Good Irish "bring-back" gifts...
 

I posted this over in the UK/Ireland forum but it doesn't look like people venture over there all to often. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...m/rolleyes.gif

So... what would someone recommend as good gifts to bring back for friends, entire families, teenagers, and the like. Yes, yes, Guiness is great for a few of those. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

I've brought back Waterford Crystal for some. Also wool items if heading over by the Aran Islands.

And of course whiskey!

I always buy wool sweaters when I'm in the west of Ireland. Quill's Woolen Mill has stores in Killarney, and in Sneem, on the Ring of Kerry, with a pretty good selection at a fair price ($40-45). The same quality sweaters in the U.S. would sell for $100.

Galway Crystal has a showroom in Galway, and Royal Tara also has a showroom there, both easy to find off the main road into town (they're not in the downtown area). I've bought a couple small vases from Galway Crystal in the past and they've been well received as gifts (around $10-15).

Last trip over I bought Celtic rings, in Galway, for my friends daughter (then 15, 17) and they loved them. Make sure you get ring sizes before you head over. I think this is the link for the store if you want to get ideas before you go (the store prices were lower than the U.S. brochure prices they gave me, in case I wanted to do anything mail-order after I left there):

http://www.claddaghjewellers.com/



[This message has been edited by tom911 (edited 04-26-2002).]

Some great ideas. The sweaters would be great gifts -- but still a little more than I would pay for a sweater, even at home. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

I'm really keen on the Celtic ring idea though. Thanks! And the Crystal will make a great gift for the mothers...

I guess I am both a cheapskate and always concerned about packing. Wool scarfs if you live where it is cold. I did that and remembered to get one for myself five years ago, it is one of my cherished possessions.

Buy the sweater for yourself. They last forever, and weigh a couple pounds each. They're really great, warm sweaters. You'll see what I mean when you get over there. Everyone in my family has them, and we all love them in the winter time.

Irish linen is always a good choice. You can get napkins and such. Top quality and small enough to pack. Makes a good gift. Also tea towels that have the place you visited.

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Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.

Bring things they can use & show off. Ties & scarves are popular. I like bringing back music (cd's) for myself, as a remembrance, trying to find local music--for example, picked up a bagpipe cd on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

JP

Waterford crystal goes over well and you can buy a nice bowl or dish as opposed to a whole set. Also, it's a great factory to tour.

Other suggestions:

1) Jameson's
2) Jameson's
3) Jameson's

Do not bring back anything from County Antrim or the ghost of Droggheda will haunt you forever more.

Many of my friends enjoy CDs of Irish music.

Some of the jewelery is fairly unique, and makes for a great gift.

I'll follow along and say sweaters too, but they can be pricy (though well worth it).

Don't forget the butter biscuts!!!!

Some wonderful ideas! Thank you! Now do I tell them I got the idea for these wonderful gifts from the Internet or came up with them myself... http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif