Souvenir & Gift Shop Recommendations

I have found that buying quality items is best. They last and are not put away in a closet. Look at a piece of Waterford for yoir friend. They make small packable pieces such as salt and pepper shakers.

Thank you for the salt & pepper shakers suggestion!

I gifted a co-worker a nice Aran Island knitted scarf that she loves. Another co-worker, got a sampler of the best Irish whiskeys. Our neighbours got some amazing Irish chocolates. There are so many options depending on what people like or are interested in

If you want something one-of-a-kind, there's a farmer's market next to St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church in Galway on weekends and it includes a lot of craft vendors. I bought an inexpensive handmade necklace there last year and it was one of my favorite souvenirs from my trip.

Garvey's Sports and Leisure in Dingle had a variety of souvenirs when I was there, and was pretty large. There was an interesting-looking dolphin-themed shop across the street too.

Avoca sells handwoven wool blankets and similar items. I think they have several retail locations. I visited one in Dublin but was mostly there for the upstairs café so I didn't look around that much. It did look pretty expensive.

Thank you all for these suggestions! My friend loves chocolate, so I will definitely keep that in mind along w/ a small, but pretty Waterford piece. Unfortunately, we won't be in Galway over the weekend, but I'm sure that I'll be able to find local artisans throughout our journey.

In Dingle, Dingle Crystal has amazing pieces. It's run by the Daly family. They will gladly do a demonstration for you. What's nice is the huge variety so it fits the budget well and of course can be shipped if you prefer.

If you get to the Skellig Ring......world famous Skellig Chocolates has fantastic chocolate creations and flavors...... it's great. Our favorites are their hot cocoa flavors !

We loaded up one of our fun loving low key relatives with unusual stuff from an Irish grocery store....from unusual dinner and soup mixes, to candies, biscuits (cookies) and cereals. They loved it and thanked us for NOT getting them Crystal but for getting them fun "real"Irish stuff.

Also on the Arans. If you want a real Aran knit item get it at one of the small shops at the base of Dun Anghosa...those are almost all made right there. The big Aran Wool shop at the center of town sells Aran "pattern" stuff ...most of which is not even made in Ireland.....and little to none from the Arans themselves. Nothing kills the gift of a €120 "Aran" sweater than a made in England tag inside.

When I was in Galway I wandered into a jewelry store with some very nice pens with Celtic designs on them for a reasonable price. I can't recall the name of the place now, though. The day I did the day trip to the Kylemore Abbey the bus stopped at a place called Standun's where I bought both a small Belleek vase, and a small crystal vase at prices that were better than anywhere else I had been to that point. Galway seemed to be a really good place to shop.

I like to add to my Christmas ornament collection while on vacation. They always pack well, and most shops have a variety to choose from. Also, look for site-specific fridge magnets—my favorite is one I bought at Orkney’s Skara Brae Neolithic village that features the dresser in each building.

I so appreciate all of these great ideas and places to shop! Ornaments would be perfect for so many of my friends. My parents are foodies, so edible treats would be great for them. Thanks again everyone! This forum is fantastic and so much fun!