditional pattern.
- 🥃 Irish Whiskey from Dingle Distillery – limited bottle, triple distilled.
- 💍 Claddagh Ring – symbol of friendship ❤️ and loyalty.
- ✨ Irish Crystal – finesse and unmatched reflections.
- 🍫 Cadbury milk chocolate 100% local – sweetness at a low price.
5 must-have Irish gifts for every budget
Each item summarizes a slice of Gaelic culture: from Tweed Irish to Celtic Art engraved on a ring, not forgetting the legendary Ballymaloe Relish tucked into the cabin luggage. The following table helps to choose according to budget and available time.
| 🎁 Souvenir | Estimated budget | Where to buy | Transport tip ✈️ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aran Sweater | €180 – €250 | Aran Islands Knitwear, Inis Mór | Roll, place in checked luggage |
| Whiskey (Dingle Distillery) | €55 – €80 | Dingle Distillery Shop, Milltown Roundabout, Dingle | Put in duty-free bag |
| Claddagh Ring | €45 – €120 | Fallers Jewellers, 19 William St, Galway | Keep on your person |
| Irish Crystal | €70 – €300 | House of Waterford, 28 The Mall, Waterford | Request foam packaging |
| Ballymaloe Relish | €4 – €6 | SuperValu or Cork airport | Put in 100 ml plastic bag |
Good deals 🛒 and specific addresses
• Blarney Woollen Mills (Blarney, T23 P8RP): 3,000 m² of Gifts from the Green Isle; open 9 am-6 pm.
• Avoca (11 Suffolk St, Dublin 2): rainbow textiles and original decorating ideas.
• Guinness Storehouse Gift Shop (St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8): glasses and hop berries under glass domes.
• Carrolls Irish Gifts (34 Grafton St, Dublin 2): perfect for magnets and Baileys Irish Cream miniatures.
- 📌 Tip: look for the “Guaranteed Irish” logo to support the local economy.
- 🚶♂️ Dublin: four shops are located within 200 m to 600 m of each other, ideal for a stroll.
Where to find Irish gourmet specialties
The Emerald Isle focuses on quality: farmhouse cheeses, Irish Linen to wrap artisanal butter, and homemade condiments. Food lovers often consult this guide from Comptoir des Voyages before departure.
| 🍀 Product | Star brand | Recommended shop | Shelf life ⏳ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged Cheddar | Gubbeen | Sheridans Cheesemongers, 11 South Anne St, Dublin | 4 weeks |
| Smoked salmon | Burren Smokehouse | Burren, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare | 7 days unrefrigerated |
| Artisanal jam | Wild About | Temple Bar Food Market (Saturday) | 12 months |
| Relish | Ballymaloe Relish | English Market, Cork | 18 months |
Practical tips 🍽️
- ✈️ Vacuum-pack the cheese; customs in 2025 accept up to 2 kg of EU dairy products.
- 🧊 Salmon is good for 24 h without refrigeration; place it near a reusable gel pack.
- ☕ Consider Barry’s tea to accompany the tasting.
To compare with other gourmet destinations, take a look at the article What to bring back from Portugal?
Textiles, Celtic art and crystal: the charm of craftsmanship
Hand weaving and glass cutting continue; workshops gladly open their doors to visitors. Inspirations for lovers of Celtic Art are compiled in this detailed guide.
- 🧥 Tweed Irish jacket – at Magee 1866, Donegal Town.
- 🖌️ Leather engraving depicting the Triskelion – Craft Village studio, Derry.
- 🎨 Contemporary canvas inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way – Kenny’s gallery, Galway.
| Material | Workshop | Durability ♻️ | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Linen | Thomas Ferguson, Banbridge | 30 years | €60 per tablecloth |
| Waterford Crystal | House of Waterford | Lifetime | €120 per vase |
| Celtic art on wood | Ogham Wishes, Athlone | 20 years | €40 per frame |
Looking for more artisanal inspirations? Browse our Corsican finds or the Basque shops in Anglet.
How to bring back alcohol, crystal and fresh products stress-free
Since 2023, EU regulations limit strong alcohol to 10 l per person; plenty enough for Irish Whiskey or a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream. The same rules protect your pieces of Irish Crystal against breakage: ask sellers for IATA-certified packaging.
- 📄 Keep your receipts (Tweed Irish, crystal) for tax refund at Dublin airport.
- 📦 Distribute bottles: maximum 2 per suitcase to avoid overweight.
- 💡 Compare duty-free policies with other countries on our gift VAT guide.
| Item | Customs limit | Recommended protection | Plan B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiskey 700 ml | 10 l | Inflatable pouch | DHL shipping 48 h |
| Baileys 1 l | 10 l | Insulated bag | Duty-free |
| Irish Crystal | No limit | Corrugated cardboard | Fragile Colissimo |
To balance your suitcase, get inspired by tips from Terre Bleue and Voyage10.
FAQ – frequently asked questions before leaving 🧐
- What is the difference between a machine-made and hand-knit Aran sweater? Hand knitting uses 100% untreated wool, each piece bears the maker’s name; the machine version often mixes acrylic and costs three times less.
- Can you put a Claddagh Ring in cabin baggage? Yes, the jewelry passes security without problem; keep the receipt for warranty.
- Is Irish Whiskey cheaper in duty-free? Generally 5% to 10% lower than in tourist shops; compare daily prices on the Dublin Airport app.
- How to check the authenticity of Irish Crystal? Look for the laser engraving “Waterford” or the “Made in Ireland” sticker; the glass produces a clear, prolonged sound when struck.
- Is there an original souvenir under €10? Yes: a mini jar of Ballymaloe Relish, a box of Barry’s Tea, or a Guinness illustrated magnet.
Need ideas for other trips? Explore Bali, Turin or even Canada with one click.
