Nicola Brady is a travel writer based in Dublin. She writes for the Irish Independent, Condé Nast Traveler, The Times and more, and her first book, Dublin Like A Local, was released in 2021.
Nicola Brady is a travel writer based in Dublin. She writes for the Irish Independent, Condé Nast Traveler, The Times and more, and her first book, Dublin Like A Local, was released in 2021.
Hi, I'm Nicola!Nicola Brady is a travel writer based in Dublin. She writes for the Irish Independent, Condé Nast Traveler, The Times and more, and her first book, Dublin Like A Local, was released in 2021.
Hi, I'm Nicola!Nicola Brady is a travel writer based in Dublin. She writes for the Irish Independent, Condé Nast Traveler, The Times and more, and her first book, Dublin Like A Local, was released in 2021.
It’s easy to be tempted by souvenirs when you’re traveling around Ireland. When you’re hiking around one of the islands, a thick knit sweater seems like a great idea. If you’ve gotten into the habit of a nightly dram of whiskey, you’ll definitely want to bring a bottle home. Luckily, there are plenty of places to pick up the pieces you need. Just be sure to avoid the overpriced tourist shops and head directly to the source, for souvenirs that will forever remind you of your time on the Emerald Isle.
It’s not a myth—Guinness really does taste better in Ireland. But you can carry that goodness home with you by buying a few cans in Dublin, where it’s made. Just remember when you’re drinking it at home to pour it slowly into a pint glass held at a 45-degree angle—and don’t even think about drinking it straight from the can. You can buy a personalized pint glass at the Guinness Storehouse, along with beer mats and retro prints for your wall.
If you’re touring any of Ireland’s whiskey distilleries, you won’t be able to resist bringing a bottle home with you. You can even take it to the next level, by blending your own bottle of whiskey in a special workshop—this is available in the Jameson Distillery in Dublin. Alternatively, you can head to the Irish Whiskey Museum, which stocks almost 100 different Irish varieties (which you can sample first with a whiskey flight in the bar).
Best for: Fans of a good tipple, older relatives.
Where: Dublin is home to plenty of whiskey distilleries.
Overcome by the magic of trad music? Then buy yourself a bodhrán, a traditional Irish drum played with a small wooden stick. They’re easy to pack into a suitcase, and you can get one made for beginners in any of the traditional music shops in Dublin or the west of Ireland, especially around County Clare, the unofficial home of trad music. Unless you’re planning on turning pro, it’s probably best to stick to the ones built to be gifts—upper level bodhráns can easily cost hundreds of euro.
Best for: Anyone except young children—unless you enjoy having a headache.
Where: The west of Ireland, particularly County Clare.
Spend any length of time in Ireland and you’ll soon discover that it’s a nation of tea lovers. If you’ve gotten into the habit of having afternoon tea and want to bring it home with you, pick up a box of teabags in any grocery store (Ireland is divided into loyal fans of either Barry’s or Lyon’s blends). For a next level brew, go to one of the specialist tea shops you find in Dublin.
Best for: Everyone. Who doesn't love a cuppa?
Where: Supermarkets across Ireland, or specialist stores in Dublin.
An Aran sweater has been a clothing staple in Ireland for centuries, worn by farmers, fisherfolk, and everyone bracing themselves against the chilly Irish climate. But now, they’ve gotten a whole new level of cool, being worn by everyone from Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga. They’re sold in shops all over Ireland, particularly in Dublin, but if you want the real deal then head directly to the makers in the Aran Islands, particularly Inis Mor where there are plenty of stores.
Best for: Little kids, older relatives, beloved friends.
Where: The Aran Islands, in particular Inis Mor.
A surprising number of people look good in a tweed flat cap. But even if you don’t, there are plenty of pieces made from Donegal tweed that you can try, from vests to blazers and even bowties. If it’s a bit too twee for you, then get a homewares piece that’s woven in a similar style but in a softer fabric. Houndstooth blankets are great for any couch or bed—you’ll see them in all the top hotels in Ireland.
Best for: Fun-loving uncles, house-proud parents, and upper-crust in-laws.
Where: Donegal, naturally.
Waterford Crystal plays a huge role in the heritage of Ireland, with production dating back to 1783. Over the years, they’ve made chandeliers for Westminster Abbey and the 2,688 crystals that make up the New Year’s Eve ball for Times Square. Sadly, not all of it is now made in the country, but a piece bought in their showroom makes a great addition to any collection. Just wrap it well for the flight home.
Best for: Fans of home decor, chic friends, and parents.
Where: Waterford, in the official showroom.
There’s nothing quite like Irish butter. Bright yellow, creamy, and ever so salty, butter just hits different in Ireland. This is a country that takes its butter seriously, slathering it on everything from warm soda bread to freshly made scones. There’s even a butter museum in Cork, where you can learn how it’s made and why it tastes so good. Sure, you can pick it up back home in some stores, but the markups are insane; so, pick up a few packs for your suitcase before you leave. Just one piece of advice—don’t choose the unsalted kind. Life’s too short for unsalted butter.
Best for: Anyone who isn't a vegan or lactose-intolerant.
Where: Supermarkets across Ireland.
These gold rings have been made in Galway since 1700, though the name Claddagh was only used from the 1830s on. The main shape is a heart clasped by two hands, topped with a crown. This symbolizes love, friendship and loyalty. The best place to buy one is in Galway—the fishing village of Claddagh is just outside the city and is where the rings got their name. You’ll find plenty of jewelry stores in the city, where you can find rings in solid or plated gold or silver. If the Claddagh ring isn’t your style, there are Celtic knots and pendants, too. They also make a perfect gift for someone back home.
