What souvenirs can you bring from Ireland? What to bring from Dublin? Fudge and lollipops

Ireland is a country of good-natured people. Stereotype? But no! Tourists are truly welcomed here with open arms – it’s worth going and seeing it for yourself. As a bonus: magnificent nature, the beauty of which even the best photographs cannot convey, excellent excursion, delicious beer, famous whiskey and, of course, exciting shopping.

You need to go to Ireland with euros, and it is best to change money in Russia, and not on the spot. If you still need to buy currency, go to the bank (the exchange rate is worse at exchange offices and hotels). Cashless payments are possible almost everywhere. If your bank offers favorable conversion conditions, it makes sense to use the card more often.

Don't forget about the possibility of returning tax free. To participate in the program, you need to spend at least 30 euros at a time, take a special form from the store, and then present it at customs. The money will be returned to you at the airport or later transferred to your card. Tax-free in Ireland does not work when purchasing groceries, medicines, children's clothing and gasoline. And also in the event that you have packed things in your luggage and cannot show them to the customs officer.

So, what can you bring from Ireland?

The big shopping season in Ireland starts immediately after Christmas and ends in early January. The second wave of sales is in the summer, it lasts throughout July. The most convenient way to buy clothes and accessories in Dublin is in the large shopping centers Powerscourt Centre, Stephen’s Green, Jervis Center and others.

There are almost no shops in Shannon. The larger ones include SkyCourt Shopping Center and Ballycasey Craft Centre. Here you can buy clothes, jewelry and some souvenirs.

Galway's best shopping awaits you on the shopping pedestrian streets in the city centre. These are William, Middle, Shop, High, Mainguard, Quay Street and others. The city's most popular shopping center, Eyre Square Centre, is located next to the square of the same name and is hidden behind beautiful old buildings.

If you're visiting Limerick, you can head to Cruises Street in the city center for some shopping. You can also buy souvenirs here. For shopping in Clifden, we recommend going to Main Street or Market St.

World brands

Ireland is home to one of the largest outlets in the Chic Outlet chain - reviews of shopping there are extremely positive. This sales village is called Kildare Village and is located near Dublin. This is perhaps the best place to shop in all of Ireland.

Clothing and accessories from famous brands are 50-60% lower here than in regular shopping centers. It’s a big plus that in the outlet you can also find goods from Irish and British brands, which you won’t find in Russia during the day. In short, if you have time, shopaholics should go here for the whole day – you’ll come back with a mountain of bags.

National character

Useful and practical national souvenirs from Ireland are, of course, woolen sweaters, socks, scarves and other accessories. The Aran Islands are considered their homeland (by the way, it wouldn’t hurt to go there on an excursion). Hand knitting with Celtic patterns is especially good. True, today almost all Irish sweaters are knitted in factories. But that doesn't make them any worse. In such things, any cold is not scary, and the room is not hot in them, which is also great.

You can buy a sweater in Ireland in almost every souvenir shop. Very good selection at traditional Christmas markets. They are also sold in specialized departments of large shopping centers in the country. And the most interesting thing is to bring home a sweater from the village of Kilroan on the island of Inishmore (these are the same Aran Islands). Check out the Aran Sweater Market & Museum - it's worth it. A good women's or men's sweater costs on average about 100 euros, a children's - about 50.

Decorations

If you want to bring something unusual and certainly in the national style from Ireland, pay attention to the Claddagh rings. You will recognize him by the pair of hands holding a heart in a crown (hands = friendship, heart = love, crown = loyalty). These Irish rings are given as a sign of eternal friendship. And modern couples are increasingly using them as engagement cards.

On Claddagh wedding rings, these symbols take the form of an engraving “Grá, Dilseacht, agus Cairdeas” (love, fidelity and friendship). The jewelry is made in the village of Claddagh and sold throughout the country in souvenir (silver versions) and jewelry (gold) shops. Prices depend on the material and availability of gemstones. They start from 10 euros for the simplest silver options.

Also in Ireland you should pay attention to the famous Celtic jewelry. Many of them have interesting legends associated with them. Ask the seller to tell you something interesting - they are usually happy to do this. The most popular Celtic jewelry are pendants and rings (both women's and men's). These jewelry are usually not made from precious metals and are sold in souvenir shops. Prices start from just 3 euros.

Souvenirs

For souvenirs in Dublin and other cities in Ireland, the smartest thing to do is go to one of the many pedestrian streets. They are found in almost every city. Go to any retail stores and compare prices. The most popular gift shop in Dublin is Carroll's Irish Gifts.

It makes sense to go shopping in Irish markets. In Dublin this is, for example, George’s Street Arcade. The Limerick Christmas Market opens annually on November 24th in Limerick and is a stunning Christmas market.

Shamrock

The famous green shamrock has long become one of the main symbols of Ireland. If you buy a magnet, take it with it. Other souvenirs purchased include hats, umbrellas, paintings, postcards, figurines, soft toys, home accessories and even furniture. All this is decorated with the famous Irish shamrock. Women and girls can receive a brooch or pendant in the shape of the famous clover leaf as a gift from Ireland.

Prices for magnets with a trefoil are about 3 euros. Openers cost about €5, spoons - about 7, a souvenir flower (you can plant and grow it) - 6, pendant - 4 euros.

And most importantly, all jewelry with national symbols of the country are made in Ireland, and not in China.

Leprechaun

If you drink their famous whiskey with the Irish, you might see leprechauns on the way home. Locals claim that these people exist. Be that as it may, they have become another important symbol of the country.

That's why leaving Ireland without a charming gnome in a green cap is almost a shopping crime. Don't like trinket figurines? Buy at least a keychain or T-shirt with his image. Or a notepad. Girls can buy a miniature brooch with a leprechaun. In short, it’s definitely worth taking something. It is also worth buying this recognizable symbol in Ireland for gifts. Prices for souvenir figurines start from 6 euros.

Wool

We have already talked about woolen sweaters, but the national pride of Ireland is also blankets. It’s really worth bringing home such a souvenir: it will warm you on cold evenings and will definitely add coziness. The most popular manufacturer of wool blankets in Ireland is Avoca. Prices are quite high, on average about 100 euros. But they are made using a unique technology, so things last for years - it's worth it.

In addition to blankets, in the brand’s specialized store you can find women’s stoles and various woolen items such as rugs or fluffy cosmetic bags. And even natural cosmetics with traditional Irish herbs.

Music

If you don't really like your neighbors, buy bagpipes in Ireland. Well, or if you collect national instruments from different countries. In both cases, you can also grab a flute or tambourine. Well, for the rest, you can buy CDs with Irish music - you will practice Irish dancing at home.

Sophistication

If you love expensive, high-quality and beautiful things, bring a service or set of glasses made of Waterford crystal from Ireland. Also pay attention to local handmade lace. Large tablecloths cost over 150 euros, and small napkins can be purchased for €30-40.

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Food and drink

The best place to buy food in Ireland is in supermarkets. However, markets are becoming increasingly popular among locals today. In Dublin, you should go to Henry Street (in addition to groceries, you can also buy souvenirs here). Also popular are The Green Door Market, Temple Bar Food Market and others.

Limerick is especially famous for its markets. Every day a new market opens on Cornmarket Row. The Milk Market is popular, and the Friday City Market is very good. By the way, the dairy market sells not only milk, and the Friday market is open not only on Fridays.

When it comes to food at markets in Ireland, we recommend trying local cheese (any cheese is good, but smoked cheese has the best reviews) and sausages with interesting additives. Often they are not sold in vacuum packaging, so you won't take them home. But it’s definitely worth a try during your trip.

Beer Pie

Want to bring home something delicious from Ireland that you can't buy anywhere else? Buy a Guinness pie. You probably already guessed what its main component is. Rhubarb pies are also very popular in Ireland, but bringing them home will be problematic (it’s like taking charlotte to the other end of the continent). But with the first option (beer cake) you may well surprise your friends.

Special chocolate

Food in Ireland is inextricably linked with the famous local alcohol. Therefore, even the most popular chocolate is combined with Baileys, whiskey and Guinness. Candies in the form of glasses with the famous beer look especially funny. Buy such a set in a souvenir shop - it will be a great gift from Ireland. It costs about 5 euros.

A chocolate bar with each of the listed drinks costs approximately 3 euros, and a set of chocolates in a gift tin costs about €7.

Fudge and lollipops

You can also bring something tasty for children from Ireland. We're talking about traditional fudge. Prices for small packages of these delicious toffees start from 2 euros. Just be careful: the most popular fudges are, of course, whiskey and Baileys.

But a sweet product from Ireland in the form of leprechaun candies is definitely suitable for children. A bag will cost you 1.5-2 euros. These fun treats are delicious and super cute. Chocolate leprechauns in a tin cost already €5-6.

Cookie

Irish Shortbread cookies in the shape of a shamrock, sheep or any other shape are sold in packages or souvenir tins in almost every tourist store. Butter shortbread cookies are considered a traditional product, so it makes sense to bring a package home. The simplest one will cost you about 3-4 euros.

Unusual honey and jam

How do you like the idea of trying honey with whiskey? No, don’t drink it or sip it: whiskey is already “built-in” into this product. These are the Irish - they are very proud of their national drink. A jar of Jameson honey will cost you around 4 euros. This is simply a great product that can only be purchased in Ireland. Seize your chance!

Also buy Kate Kearney Irish Whiskey Marmalade. You've probably never tried jam with whiskey either. A jar, like honey, costs 4 euros.

Sauces

Do you want to truly surprise your loved ones and bring something completely unusual from Ireland? Pair your steak or barbecue sauces with Irish whiskey or Guinness. They cost about 4 euros, the taste is very non-standard. There’s not even anything to compare it to – you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.

Tea and coffee

Of course, there are also traditional flavors here. The most popular teas from Ireland are Whiskey Tea and Irish Cream Tea. Another very worthy tea made from wild berries. A set of three souvenir jars will cost about 9-10 euros.

If you buy tea in a supermarket, you will unwittingly get involved in the long-standing “battle” of two well-known brands – Barry’s and Lyons. Our advice: take both!

It’s probably not worth talking about the taste of the most popular coffee, is it? Yes, yes, whiskey and Baileys again. A standard package of flavored product (225 grams) will cost you approximately 7-8 euros.

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks (including beer) are not sold everywhere in Ireland. But only in those stores that have permission for such trade. Remember about customs restrictions: no more than three liters of alcohol can be transported duty-free across the Russian border.

A very popular souvenir from Ireland is a set of a bottle of alcohol with a matching glass. It can be liqueur, whiskey or beer, both in miniature and standard versions.

For women from Ireland, bring the famous Baileys liqueur as a gift. A traditional gift for men is Irish whiskey. Buy a bottle or two for yourself - why not a souvenir? Most often, tourists from Ireland bring whiskey from the brands Jameson, Midleton, Bushmills and others.

Among the beers in Ireland, you should definitely try stout and ale. Be sure to try Irish red ale. Some of the most popular brands producing it:

Murphy's;
Moling's;
Kilkenny;
Beamish;
Caffrey's.

As in neighboring England, beer flows like a river in local pubs. Irish porter deserves special attention. Try different varieties of famous beer from Guinness, Ohara's and other companies.

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We hope you find our tips for shopping in Irish cities useful. We wish you pleasant and profitable shopping! Anything to add? Write in the comments!

Top 15 best souvenirs from Ireland:

1- Aran wool sweaters

Large soft lambswool sweaters, excellent quality and incredibly warm. They cost from 40-50 euros, you can buy them in large souvenir shops or in specialized stores in the Aran Islands region.

2 – Whiskey

Irish whiskey is known throughout the world as one of the best. The most famous is Jameson, but the following brands are also popular: Kilbeggan, Teelings, Paddy, Powers. You can buy a bottle for 20-30 euros, if you need something rarer, friends recommended this site: Celtic Whiskey Shop

3 – Irish cream liqueur

Few people have not heard of the Irish liqueur Baileys. It is added to cocktails, coffee and desserts. If you want to bring liquor home, you don’t have to bring Baileys. It is sold everywhere, but local alternatives to liqueur are not. See the names Brady's, Brandans, Carolans.

Not much is known about Irish gin, but there are some very good local productions. For example, Glendalough Gin or Dingle Gin. Limited edition lines are best - if you happen to visit the factory, or the city where it is located, check with local liquor stores.

And again about alcohol. Well, what can you do if this is one of the best things that Ireland produces. The best beers (in my and statistical opinion) are Guinness, Smithwicks, Kilkenny, Murphy’s, Harp, Hop House.

You can also bring home Irish cider: Bulmers, Orchad’s, Magners.

6 – Candy

Ireland has very good sweets. No frills, but great variety. In souvenir shops you can find candies filled with popular alcohol, as well as delicious lollipops and chocolate. The most famous are Butlers candies. I also recommend Cadbury chocolate.

7 – Potato cakes

A few days in Ireland and you will see that the main ingredient in Irish cuisine is potatoes. You won't be able to bring potatoes home, but you can bring cakes from them. Tasty!

8 – Bacon

Hermetically sealed bacon can be safely taken home. Irish bacon is not like American bacon; it is thick and soft rather than thin and crispy. More like a thick piece of ham.

9 – Chips

The chips here are delicious. Harmful, but tasty. Try and bring home Tayto, O'Donnells, Keogh's. The name of the most famous Tayto chips stands for “po-tato” :)

10 – Flute and other musical instruments

One of the best lasting souvenirs from Ireland is musical instruments. This is: Irish flute (Tin whistle), Irish bowrown drum, ( Bodhran), Willian bagpipes (Uilleann pipes), Celtic harp (Celtic Harp) Irish fiddle (Fiddle) Irish bouzouki (Irish Bouzouki).

11 – Cheddar

The most common cheese in Ireland, both consumed and produced, is cheddar. If you are looking for cheaper cheese, look at chain supermarkets - Dubliner, Kerry Gold, Wexford Creamery. Cheddar comes in different colors (usually white and red (more orange), and different degrees of maturity. Cheaper cheese is soft in texture, and slightly salty. Expensive and best cheddar is closer in texture to Parmesan, crumbles easily, is hard and has a very strong taste. The best one is “vintage” cheddar. There are other excellent farm cheeses, not just cheddar.

12 – Celtic jewelry

Sold in every gift shop, a good selection at Carroll’s. You can buy silver, gold, and costume jewelry. Earrings, bracelets, belts, hairpins, rings, etc. with ancient Celtic symbols for good luck. Here's a ring you can buy:

Our man in Ireland, Maria White, who regularly talks about her life on the island, is requested has compiled a list of what tourists should really bring back from Dublin - from magnets painted by local artists to rings that tell the history of Ireland.

Typical souvenirs

I’m not a big fan of magnets, thimbles and other little things, but I know that many people collect them, so I’ll point out a few places with a rich assortment of such typical souvenirs. First up is Carrols Irish Gifts. Chain stores are scattered throughout the city, and there you can find glasses, shot glasses, key chains, cookies, “Kiss me, I’m Irish” T-shirts and everything that makes the Irish eye twitch. Another good option is Seasons of Ireland on Grafton Street.

If you can’t allocate a large budget for souvenirs, remember: keychains and magnets are cheaper in the so-called pound shops (the Irish equivalent of “Everything for 99” stores, only more decent) and in the Dealz network (there is a great chance to buy chocolate and candies from Guinness and Baileys at a very nice price), and “grocery” gifts - in grocery stores.

Knitted clothes

It's not just Iceland that's famous for its wool sweaters. Our Irish ones are no worse, and Aran knitting is generally known throughout the world. For such purchases you need to go to Sweater Shop, The Donegal Shop and Aran Sweater Market, where they sell the most beautiful models, richly decorated with voluminous patterns. True, they will not be very cheap, the average price of a simple sweater is about €100-120, but in general the cost sometimes reaches €350. But everything is not limited to sweaters; every store has a huge selection, including accessories: knitted and woolen scarves, socks, mittens, etc.

Of course, with such prices, the average tourist cannot go anywhere, and if the budget is limited, go to TK Maxx - there it is quite possible to catch an Aran sweater at a very reasonable price. The downside is that you will have to spend a lot of time searching, and it is not a fact that you will be able to find the right size. But if you find it, you will definitely be happy - discounts reach up to 70%. By the way, it wouldn’t hurt to go to the Sale or Outlet sections on the websites of the above stores and order delivery to your hotel at a time that suits you (it’s better to do this in advance) - you can really save up to 30%. If you don’t have time to hunt for discounts on large items, buy a wool scarf, hat or socks. They are also very beautiful.

On top of that, what is the popular hashtag on Instagram right now? #don’t onlygrandmothersknit? So, bring yarn for yourself and not just your grandmothers as a gift. Aran yarn (the same one that is used for Aran knitting) is sold at all listed addresses; prices start from €12. You can also buy knitting patterns there. And don't forget to visit This is Knit in the heart of Dublin, where yarn is often cheaper than other places.

Decorations

Celtic jewelry is a weakness for many, both men and women. You will find these in any souvenir shop and for any pocket: earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants. For those looking for jewelry made from more expensive materials, I recommend Argos, which often has good deals. For example, gold Claddagh rings (the famous Irish ones, made in the shape of hands holding a heart with a crown) are cheaper there than in other jewelry stores.

If your budget allows, I advise you to take a closer look at the History of Ireland jewelry collection, which is engraved with 12 symbols telling the entire history of the island - about St. Patrick, the Great Famine of 1845-1852, the Norman Invasion, the Battle of the Boyne, the Vikings, etc. The decorations are incredibly beautiful, although they look very simple. Their prices start from €100.

If Celtic motifs are completely alien to you, take a look at Newbridge Silverware. I especially like the jewelry they created in collaboration with Guinness. And the prices, by the way, are more than affordable.

Decor

I myself am a big fan of such stores, so I perfectly understand those who always try to bring something home from a trip. Here's what I would recommend buying:

Irish plaids. You'll find them at TK Maxx and Avoca, which not only have blankets, but many other beautiful items as well.
Christmas toys. Newbridge Silverware's chic Guinness collection is available all year round, and there's always something new in the Arnotts and Brown Thomas Christmas store.
Interesting paintings, posters and sketches by Irish artists. Find them at Jam Art Factory.

Ceramics. Go look for it in the Kilkenny shop, although there, like in Avoca, you will find everything your heart desires.
My favorite bookstores are Hodges Figgis and Ullyses Rare Books. There you can find rare publications by such authors as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney, Brendan Behan, Flann O'Brien. From there, for example, I have a book by S. Beckett - it is half in French, half in English.

I also always look into the Unique Jewelery & Gifts store in the George St shopping center. Arcade and art gallery in St. Green Shopping center. In the first one, look for beautiful jewelry, figurines and blown glass magnets. Secondly - for just a few euros - unusual magnets, hand-painted by artists.

In my opinion, not bringing any food with you from Ireland is a real crime. First of all, pack your suitcases with Irish breakfast ingredients, butter, cheese, beer and whiskey.

It's best to freeze sausages, bacon, Irish pudding and butter before traveling. Just ask at the hotel reception to put your food in the freezer overnight, then they will safely survive the flight. In my opinion, the best sausages are Superquinn Sausages, which are sold only in SuperValu, and Tesco Finest - thick sausages with various additives (apple, smoked garlic with basil, plum, honey with mustard), which are only sold in Tesco. As for alcohol, it is better to purchase beer in advance, and whiskey at duty free. It works out much cheaper this way.

On the border

Don’t forget: if you export goods outside the European Union, you have the right to refund the tax paid. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, just ask for help in the store, they will definitely tell you.

Every guest of the emerald island will want to take a piece of Ireland home. And it can be not only a keychain with a shamrock or a magnet with a leprechaun. We tell you how to choose the right Irish souvenirs.

Wool

A sweater made using traditional techniques will be a great reminder of your time spent in Ireland. Many years ago, the inhabitants of the Aran Islands, located off the western coast of the island, learned to knit wool with unique properties. Products made from it reliably protected fishermen not only from the cold, but also from water. When knitting, the Irish drew inspiration from nature and their own craft: patterns on wool symbolize fishing ropes, seaweed, and paths leading to the shore. Each ornament has its own secret meaning: braids, for example, bring good luck to the owner of the product.

Today, you can buy a sweater, like other items made of wool, in all major cities of Ireland at reasonable prices: they are manufactured in factories. To buy an authentic Aran sweater, handmade from 100% wool, you will not only have to go to its homeland - the Aran Islands - but also shell out a tidy sum of money.

Recreational drinks

The Irish are known for their playful nature and ability to have fun. They succeeded not only in consumption, but also in the production of alcohol: Irish whiskey is popular all over the world. By the way, 500 years ago whiskey was sold in Irish pharmacies as a miracle cure for infectious diseases. However, even today whiskey perfectly cures, for example, the blues, and taking with you a bottle of a drink from one of the legendary brands - Jameson, Bushmills or Tullamore Dew - is a sacred thing for every tourist.

Fans of weaker alcohol can bring the famous Baileys liqueur from Ireland. And fans of foamy beer can opt for the most recognizable beer in the world - Guinness. And don’t forget to bring the valuable cargo safe and sound.

Claddagh Ring

Of all the things you can bring from Ireland, the Claddagh ring is the cutest souvenir. According to legend, the first such ring was created by an Irishman named Richard Joyce. On his way from India to his native Claddagh, he was captured and sold into slavery to a jeweler. Having mastered a new craft, Joyce created a ring in which he expressed his longing for his beloved. He put his own meaning into each element of the ring: the heart symbolized love, the hands symbolized trust, and the crown symbolized fidelity. Today, Claddagh rings are given as a sign of friendship and are also used as wedding rings. They are sold both in shops with regular jewelry and in jewelry stores. In both places, by the way, you can buy jewelry with traditional Celtic patterns, which are also an excellent souvenir option from Ireland.

Tin utensils

The British Isles are rich in tin ore deposits. Tin is a unique material that does not change upon contact with food, therefore it is ideal for making tableware. It is used both in pure form and in alloys. For example, cups and beer mugs are made from pewter - an alloy of tin with copper and antimony.

Crystal

Another pride of the Irish is crystal. Waterford crystal is considered the best. Due to its superior quality and exquisite craftsmanship, it is prized by collectors from all over the world. You can distinguish it by the “Waterford” watermark.