If you’ve got a friend who’s mad about Ireland, you’ve come to the right place. Whether they’re obsessed with the accent, love the countryside, or can’t get enough of the food, there’s so much to love about the Emerald Isles. Today, we’ve rounded up four of our favorite gift ideas that will no doubt give you food for thought and help you find the best gift.
An Aran sweater
The Aran Islands are the original home of the Aran stitches, used for hundreds of years to create stunning, unique garments that not only look beautiful but are steeped in tradition and history. Back in the olden days, these sweaters were created to help protect fishermen and farmers from the elements, and the unique patterned stitches represented the landscape. It’s amazing that these sweaters are still handstitched and weaved in Ireland and made from local wool which is top-quality and designed to stand the test of time. You’ll find a wide range of Aran sweaters on the gifts made in Ireland website – the best part is they ship to the USA!
A Claddagh ring
The Claddagh is one of the world’s most iconic ring designs and hails from Ireland. The heart symbolizes love, the hand’s friendship, and the crown loyalty. It’s important to note that Claddagh rings aren’t designed just for romantic partners – they can be for friends or loved ones, too. For those who are single, the ring should be worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward from your body, whilst those in a relationship should wear the ring on the right hand with the heart facing inwards. During an engagement period, the ring is to be worn on the lift hand on the third finger with the heart pointing outwards, and when married, you should wear the ring on the lift hand on the third finger with the heart pointing inwards.
An Irish breakfast
Though you’d be a fool to travel thousands of miles across the Atlantic to buy your loved one a packet of bacon and some eggs from Ireland, there are ways that you can give them the traditional fry-up experience on home soil. From Kerrygold butter and floury scones, Barry’s tea, and some sizzling Irish pork sausages, there’s so much to love about an Irish Breakfast – and the good news is that you can have a food basket delivered with all of the ingredients you need direct to your door in the United States. Perhaps the best part about choosing this as a gift for your friend or family member is that you get to cook it for them and that inevitably means you get to sample some traditional Irish breakfast food alongside them!
Tayto chips
Finally, we couldn’t put together a list of quirky Irish gift ideas without giving a nod to Tayto chips (or crisps, as they’re known on the other side of the pond). The iconic Tayto brand was developed by Joe ‘Spud’ Murphy back in 1954 at a time when most crisps were imported from the UK and were sold unflavoured, with a small blue bag of salt included. Joe Murphy set up his own crisp factory and today, there’s even Tayto Park, packed with rollercoaster rides and wild, exotic animals. It’s a must-visit if you’re ever in Kilbrew, Ashbourne.
Which of these do you like the sound of the most? Let us know and check back soon.
