The unmistakable thick sweaters from the Arran Islands; airy linen shirts; the wools and tweed from Donegal; the crystalware of Waterford; pins and jewelry made of wood, leather, or metal featuring ancient Celtic motifs; CDs and compilations of wonderful folk music; whiskey; marinated or smoked salmon and much, much more.
In several counties, such as Clare, also known as “the singing county,” traditional musical instruments are crafted. Handmade harps are a specialty of Mayo and Dublin, where you can also easily find bodhrans, the typical goatskin drums, and handcrafted bagpipes. Local timber is also used for ash or beech furniture, walking sticks made of sloe wood, and sculptures carved from ancient peat wood.
Tourist offices provide lists of shops and workshops where you can see the crafting processes and purchase the finest artisanal products. A widely spread retail chain, found in almost every city, is Kilkenny Design Centre, with stores full of traditional ceramics and delightful home accessories. In Connemara, in Clifden, you can find tapestries, rugs, and handmade knitwear.
The Royal Tara China of Galway is the most important fine porcelain factory, renowned for decorations featuring Celtic motifs. In Dublin, shopping streets focus around the very central Grafton Street or near O’Connell Street, not far from the banks of the Liffey River. Also not to miss is the revived, picturesque Temple Bar district, lively from early morning (fruit, vegetable, and organic product markets) until late at night. Here you’ll find trendy and quirky little shops, tiny workshops of creatives, art galleries, and the most modern and extravagant venues.
