By Elizabeth B
With its rich traditions, culture, and history spanning the eras, Ireland is famous for incredible crafts, many of which were borne out of necessity, and made from the natural resources abundant in the environment at the time.
From basic requirements like weaving fishing baskets from the rushes growing near local rivers to creating intricate lace patterns for clothing and décor, you’ll find many regions of Ireland have a special craft associated with the area.
Part of the fun of exploring Ireland is discovering the history and listening to the stories the local crafting traditions tell.
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There are folk parks and other historic locations where you can find crafts like basket making, smelting, and knits created in front of your eyes. These exhibitions are brilliant attractions, fun, and educational, and offer the chance to purchase your own piece of craftwork on site.
So, if you’re traveling the country and making a couple of stops along the way, where is the best place to find quality Irish crafts?
Gift of Hands, Mulranny, County Mayo
Situated in the cute County Mayo town of Mulranny, the Gift of Hands is a community coop, owned and organized by the crafters themselves.
You’ll find a large section of local pottery, glasswork, woven goods, knits, art and much more in the unassuming little craft shop behind the Old Irish Goat Centre.
Much of the raw materials used by the local volunteer crafter women is repurposed, having been rescued from landfills as offcuts from the nearby Foxford Woollen Mills. These offcuts are turned into soft toys, blankets, cushions, rugs, and fantastic fabric art inspired by the natural environment.
All proceeds from Gift of Hands are donated, meaning that while enjoying your beautiful handmade artwork or piece of homeware, it's good to know that the proceeds from your purchase stay in the Mulranny community. Plus, it provides help to deserving charities and projects.
House of Waterford, Waterford
For serious Waterford Crystal collectors and glass aficionados, or those in search of a unique crafty factory tour or tourist attraction, check out House of Waterford.
Witness how these marvelous pieces of crystal artwork are formed in the live demonstrations on the factory floor, explore the history of Waterford, built in 914AD by the Vikings, spoil your tastebuds with a luxurious afternoon tea, and have a chance to pick up your own stunning piece of glass in the gift shop.
The tour takes around 50 minutes.
The venue is also home to a bright café selling fresh lunches and a fully stocked bar where you can enjoy champagne or cocktails, served up in Waterford Glassware of course.
With many options for entry, including a VIP Tour package, the House of Waterford puts the art of crystal making front and center for guests every day.
Mullingar Pewter Company, Mullingar, County Westmeath
Mullingar Pewter, located in Ireland's Midlands region, is a popular stop off for tourists and tour buses due to the vast range of quality Irish products in many categories.
From design to casting and assembly, the ancient craft had almost died out in Ireland until the revival of Mullingar Pewter by Paddy and Peter Collins.
Pewter is not just for goblets. You’ll find an impressive range of tea lights, frames, jewelery, décor, pocket watches, whiskey flasks, medals, and trophies to name a few of the authentic crafts on offer.
The Pewter Café is open all week, serving tea, coffee, and quality Irish meals like soup, quiche, salads, and breakfast.
You won't find a range like it for unique, handcrafted pewter souvenirs in Ireland!
For those of you who haven't made it to Ireland just yet, the Irish Store offers a range of Mullingar Pewter products that can be given as gifts or for yourself.
Jameson Distillery, Middleton, County Cork
Brewing is a craft too, right?
The ancient Irish used brewing to purify their drinking water and get a little jolly too, something we Irish are known for the world over. Over time, Mediterranean monks brought their own distilling techniques for a wine-like mead made from corn and the rest is history.
In truth, the Irish are expert distillers, and a tour of Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton County Cork will convince you why.
This fully guided distillery tour is a brilliant way to spend a day. Expert guides break down the complicated process and explain the activity on the distillery floor while guests can ask questions and taste the wares. The Malthouse Café serves tea, coffee, and lunch in the quaint courtyard surrounding it.
The distillery is a wonderful place to pick up some bottles of your favourite tipple. Concerned about spillage? Why not arrange shipping straight to your door instead.
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Claddagh Ring Visitors Centre, Shop Street, Galway
The Claddagh ring is a famous Irish symbol of friendship, loyalty, and love. In gold or silver, the ring is synonymous with love, mostly looking for it, as the way it is worn and the direction of the heart can indicate a person’s relationship status.
Claddagh is a little fishing village just outside the walls of Galway city, but closer to the action on Mainguard Street is where you’ll find the Claddagh Ring Visitors Centre.
This incredible museum features a workshop where you can learn the history of the legendary ring, watch the stunning jewelry take form, and find an unrivaled selection of rings for every finger.
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Where to Shop for Aran Sweaters
Aran sweaters are probably the most Irish item of clothing since the countryman’s flat cap.
Thick, warm, and chunky, with a range of colors, cuts and designs, these jumpers (sweaters) are a staple in rural Irish homes and farms and beloved by anglers the world over.
Now, thanks in part to Taylor Swift, they’re making a massive comeback with the TikTok generation.
Tay Tay (one of Swift's many nicknames) donned a traditional Aran cable knit in rich cream to reveal her 8th studio album's launch in 2020 and had the craft stores knitting up a storm to fulfill orders for the timeless classic.
Luckily, you don’t have to go to the Aran Islands to find authentic Irish Aran Sweaters. There are a vast range of shops selling wool knit scarves, hats, and sweaters from coast to coast. Check out these notable vendors:
Dublin: The Sweater Shop on Nassau Street is a renowned Dublin vendor of the countryside classic sweater.
Galway: A detour to the Aran Sweater Market on Quay Street will likely reward you with your new favorite cardigan.
Cork: Blarney Woolen Mills is home to the best Aran sweaters in the area, made from quality merino wool, and knitted up north in Kilcar, County Donegal.
Limerick: Bunratty Folk Park gift shop stocks a range of quality knitwear and other souvenirs.
Read More: Irish Souvenirs to Bring Home from Your Irish Vacation
Top Tips for Buying Authentic Irish Crafts in Ireland
Check the Labels: It might look and feel like the real deal, but thanks to labelling laws in the EU, if it’s not made in Ireland, it will say so on the tag.
Purchase from the Source: To make the most impact on the industry and to ensure your pound or dollar goes further, purchase authentic Irish crafts at the source: in the workshop, museum, or visitor center.
Avoid Over-packaging: Most authentic, artisan Irish crafts will not be overpackaged or drowning in plastic. Look for sustainable and eco-friendly products and processes. Consider the effect your purchase will have on the environment and refuse any excess single-use plastic.
Send it on Home: Some workshops and gift shops offer to send a package to your home. You will still foot the bill for postage, but the service means you can ship directly to your door back home without carrying the souvenirs around for the rest of your trip, or the worry of arriving at the airport with excess luggage.
Shop for All Seasons: Buying a thick woolly jumper (sweater) in July, or selecting Christmas decorations mid-May might seem odd, but if your trip to Ireland is the only one you’ll make all year, consider your options. Shop wisely and bring some Irish charm to every season.
When shopping for authentic Irish crafts, consider the quality and artisanry of the items you love most. Many are still made using original techniques and raw materials.
These earliest craftsmen and women in Ireland were self-taught and passed their skills down from generation to generation, leading to family trades and a wealth of expertise in the craft.
When you buy authentic Irish crafts from Ireland, you’re investing in a timeless piece of Irish culture, tradition, and heritage. And something unique and memorable to pass down through your own family.
Let us know in the comments if you have a favorite Irish craft that you'd like to bring back home from Ireland.
