A Gift From Ireland

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to gift a loved one something special from Ireland—but Irish gifts are meaningful all year long. Whether it’s for a birthday, housewarming, wedding, Christmas, or a new baby, a made-in-Ireland present adds a personal touch.

If you've visited Ireland, you know the value of authentic Irish craftsmanship. Traditional Aran sweaters, Donegal tweed, Irish linen, hand-thrown pottery, mohair throws, jewelry, and Waterford Crystal are some of the high-quality items that make memorable gifts.

One of my favorites is a mug from The Black Sheep Collection, picked up at Shannon Airport. Every time I drink my Irish breakfast tea from it, I’m reminded of Ireland’s beautiful countryside.

Looking for the perfect Irish gift? Choose a cozy Aran sweater, a colorful mohair throw, Celtic jewelry, Connemara marble rosary beads, or a hand-crafted crystal jam jar. Whether you're shopping for St. Patrick’s Day, a birthday, or a holiday, authentic Irish gifts are timeless treasures from the Emerald Isle.

My choice for souvenirs from any place I visit is a functional gift made in the place I'm visiting. This will remind the recipient they were thought of every time they use their special gift.

• The Dublin Gift Company

I'm very fond of this fun collection of pieces is made in Ireland by The Dublin Gift Company. If you've spent anytime in the countryside of Ireland sheep are a familiar sight. This collection is especially perfect for the black sheep in your group of friends or family.

You can find salt and pepper shakers, porcelain mugs, clocks, tea towels, umbrellas, desk accessories, including notebooks and pen sets and many more! Irish sheep gifts are usable and collectible. Because the Black Sheep Collection is so popular in Ireland you can find these gifts at most gift shops across the country and now available on Amazon. Many of the items can be bought online from quality Irish gift shops.

• Irish Rosaries

Many trips to Ireland have included requests for an Irish rosary. Unique rosaries include ones made out of Connemara marble or Waterford crystal. A gift for a Catholic friend or family member.

• Woven and Knitted Irish Gifts

The Aran sweater originated in The Aran Islands. The traditional wool sweater has different cable patterns knitted into the garment. In the past many of the Aran sweaters were hand knit but more recently machine knitted sweaters fill most gift shops even in the small villages. For a unique gift from Ireland look for a hand knitted Aran sweater or cardigan. Or pick up Irish hand knitted socks, cardigans, jackets, hats, scarves, mittens, baby blankets, baby booties and more. Once traditionally knitted in the oatmeal color, now Aran sweaters and accessories can be found in other beautiful colors including shades of Kerry Green, blues, reds and other natural tones. For gifts for knitters some skeins of Irish wool and a book of Aran sweater patterns is thoughtful and practical. For your friends who knit, consider a book on Contemporary Irish Knits along with a skein or two of beautiful Irish wool.

There are quite a few food products I make sure I don't miss. I always pick up a 12 pack of Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps in the airport before I head back to the states. Now many of these food products are available in the United States. Look for Tayto, creamy milk chocolates, Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter, Irish sausages, brown bread, jam, Irish Tea, and scones. Any of these fine food products make great gifts!

One of my favorite gifts of Irish jewelry was this Celtic jewellery ring from my husband. Irish jewelry is quality Irish-made.

This ring has emblems of Irish history imprinted in the ring. Look for handmade in Ireland and rings that feature the unique elements of Ireland's history. One of the most popular pieces is the Claddagh ring, this traditional Irish ring symbolizes love, friendship, and loyalty.

Waterford Crystal is one of Ireland’s most iconic treasures, celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Although the original Waterford factory closed in 2009, the legacy of Waterford Crystal lives on, with stunning pieces still widely available across Ireland.

Gifting Waterford Crystal is a way to share a piece of Ireland’s rich artistic heritage. I love giving Waterford jam jars or biscuit jars—they combine elegance, durability, and everyday usefulness. Each piece captures the spirit of Irish tradition and craftsmanship, making it a meaningful and memorable gift for any occasion.

Collectors love Belleek Pottery for its elegance, history, and unmistakable Irish charm. First produced in 1857 in County Fermanagh, Belleek is easily recognized by its translucent porcelain, soft pearly glaze, and iconic Irish motifs like shamrocks, harps, flowers, and basket weaves.

Collectors are often drawn to Belleek for several reasons:

• Historic craftsmanship: Each piece is handmade and hand-painted in Ireland, with traditions passed down for generations.

• Distinct marks: The backstamps (maker's marks) on Belleek pieces have changed over time and can help date items precisely—early marks (like the first black mark) are highly prized.

• Wide variety: Belleek includes everything from delicate vases and teapots to Christmas ornaments, frames, and even baskets so detailed they look like woven lace.

• Investment potential: Older and rarer pieces, especially those from the 19th century, can increase in value and are often handed down as family heirlooms.

Tips for Collecting Belleek:

• Look for older marks: Pieces with older Belleek backstamps (especially the First or Second Mark from the 1860s–1890s) are considered more valuable.

• Inspect carefully: Belleek is very delicate. Check for hairline cracks, chips, or repairs, especially around handles and rims.

• Store carefully: To prevent fading, keep Belleek out of direct sunlight and store it in a dust-free glass cabinet whenever possible. Avoid placing it near heat sources.

• Start small: Modern Belleek (minimal editions or holiday ornaments) is an affordable way to start a collection without chasing rare antiques.

Why People Love It:
Belleek isn't just a collectible—it's a living piece of Ireland’s artistry and spirit. Many collectors feel a strong emotional tie to the Irish countryside, culture, or their family history when they add a new Belleek piece to their collection.

A Belleek Irish Blessing ornament is a thoughtful way to remember friends at Christmas. It also makes a wonderful housewarming gift, a heartfelt teacher gift, or a meaningful present for your Irish friends.

Irish Christmas ornaments crafted from Belleek porcelain, Waterford Crystal, Connemara marble, or Irish silver aren't just beautiful decorations—they are keepsakes that can be handed down through generations. Celebrate your Irish heritage and create lasting memories by decorating your tree with a unique Irish Christmas ornament!