It’s impossible to travel to Ireland without leaving with arms full of gifts and souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones! There are countless ways to bring back a nice souvenir from the country!
But are there any tips and tricks you should know? Do you pay the right price for your little gifts? We’ll tell you all about it!
In Ireland, folklore is such that you’re bound to fall for a little something… Celtic interlaced jewelry, an Aran sweater, whiskey, beer, merchandising from the famous Guinness brewery… In short, it’s hard not to find what you’re looking for!
Nevertheless, it’s important not to buy just anywhere… or at any price.
Irish beers and whiskeys are generally taxed more heavily in Ireland than in France. This means that alcohol is more expensive here than elsewhere, so it’s worth asking the question before taking the plunge! Especially since most of the well-known Irish spirits can easily be found outside Ireland!
Our advice: don’t fall in love with an Irish spirit that’s easy to find beyond Ireland’s borders. If you’re sure you won’t come across it at home (for example, if you’re in a microbrewery or a little-known distillery), then go for it.
But be careful on the way back: when flying, be sure to pack your bottle or wedge it in your clothes. Put a bottle in your hold luggage: a bottle in your cabin luggage may be confiscated before departure…
An Irish sweater – Guide Irlande.comIn Ireland, the Irish sweater from the Aran Islands is a veritable institution. And we understand: made from pure virgin wool, it will protect you from cold and damp like no other garment! Even better: when it’s made to the highest standards, it can be one of those rare garments that will stay with you for the rest of your life!
However, the quality of such a sweater comes at a cost. We also recommend avoiding sweaters sold for under €40… With a few exceptions, a garment costing less than €40 could be flawed in terms of quality, design… not to mention the nature of the wool used…
Expect to pay at least €80 for a genuine Aran sweater!
The country boasts a wealth of jewelry-making expertise. Rings, bracelets, necklaces… Precious stones and noble materials such as gold and silver are part of the range offered by many of Ireland’s tourist brands.
Here again, you’ll have no trouble falling for our products, but we’d like to warn you about quality: always ask for a certificate of authenticity (if the retailer refuses, just walk away).
Some “tourist stores” offer pieces of poor quality: materials change color, warp or rust. So choose a reputable brand such as Irish Carroll’s Gift Store (a tourist brand with a nationwide presence and a reputation for reliability) or a genuine local jewelry store.
Bodhràns – Chris Hill Photographic 2010 +44(0) 2890 245038 In Ireland, there’s a traditional instrument: the bodhràn. This is a kind of tambourine, consisting of a circular frame of hollow wood, topped with a stretched goatskin or sheepskin. The instrument is used as a percussion instrument in traditional Irish music, and is sometimes decorated with interlacing.
Magnificent, it attracts the envy of travelers in search of the perfect souvenir. It’s no problem to bring one home, but here are a few things you should know before taking the plunge:
These are just a few warnings and examples. There are lots of ideas for souvenirs in Ireland! If you have to keep only 2 pieces of advice in mind: focus on quality and above all… treat yourself!
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