Ireland is one of those destinations where souvenir shopping can quickly become part of your vacation. Between the colourful shops in Dublin, traditional woollen mills, independent boutiques and small shops tucked into villages along the Wild Atlantic Way, there are plenty of opportunities to fill your suitcase with Irish souvenirs.
But what should you actually buy in Ireland?
While you will find plenty of shamrocks, leprechauns and green everything, some of the best souvenirs from Ireland are things you will actually use when you get home. Think beautiful wool sweaters, Irish linen, handmade pottery and locally produced food.
If you are wondering what to buy in Ireland, I’ve put together some of the most popular Irish souvenirs worth keeping an eye out for. Whether you are shopping for yourself, looking for gifts from Ireland or trying to find something inexpensive for friends and family, there is something for everyone.
Top Irish Souvenirs to Keep Your Eye Out For!
Aran Wool Sweaters
One of the most recognizable things to buy in Ireland is an Aran wool sweater. These traditional knitted sweaters originated in the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast and are known for their distinctive cable-knit patterns.
They are also one of the more practical Irish souvenirs, especially if you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter.
You will find Aran sweaters in souvenir shops throughout Ireland, but if you want something that will last for years, look for authentic Irish-made sweaters rather than inexpensive imported versions.
They come in traditional cream as well as plenty of other colours, and you can find everything from chunky sweaters to lighter cardigans and scarves.
If you are traveling with tweens or teens, a wool hat or scarf might be a more practical purchase than convincing them to wear a traditional sweater!
Irish Chocolate
I always think edible souvenirs are some of the easiest things to bring home from a trip. They are easy to share, usually do not take up much room in your suitcase and give you an excuse to visit local grocery stores.
Ireland has some fantastic chocolate makers, including Butlers Chocolates, which has been producing chocolate in Dublin for generations.
You can also look for smaller Irish chocolate brands and locally made treats in independent food shops.
Chocolate makes a great Irish gift for teachers, coworkers or anyone who does not need another souvenir sitting on a shelf.
Just remember to keep it somewhere cool if you are visiting during the summer.
Claddagh Rings
If you are looking for a meaningful souvenir from Ireland, consider a traditional Claddagh ring. The design features two hands holding a heart topped with a crown. These represent friendship, love and loyalty.
Claddagh rings have strong historical connections to Galway, making them particularly meaningful souvenirs if you are visiting Ireland’s west coast. You will find inexpensive versions in tourist shops alongside beautiful handcrafted rings made by Irish jewellers.
Jewellery is one of my favourite types of travel souvenirs because it is small, lightweight and something you can wear long after your vacation ends.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is one of the country’s most recognizable exports, making it a popular souvenir for anyone who enjoys collecting spirits or trying local drinks while traveling.
You will find well-known brands such as Jameson alongside smaller Irish distilleries producing their own varieties.
If you are visiting a distillery during your trip, check out its shop for bottles and gift sets. If you plan to bring whiskey home, remember to check your country’s alcohol import allowances.
Irish Linen
Ireland has a long history of linen production, and Irish linen remains one of the country’s most recognizable traditional products.
You do not need to purchase an entire tablecloth to bring some home. Look for beautiful linen tea towels, napkins, handkerchiefs and smaller household items that are easy to pack.
These are particularly good souvenirs if you prefer buying practical things that you will use rather than decorative items. Just check the label before purchasing. Not everything sold in an Irish souvenir shop is necessarily manufactured in Ireland.
Irish Pottery and Ceramics
If you enjoy bringing home something for your kitchen, Irish pottery is worth looking for.
You will find beautiful handmade mugs, serving bowls, plates and decorative ceramics in galleries and independent shops throughout the country.
Many Irish ceramic artists draw inspiration from the country’s rugged coastline, landscapes and traditional designs.
Irish Tea
Tea is a huge part of everyday life in Ireland, making it one of the easiest and most affordable souvenirs to bring home.
Barry’s Tea and Lyons are two recognizable brands that you will find in grocery stores throughout the country. You do not need to visit an expensive souvenir shop to buy Irish tea. Head into a local supermarket and pick up a few boxes.
Irish Wool Blankets
If you love bringing home souvenirs that you can actually use, an Irish wool blanket is worth considering. Ireland has a long tradition of wool production, and you will find beautiful blankets and throws in traditional patterns and colours.
Look for products from Irish woollen mills, particularly if you want something made locally.
A wool blanket is definitely a more expensive souvenir than a magnet or a box of chocolates, but it is also something you could use for years.
Celtic Jewellery
Beyond traditional Claddagh rings, Ireland has plenty of jewellery inspired by Celtic history and symbolism.
Look for designs featuring Celtic knots, the Tree of Life, spirals and other traditional motifs. For something particularly meaningful, look for jewellery that comes with information about the artist and the inspiration behind the design.
Irish Shortbread and Biscuits
If you are anything like me, wandering through grocery stores in another country is part of the travel experience. Alongside the chocolate and tea, keep an eye out for Irish shortbread, biscuits and other locally produced treats.
Look for products made in Ireland rather than simply purchasing familiar international brands in Irish-themed packaging.
Irish Art and Prints
One of my favourite alternatives to traditional tourist souvenirs is artwork from local artists.
Ireland has no shortage of inspiration, from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the colourful streets of Galway to the rugged coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re planning on visiting the Giant’s Causeway, keep an eye out for locally made artwork featuring its famous hexagonal rock formations and dramatic coastline. A photograph or art print is a great way to remember one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular natural attractions.
Tin Whistle
Ireland has an incredible musical heritage, and traditional Irish music is something you will encounter throughout the country. Tin whistles are a popular souvenir because they are inexpensive, lightweight and easy to transport. They are great for kids!
For something more substantial, you might consider a traditional Irish bodhrán drum, although transporting one home will require a little more planning.
Irish Tweed
If you love clothing and accessories, Irish tweed is another traditional product worth looking for. Donegal tweed is particularly well known for its distinctive colours and textured appearance.
You will find everything from traditional jackets and caps to handbags, scarves and smaller accessories. A tweed cap can make a particularly recognizable Irish souvenir, while a scarf or bag might be something you will use more frequently.
Irish Christmas Ornaments
If you have been following my souvenir guides for a while, you will know that Christmas ornaments are one of my favourite things to bring home from a destination.
They are small, easy to pack and become part of your holiday traditions year after year.
Ireland has plenty of options, including shamrocks, Celtic designs, traditional Irish cottages and ornaments featuring famous landmarks.
Irish Souvenir Clothing
You cannot visit Ireland without coming across shops selling green t-shirts, shamrock hoodies and just about everything imaginable featuring the word Ireland. While these are popular souvenirs, I would look beyond the generic tourist merchandise if you want something you will actually wear.
Check out Irish clothing brands and independent boutiques for locally designed graphic tees, casual clothing and accessories.
If you are traveling with tweens or teens, letting them pick out their own hoodie or t-shirt can be an easy way to get them interested in souvenir shopping. Sports fans might also enjoy picking up a jersey from a local Gaelic football or hurling team.
Where to Buy the Best Irish Souvenirs
One of the best things about souvenir shopping in Ireland is that you do not have to rely entirely on traditional tourist shops.
If you are visiting Dublin, you will find plenty of shopping opportunities around Grafton Street and throughout the city centre. Look for independent boutiques, Irish design shops and stores selling locally made products.
Kilkenny Design is another place to browse Irish-made gifts, including jewellery, ceramics, clothing and homewares.
If you are visiting Galway, explore the small independent shops around the city centre. Galway is particularly interesting if you are shopping for Claddagh rings.
For traditional wool products, look for shops associated with Irish woollen mills. These are excellent places to find Aran sweaters, scarves and wool blankets.
I also recommend visiting local markets whenever possible. They are great places to find handmade jewellery, artwork, locally produced food and products that you might not come across in larger souvenir stores.
And do not overlook grocery stores!
Some of the easiest and most affordable souvenirs from Ireland can be found in supermarkets. Tea, chocolate, biscuits and other Irish food products are often much less expensive than similar items sold in tourist shops.
Irish Souvenirs I’d Skip Next Time
Not every souvenir from Ireland deserves space in your suitcase.
I would skip most of the inexpensive plastic leprechauns and generic shamrock merchandise unless you genuinely collect those types of souvenirs.
They might seem fun while you are wandering through a tourist shop, but many are mass-produced and have little connection to the places you actually visited.
I would also be careful when purchasing traditional Irish products such as Aran sweaters, tweed and jewellery. Just because something is sold in Ireland does not necessarily mean it was made there.
If you are spending money on a traditional Irish product, check the label and look for information about the maker.
Oversized souvenirs are another thing I would think twice about purchasing. Wool blankets, large pottery pieces and traditional musical instruments are beautiful, but they can be difficult to transport.
If you really love something, ask about shipping rather than struggling to fit it into your luggage.
Finally, I would avoid leaving all of your shopping until the airport. While airport shops are convenient for last-minute gifts, you will have a much more interesting selection if you shop at local markets, independent boutiques and small businesses throughout your trip.
Some of the best souvenirs are the ones that remind you of a particular experience, whether that is a piece of jewellery from Galway, a print you found along the Wild Atlantic Way or a box of Irish chocolates you picked up while exploring Dublin.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.