Ireland, the Emerald Isle, captivates visitors with its dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, vibrant cities, and legendary hospitality. From the rugged Cliffs of Moher to the lively pubs of Dublin, Ireland offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and Celtic culture that enchants travelers year-round.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Aran Sweater
Hand-knitted woolen sweaters with intricate cable patterns originating from the Aran Islands. Each stitch pattern has traditional meaning and they make warm, lasting keepsakes.
Price: €60-250
Where: Aran Sweater Market, Kilronan; Dublin Woollen Mills, Ormond Quay
Jameson or Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Ireland's world-famous triple-distilled whiskey makes an ideal gift. Redbreast 12 Year is considered the gold standard single pot still whiskey.
Price: €30-120
Where: Jameson Distillery Bow St. shop; Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dawson Street, Dublin
Waterford Crystal
Handcrafted lead crystal glassware made in Waterford since 1783. Intricate cuts catch the light brilliantly on vases, bowls, and glasses.
Price: €25-500+
Where: Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre; Brown Thomas department store, Dublin
Nicholas Mosse Pottery
Hand-sponge decorated country pottery made in Kilkenny since 1976. Distinctive floral patterns on mugs, plates, and bowls are quintessentially Irish.
Price: €15-80
Where: Nicholas Mosse Mill Store, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny; Design Ireland shops
Irish Linen
Fine linen tablecloths, napkins, and tea towels with traditional embroidery. Northern Ireland is particularly famous for its high-quality linen heritage.
Price: €15-150
Where: Irish Linen Centre, Lisburn; Avoca Handweavers, multiple locations
Claddagh Ring
Traditional Irish ring featuring two hands holding a heart crowned with loyalty, love, and friendship symbolism. A cherished Irish cultural icon worn worldwide.
Price: €25-300
Where: Fallers Jewellers, Galway; Thomas Dillon's, Shop Street, Galway
Irish Literature and History Books
Works by Yeats, Joyce, Beckett, and contemporary Irish authors make meaningful cultural gifts. Bookshops throughout Ireland stock local editions.
Price: €10-30
Where: Hodges Figgis, Dawson Street, Dublin; Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Galway
Irish Soda Bread Mix and Preserves
Authentic Irish soda bread mixes, artisan jams, marmalades, and honey from local producers make edible souvenirs to bring home.
Price: €5-20
Where: Irish Farm Foods, Dublin; farmer's markets nationwide
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Temple Bar Food Market
Dublin's most beloved outdoor market drawing artisan food producers from across Ireland. Fresh breads, farmhouse cheeses, smoked fish, organic produce, and prepared foods from renowned local suppliers.
Where: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Hours: Sat 10AM-4:30PM
Galway Saturday Market
One of Ireland's longest running markets with over 100 stalls selling local produce, crafts, street food, and flowers. The vibrant atmosphere and buskers make it a Galway institution.
Where: Church Lane, beside St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Galway
Hours: Sat 8AM-6PM
English Market Cork
A covered Victorian food market dating to 1788 and visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. Famous for tripe and drisheen, farmhouse cheeses, butchers, and wet fish stalls.
Where: Grand Parade, Cork City Centre, Cork
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-6PM
Dun Laoghaire Peoples Park Market
Charming coastal town market with excellent artisan food, crafts, plants, and vintage items. Relaxed family-friendly atmosphere just 20 minutes from Dublin city center by DART.
Where: People's Park, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
Hours: Sun 11AM-4PM
Mahon Point Farmer's Market
Cork's largest farmer's market with over 60 stalls offering organic vegetables, free-range meats, freshly baked goods, and handmade crafts from local producers.
Where: Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork
Hours: Thu 9AM-2PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Grafton Street and surrounds
Dublin's premier pedestrianized shopping street with Brown Thomas department store, Marks & Spencer, and international brands. The surrounding streets include Duke Street, Wicklow Street, and Powerscourt Townhouse Centre for more interesting independent shops.
Best for: Fashion, department stores, cosmetics
Temple Bar
Dublin's creative quarter with independent galleries, craft shops, vintage clothing, design studios, and record stores. Cobblestoned streets with a bohemian character and weekend outdoor markets.
Best for: Crafts, vintage, art, and Irish design
Kilkenny Design Centre
Ireland's showcase for the best contemporary Irish design housed in the stables of Kilkenny Castle. Ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glassware, and furniture from Irish designers and makers.
Best for: Quality Irish craft and contemporary design
Avoca Handweavers, Wicklow
Ireland's oldest surviving business, weaving bright throws and blankets at their Avoca village mill since 1723. The original mill has a fascinating working weave shed and excellent cafe.
Best for: Authentic handwoven Irish textiles and wool products
Shop Street and Latin Quarter, Galway
Galway's main shopping area combining high street names with independent Irish boutiques, Celtic jewellery shops, bookshops, and gift stores. The Latin Quarter has particularly characterful independent traders.
Best for: Claddagh rings, Irish gifts, independent fashion
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Dundrum Town Centre
Ireland's largest shopping centre in the Dublin suburbs with over 120 stores including Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer, Zara, and H&M. Multiple dining options and a cinema complex.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM, Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-7PM
Liffey Valley Shopping Centre
Major shopping centre on Dublin's west side with over 80 stores, large food court, and anchor stores including Penneys (Primark), Dunnes Stores, and international brands.
Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 9AM-9PM, Thu 9AM-9PM, Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 12-6PM
Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Cork's modern retail park offering a wide range of stores, restaurants, and a multiplex cinema. Anchor stores include Marks & Spencer, Lifestyle Sports, and various popular chains.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 12-6PM
Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Galway
Centrally located Galway shopping centre with a mix of Irish and international brands. Conveniently situated adjacent to Eyre Square in the heart of the city.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 12-6PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in Irish shops, supermarkets, or restaurants; prices are fixed
At farmer's markets, politely asking about a deal when buying in bulk occasionally works
End-of-season sales (January and summer) offer genuine reductions of 30-70% in most shops
Check for VAT refunds on purchases over €30 as a non-EU visitor using the VAT Reclaim service at airports
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: No restrictions on bringing most goods into Ireland from EU countries. Non-EU travelers may bring €430 worth of goods duty-free.
Tax Refund: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds (23% rate) on goods over €30 through the VAT Reclaim scheme at Dublin Airport or Cork Airport departure hall.
Duty Free: EU arrivals: no limits on most goods for personal use. Non-EU: 1 liter spirits, 2 liters wine, 200 cigarettes, €430 goods.
Shipping: DHL, FedEx, and An Post (Irish postal service) offer international shipping; major retailers can ship to most countries.