What to bring from Ireland as a gift. Shopping in Ireland: what to bring from the Emerald Isle. Warmth for both body and soul
Having learned about the upcoming journey through Irish meadows and woodlands, cities and towns, the tourist begins to fantasize, imagine a mysterious land where red-haired beauties, courageous warrior-defenders of their native (Irish) land, and mysterious mythological characters live. And he is also concerned about what to bring from, what this mysterious corner of the planet is famous for. In the material presented below we will try to give as complete an answer as possible to the question about the most colorful gifts.
What to bring from Ireland from alcohol?
The first problem of what to bring from alcoholic drinks is solved in a primitive way - just whiskey. It is Ireland that has been declared the birthplace of this unique, but beloved by many, drink. It is interesting that in this country it was called “water of life”, was used first as a medicine, and only much later became an alcohol.
The difficulty is different, how not to get confused in the local varieties, to choose the most worthy and tasty, in the opinion of those to whom it is being prepared as a gift. Experts advise paying attention to the following characteristics of Irish whiskey - separation by grade: single malt (only barley malt is used); pure (cooked with green barley); single-grain (special column distillation apparatuses are used for distillation); blended.
The last type of whiskey is a mixture of all the previous ones or individual ones. Among the most famous Irish whiskeys are Jameson and Tullamore Dew. They are distinguished by a soft taste and delicate aroma that contains notes of lemon and nuts. It is clear that such a gift will appeal primarily to family, friends and colleagues, representatives of the stronger half of humanity. For their companions, you need to think about other souvenirs and presents.
Celtic heritage
The female half will not remain indifferent to Irish jewelry, especially those made according to ancient Celtic designs. Irish designers, noticing that such products are in high demand, annually offer new lines of jewelry made of gold, silver or ceramics.
In Ireland there are well-known brands, such as Solvar, and small artisan workshops that make jewelry in single pieces. The most popular in this country: rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets with the image of a shamrock, the main Irish symbol; jewelry with an Irish cross (a kind of competitor to the clover leaf); Claddagh rings.
The last piece of jewelry is especially interesting; it first appeared in the Irish village of Claddagh and looks like a ring with a pair of hands holding a heart and a crown. This traditional decoration was presented as a sign of friendship (symbol of hands) or love (symbol of heart), the crown meant “loyalty”. Sometimes these words were written, like a motto, on the inner surface of the ring; they were passed down as the most valuable things along the female line, either from grandmother to granddaughter, or from mother to daughter.
Warmth for both body and soul
Ireland belongs to European countries with a fairly cold climate, where knitted items, fabrics and knitwear that retain heat well are held in high esteem. Of all the Irish territories, they stood out where they came up with their own knitting technique, which was named after the area - Aran knitting. Intricate weaves and plaits look very beautiful and decorate men's rough sweaters.
Knowledgeable people will tell you in secret that this is not just a pattern, it is a kind of story about the life, family of the person who wears it, and traditions. Each pattern is a symbol, a reminder to people of some famous Irish family, or of a skilled craftswoman who hand-knitted such a miracle. Today machine knitting using the Aran technique has been mastered, but if you go to the islands, you can return with a new thing knitted by hand.
Fragile happiness
Another wonderful gift that ladies will be delighted with is Irish crystal. The most famous enterprise for the production of fragile beauty is located in the town, where the strictest control over the quality of products is organized. If the slightest defect is detected, the products are immediately destroyed.
Some travelers prefer not to deal with crystal or glass foreign gifts, believing that transportation is very troublesome. A small candlestick, ashtray, mug, Christmas tree decorations or glasses will not take up much space, but will become one of the most striking souvenirs of a trip to fabulous Ireland.
As you can see, Irish gifts are varied, interesting, many of them have a deep symbolic meaning, others are based on ancient legends or technologies. Whiskey and Aran sweaters will fill any winter evening with warmth, jewelry in the old Irish style or Claddagh rings will help you look like a king at any social event. Gifts for yourself and for friends or family will remind the traveler of the wonderful Irish fairy tale for a long time.
Many people come to a travel agency already having an idea of where they want to go and what to see. It’s good when a person knows what and what he wants. And if there is a continuous “pun” in your head and you want something that will delight and surprise, when modernity is combined with history, nature is simply mesmerizing... In such a situation, I would name several places to travel and one of them is Ireland. The island, which with its flora and fauna is visible from space, is the greenest place on the globe and is called by many the Emerald Isle. And how many interesting things this country contains - the culture of the Celts, unusual music, mountains, lowlands, the Atlantic coast, interesting myths and legends, probably everyone remembers the brave Gulliver. In general, to put it in one word - fantastic!
As we begin our journey through Ireland, we must not forget about those who are waiting for us at home. After all, our loved ones, friends and relatives will always be pleased to receive as a gift a piece of our impressions, which will open up a world of beauty for them too. And since all people are very different, everyone begins to travel in their own way, that is, to where the soul calls more or where you can see, learn or receive what you have been waiting for. Therefore, this article discusses several options for gifts from Ireland.
Caring for your loved one. Magical shopping on the Isle of Arran.
Traveling together is always romantic, but different situations happen in life - no vacation, colds, urgent matters and a lot of other reasons. Therefore, one of the spouses goes on vacation, and the other is looking forward to meeting. In such a situation, basically, the man gives way to his beloved, especially considering that in most cases the powers that be are constantly in business. This means that the weak half of humanity - the woman - has the good fortune to travel around Ireland. In this part of the article we will not talk about the impressions we get from what we saw and will focus on the most favorite pastime of beautiful ladies - shopping. Maybe some will remark sarcastically “to go far away for shopping” and bring back what they can buy at home? To be honest, "Irish shopping" is west coast this country, the Isle of Arran, is worth it. Despite its moody beauty, which is breathtaking and romantic at the same time, this place is famous for its sweaters. Probably, having seen such a national creation and learned the history of the thing, not a single woman will remain indifferent. How can she leave her loved one without such a “amulet”? It turns out that “original Irish sweaters” are the work of the women of Ireland, who worked hard for their husbands, sons, and fishermen brothers. They didn’t just do their homework, but put all their warmth and tenderness into the product, as people say, they did it “with soul.” That is, an everyday thing, thanks to an unusual attitude towards it, acquired a “magical character” and became known throughout the world. What's so fascinating about these sweaters?
Firstly, they were knitted from merino sheep wool. Those who are fond of knitting know that such wool has unique abilities, thanks to the thickness of the hair, which is equal to 17 microns (for comparison, the thickness of a human hair is 800 microns. Therefore, wool absorbs moisture well, that is, 33% of its own weight. This feature gives the ability for a person not to get wet, even on the rainiest day.In addition, wool provides warmth in cold weather and maintains normal body temperature during hot weather.
The second feature of the sweater is its waterproofness. Smart women understood that their male fishermen were often subjected to natural “water procedures,” so before starting to work on a sweater, they soaked the wool in vegetable or goose fat, which is why the finished sweater had good density and warmed even better.
The third fact that the sweater is unique is its Celtic pattern. This is not just a pattern, but “ talking signs" For example, “braids” on a sweater symbolized fishing ropes, wishes for a good journey, a “net” of an excellent catch, and therefore wealth, various “lines”, “zigzags”, “sticks” - relatives, the tree of life, beauty.
You can go on and on about the “warm milky” color (sweater color) of your dream, but it’s better to buy it. Surely, no man will remain indifferent to such a gift from his beloved?
Gift for a friend. A true delight in Irish gifts!
You always expect real gifts from real friends. No, don’t think so, the point is not in the cost, but in attention and understanding. Agree, only a true friend knows everything about you and how you live. Being far from you, he will find that thing that will really please you. Let's say a common friendly hobby is fishing. And then fate gave you a trip to Ireland. Honestly, it's a fisherman's paradise. Lakes such as Corribe, Shchiline, Lough, Musk are simply magically attractive. It is impossible not to mention the sea. .. In addition to an excellent catch, the beauty of coastline Ireland. Coves, quiet harbors, beautiful bays, sand here, pebbles there, caves... Having worked a little as a “director” and made a video about fishing in Irish waters, you will bring real pleasure to your friend. Yes, and a fishing rod wouldn’t hurt as a gift, plus heartfelt stories about a very large fish that caught your hook).
What about a gift for a friend? Music, fun, dancing... it's dancing. The famous Irish dance makes the heart beat in the same clear rhythm as the dancers' feet tap. And the music reminds of wonderful tales, legends of the country, carries thoughts to gnomes, various elves and visions. National Costume for dancing will give your friend the opportunity, wearing it, to feel free and happy. After all, every element of the dress has been thought out by masters over the centuries. An unusual shape, a beautiful skirt just above the knees, a wonderful train - a real work of art, embroidered with Celtic patterns and shiny threads. Seeing such an outfit, any fashionista’s eyes will light up with joy.
As soon as a tourist sets foot on Irish soil, there is a desire to go on a big shopping spree and buy everything that craft shops or street vendors sell as gifts and souvenirs for loved ones, family or friends. But there is no need to rush: it is better to bring from Ireland the most colorful and characteristic things for this country that convey national characteristics. What souvenirs should you buy in Ireland?
What to bring from Ireland as a gift or souvenir
Famous Irish whiskey
A win-win gift from Ireland - famous whiskey. After all, this country is considered the birthplace of the drink. For a long time, whiskey was used as a medicine, calling it “Water of Life.” In order not to get confused in drinks, it is worth remembering the division by variety: whiskey can be single malt (made from barley malt), pure (containing green barley), single grain (a column distillation apparatus is used for production) and, finally, blended (a mixture of previous varieties). When choosing whiskey as a gift or for yourself, you should take a closer look at the most titled and legendary brands: Tullamore Dew, Jameson, Bushmills. The whiskeys of these producers are distinguished by a surprisingly soft taste and delicate aroma with notes of nut, wood, and lemon.
Aran sweaters
Any corner of the world can become famous for something signature, and the Aran Islands became famous for their sweaters. They are made using a unique and inimitable technique, decorated with intricate weaving and plaits. For a long time, local wives knitted sweaters for their fishermen husbands, and mothers for their sons. Each pattern has its own meaning: for example, diamonds promise prosperity, chains promise family ties. They say that by the patterns you can even determine the author and belonging to the genus. Today, Aran sweaters have become not only a souvenir, but also a practical gift. In our climate, such products are always appropriate. While remaining traditional, sweaters still follow fashion trends. If you want to buy a product, it is better to go directly to the islands. Here they are still knitted by hand, unlike machine-made sweaters.
Irish crystal from Waterford
Another Irish specialty is crystal. Moreover, the best is considered to be the one made in Waterford. There is a factory here where products undergo strict control: the slightest defect is a reason to mercilessly break a crystal vase or tray. Sometimes tourists think that buying crystal abroad is troublesome. But it is quite possible to settle on a product that does not require transportation efforts. In Ireland they sell crystal candlesticks, ashtrays, mugs, Christmas decorations and shot glasses. The souvenir may be small, but it is made of genuine and valuable crystal.
Decorations
You can bring original jewelry from Ireland that will be associated exclusively with this country. Products with Celtic motifs have long been the pride of the Irish, and designers took up the idea, creating a variety of gold, silver and ceramic jewelry to suit any budget. You can make a purchase in a provincial artisan's shop, or you can visit the boutiques of large brands, for example, Solvar. They offer shamrock and Irish cross jewelry, as well as Claddagh rings. The collections of jewelry boutiques in Ireland include brooches, pendants, earrings and bracelets with traditional motifs.
Irish tweed from Donegal
Tweed products will not take up much space in your luggage and will make a good souvenir. But you need to buy them from family factories in Donegal, of which there are not many left: the market is flooded with Chinese counterfeits. Traditional producers not only let visitors inside, but also talk about the history of family factories and demonstrate historical weaving machines. What is made from tweed in Ireland? Coats, jackets, scarves, caps, hats, berets. The Irish believe that in chilly weather there is simply no better alternative to tweed products. Therefore, they will always be an appropriate and sought-after gift.
Leprechauns
Ireland has an incredible variety of souvenirs depicting the Leprechaun, a folklore character. In popular culture, he is usually associated with green clothing, and many tourists even purchase Leprechaun costumes. The funny little man has become a real symbol of the country, and guests of Ireland cannot go home without a gift in the form of a Leprechaun. The stores sell soft toys, gingerbread cookies, horseshoes with a character sitting on them, figurines, dishes in the shape of Leprechaun shoes, embroidery, and colorful books.
As soon as a tourist sets foot on Irish soil, there is a desire to go on a big shopping spree and buy everything that craft shops or street vendors sell as gifts and souvenirs for loved ones, family or friends. But there is no need to rush: it is better to bring from Ireland the most colorful and characteristic things for this country that convey national characteristics. What souvenirs should you buy in Ireland?
What to bring from Ireland as a gift or souvenir
Famous Irish whiskey
A win-win gift from Ireland - famous whiskey. After all, this country is considered the birthplace of the drink. For a long time, whiskey was used as a medicine, calling it “Water of Life.” In order not to get confused in drinks, it is worth remembering the division by variety: whiskey can be single malt (made from barley malt), pure (containing green barley), single grain (a column distillation apparatus is used for production) and, finally, blended (a mixture of previous varieties). When choosing whiskey as a gift or for yourself, you should take a closer look at the most titled and legendary brands: Tullamore Dew, Jameson, Bushmills. The whiskeys of these producers are distinguished by a surprisingly soft taste and delicate aroma with notes of nut, wood, and lemon.
Aran sweaters
Any corner of the world can become famous for something signature, and the Aran Islands became famous for their sweaters. They are made using a unique and inimitable technique, decorated with intricate weaving and plaits. For a long time, local wives knitted sweaters for their fishermen husbands, and mothers for their sons. Each pattern has its own meaning: for example, diamonds promise prosperity, chains promise family ties. They say that by the patterns you can even determine the author and belonging to the genus. Today, Aran sweaters have become not only a souvenir, but also a practical gift. In our climate, such products are always appropriate. While remaining traditional, sweaters still follow fashion trends. If you want to buy a product, it is better to go directly to the islands. Here they are still knitted by hand, unlike machine-made sweaters.
Irish crystal from Waterford
Another Irish specialty is crystal. Moreover, the best is considered to be the one made in Waterford. There is a factory here where products undergo strict control: the slightest defect is a reason to mercilessly break a crystal vase or tray. Sometimes tourists think that buying crystal abroad is troublesome. But it is quite possible to settle on a product that does not require transportation efforts. In Ireland they sell crystal candlesticks, ashtrays, mugs, Christmas decorations and shot glasses. The souvenir may be small, but it is made of genuine and valuable crystal.
Decorations
You can bring original jewelry from Ireland that will be associated exclusively with this country. Products with Celtic motifs have long been the pride of the Irish, and designers took up the idea, creating a variety of gold, silver and ceramic jewelry to suit any budget. You can make a purchase in a provincial artisan's shop, or you can visit the boutiques of large brands, for example, Solvar. They offer shamrock and Irish cross jewelry, as well as Claddagh rings. The collections of jewelry boutiques in Ireland include brooches, pendants, earrings and bracelets with traditional motifs.
Irish tweed from Donegal
Tweed products will not take up much space in your luggage and will make a good souvenir. But you need to buy them from family factories in Donegal, of which there are not many left: the market is flooded with Chinese counterfeits. Traditional producers not only let visitors inside, but also talk about the history of family factories and demonstrate historical weaving machines. What is made from tweed in Ireland? Coats, jackets, scarves, caps, hats, berets. The Irish believe that in chilly weather there is simply no better alternative to tweed products. Therefore, they will always be an appropriate and sought-after gift.
Leprechauns
Ireland has an incredible variety of souvenirs depicting the Leprechaun, a folklore character. In popular culture, he is usually associated with green clothing, and many tourists even purchase Leprechaun costumes. The funny little man has become a real symbol of the country, and guests of Ireland cannot go home without a gift in the form of a Leprechaun. The stores sell soft toys, gingerbread cookies, horseshoes with a character sitting on them, figurines, dishes in the shape of Leprechaun shoes, embroidery, and colorful books.
At one time, the most popular souvenir we brought from Ireland was whiskey. Even now, lovers of this drink do not return from the country empty-handed. For connoisseurs of this drink, a bottle of a good Irish drink will be the best souvenir (much better than various ceramics, figurines, magnets and everything else). In Irish culture, this drink occupies one of the leading places; it is not for nothing that its name is translated as “water of life,” even taking into account the fact that we are talking about an alcoholic drink. This is due to the fact that at one time whiskey was primarily considered not as alcoholic drink, but as a means to treat various infections. The most famous and popular brands of Irish whiskey are Bushmeals, Jameson and others. You can buy a bottle of whiskey in branded stores, supermarkets, whiskey museums or during excursions to distilleries.
If whiskey is a strong (men's) drink, but for ladies or for those who do not like strong alcohol, you can buy delicious honey wine, which also has a unique aroma. For a long time among local residents it was one of the most popular drinks, but its popularity is gradually decreasing. However, this is not a reason to refuse to purchase this high-quality, natural product. This wine is sold under the name "Bunratty Mead" and local stores sell different variations of this drink. There are dry, sweet, semi-sweet wines of varying strengths, and some are even more like beer.
Ireland can please tourists with two types of delicious tea: "Barry" and "Lyons". Among local population There is no clear opinion about which tea is better, so tourists are advised to buy both. It’s not even worth considering other types of tea.
Irish lace can be called a family and even partly women's souvenir. In local antique shops you can find samples of antique lace, but their cost will be very high and not every tourist can afford it. But recently, ancient crafts in the country have begun to revive and now in stores across the country you can find modern lace products that are made using ancient technologies and look no worse than those products that were made 50-100 or more years ago.
Since ancient times, the country has very well developed musical traditions. For some tourists, such souvenirs are of great interest, and if you are one of these people, then you should pay attention to such a musical instrument as the bagpipe. National Irish instruments also include the whistle flute and a percussion instrument called the bodhran. The only drawback of these instruments is their high cost, but real collectors do not spare any money on such products.
For centuries, Irish craftsmen have been famous for their beautiful souvenirs and household items made of tin. The popularity of this material in Ireland is due to large reserves of high-quality ore, from which excellent, pure metal is obtained. Another advantage of such products is that when they come into contact with food and drinks, the metal does not react, does not change its properties, and thus does not cause any harm to the body. Now one of the first places in popularity is occupied by products made from pewter. This term refers to an alloy of tin, antimony and copper. In Europe, pewter is widely known as “British metal”. You can buy original champagne glasses or beautiful whiskey glasses.