If you’re looking to add an Irish twist to your holiday celebrations this year or you’d like to give something special to someone who loves Ireland as much as you do, the “To Be Irish at Christmas” virtual shopping experience is for you.
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The online initiative, created by the Irish government in collaboration with cultural institutions, organizations, and businesses across Ireland, is geared primarily toward the Irish diaspora, but Irish people living at home can also participate.
Featuring everything from handmade craft items to beautiful Celtic jewelry and Irish knitwear, the platform will also showcase stories, songs, and memories from Irish people across the globe, as well as their hopes for the New Year.
This is the second year of the “To Be Irish at Christmas” campaign, which will run from Dec. 8-23.
What Gifts Can You Expect to Find?
Here is a sampling of the Irish-designed gifts that you can find on the To Be Irish at Christmas website.
Claddagh Design
The Claddagh ring is perhaps the most famous of all Irish-made jewelry and for good reason.
The enduring symbols of love, loyalty, and friendship are something that is recognized the world over, but once you learn about the Claddagh story, it takes on more meaning.
The Claddagh Design company is run by award-winning silversmith and master jeweler Eileen Moylan from her workshop located in the foothills of the Cork and Kerry mountains.
While Moylan’s designs are popular with recently engaged young couples, she offers much more than wedding and engagement jewelry.
You’ll also find a range of birthstone Claddagh rings, pendants, Celtic knot bracelets, and more Irish-designed gifts on her site.
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Chester Beatty Shop
If Dublin is on your list of places to visit in Ireland, then you simply must visit the Chester Beatty Museum, one of the city’s many free attractions.
The Chester Beatty Shop features several handpicked prints, books, jewelry, homeware, and other great gifts that reflect many of the artifacts that you’ll find in the actual museum.
Read More: Little Known Museums in Ireland That Are Worth Visiting
House of Names
If you’re of Irish descent, no doubt you’ll want to flaunt your family name in a prominent place in your home.
At The House of Names, you can find your own unique Coat of Arms, family history parchments, as well as heraldic embroideries.
Irish Whiskey Stone Company
Forget reaching for a cube of ice to keep your glass of Irish whiskey cold.
This Kinvara-based company, the developer of the ingenious marble whiskey stones, can be used again and again without affecting the dilution of your spirit.
You can also order special gift sets, with place name boxes that are the perfect Irish-designed gift for someone who is longing for a reminder of the Emerald Isle.
Jackie Campbell Images
Dublin-based landscape photographer Jackie Campbell loves being outdoors and capturing Ireland’s natural beauty.
If you want to be reminded of Ireland daily, then take a look at the scenes that Campbell has captured, everything from the “Sea Surge” at the famous Forty Foot in Dublin to a scene from Poolbeg Lighthouse on the Dublin coast to puffins on the Saltee Islands off the coast of County Wexford.
Lough Ree Distillery
Discover the award-winning whiskies, gins, and vodkas produced by this family-owned micro-distillery.
The Lough Ree Distillery, based in County Longford, sells gift sets and hampers.
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Peat Art Designs
Browse a variety of handmade miniature tree sculptures made of Irish peat, and preserved moss and tree roots.
All come in a handmade wooden frame and an inspirational quote, with several of them featuring Irish proverbs.
Quirky Irish Icons
There’s nothing like a touch of Irish humor or a quirky Irish phrase to liven up any gathering.
Quirky Irish Icons was developed by Patricia Pierce who wanted to send her homesick nephew in Dubai reminders of home.
Her colorful fridge magnet icons are the perfect way to capture the things that people love about Ireland.
You’ll also find framed icons and personalized gifts on her website.
The Fadó Collection
If you’re looking for a gift that espouses Ireland’s love affair with myth and legend, you’re sure to find something to suit at The Fado Collection Etsy shop.
Some of the gifts on sale include a mini-Ogham stone, Ireland’s earliest alphabet dating from the first century that can be found on standing stones across the country; a miniature Newgrange sculpture; a mini Newgrange kerbstone, and so much more.
Discover more Irish producers at To Be Irish at Christmas.
The 2020 “To Be Irish” initiative included over 200 online and offline events, as well as hundreds of personal stories in the form of photographs, videos, poems, and podcasts from people of Irish descent across the globe.
No doubt, this year’s event will be a similar success.