Page 338 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

336  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

What to Buy in Ireland

Hundreds of gift and craft shops scattered throughout
Ireland make it easy to find Irish specialities to suit all
budgets. The best buys include linen, tweeds and
crystal from factory shops which invariably offer an
extensive choice of good-quality products. Local crafts
make unique souvenirs, from handmade jewellery
and ceramics to traditional musical instru ments.
Religious artifacts are also widely available. Irish food
and drink are evocative reminders of your trip.
Traditional hand-held drum (bodhrán)
and beater

Connemara marble Traditional Claddagh
“worry stone” ring
Enamel brooch
Modern jewellery and metalwork draw on
a long and varied tradition. Craftspeople
continue to base their designs on sources
such as the Book of Kells (see p68) and Celtic
myths. Local plants and wildlife are also an
inspiration. County Galway produces
Claddagh rings – traditional betrothal rings –
in gold and silver as well as “worry stones”. Fuchsia earring Celtic-design Bronzed resin
from Dingle enamel brooch Celtic figurine

Donegal tweed jacket and waistcoat Tweed skirt and jacket

Clothing made in Ireland is usually
of excellent quality. Tweed-making
still flourishes in Donegal where
tweed can be bought ready-made
as clothing and hats or as lengths Tweed cap
of cloth. Knitwear is widely available
all over the country in large factory
outlets and local craft shops.
The many hand-knitted items
on sale, including Aran sweaters,
are not cheap but should give
years of wear. Tweed fisherman’s hat Aran sweater

336-337_EW_Ireland.indd 336 25/04/16 11:04 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.5)
Date 5th November 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm