Irish Christmas Gifts: 20 Ideas Made in Ireland

Person wrapping gifts with decorations

Whether you’re shopping for someone at home or sending a little piece of Ireland to family overseas, an Irish-made gift says far more than anything picked up at the airport. Searches for Irish Christmas Gifts: 20 Ideas Made in Ireland rise sharply every November and December, especially among the Irish abroad and anyone with a connection to the old country.

Here are 20 Irish Christmas gift ideas, from classic crafts to experiences they’ll remember long after the decorations come down.

Explore our curated list of Irish Christmas Gifts: 20 Ideas Made in Ireland that will delight your loved ones.

Choosing the right gift

The best Irish gifts tell a story. Think about where the person comes from, or a place in Ireland they love, and look for something made there. A piece of Donegal tweed for someone with roots in the north-west, a bottle from a Cork distillery or a print of a favourite stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way will mean far more than a generic souvenir.

Something to wear

  • 1. An Aran sweater: the classic Irish gift, hand-knitted or machine-knit in Irish wool, in designs rooted in the Aran Islands.
  • 2. A Donegal tweed cap or scarf: timeless, warm and woven in the north-west.
  • 3. A Claddagh ring: the hands, heart and crown stand for friendship, love and loyalty.
  • 4. Connemara marble jewellery: made from Ireland’s own green stone.
  • 5. A county GAA jersey: the perfect gift for anyone who follows their county from afar.

For the home

  • 6. Waterford Crystal: a vase, bowl or set of glasses that will be treasured for generations.
  • 7. Belleek pottery: delicate fine china, made in Co Fermanagh since the 1850s.
  • 8. Irish linen: tea towels, napkins or a tablecloth, with a long tradition behind them.
  • 9. A wool throw or blanket: cosy, practical and beautifully made in Ireland.
  • 10. Art by an Irish artist: a print or small original of a favourite place.

Food and drink

  • 11. Irish whiskey: from familiar names to small distilleries, there’s a bottle for every taste.
  • 12. Irish gin: a new wave of distilleries flavour their gins with local botanicals.
  • 13. A food hamper: Irish cheeses, smoked salmon, chutneys and brown bread mix.
  • 14. Irish chocolate: handmade bars and boxes from independent chocolatiers.
  • 15. A Christmas cake or pudding: rich, fruity and often fed with a drop of whiskey.
3rd party upload, 2023

Experiences

  • 16. A night away: a stay in a country house or castle hotel, to enjoy in the new year.
  • 17. Tickets to Riverdance: a show that has carried Irish music and dance around the world.
  • 18. A visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: an ideal gift for anyone exploring their Irish roots.
  • 19. A book by an Irish author: from new fiction to local history and poetry.
  • 20. A copy of Go Wild: our Christmas issue brings Ireland’s places, food and stories to their door.

Shop local this Christmas

Buying Irish-made supports the craftspeople, producers and small businesses that keep our towns and villages alive. Christmas markets, local craft shops and design stores are great places to find something unique, and many independent makers now sell online too. Ask about the story behind the piece: it makes the gift even more special.

Sending gifts overseas

If you’re posting to family abroad, plan ahead. An Post’s last posting dates for the US and the rest of the world fall weeks earlier than those for Ireland and Europe, so check this year’s dates on its website and send early. Customs rules for parcels to the US have also changed recently, so check what applies before you post.

If time is tight, experiences, gift vouchers and digital gifts are a good alternative. They arrive instantly and still carry a little bit of Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most traditional Irish gift?

The Aran sweater and the Claddagh ring are two of the most traditional and best-loved Irish gifts.

What can I send to someone in the US from Ireland?

Knitwear, jewellery, linen and books travel well. Food and alcohol may face restrictions, so check before you post.

When should I post gifts to the US for Christmas?

Earlier than you might think. Check An Post’s last posting dates for this year and allow extra time for customs.

Give the gift of Ireland this Christmas: the Go Wild Christmas issue is on sale in shops nationwide.

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