Your guide to shopping local in Ireland

From cheesemakers to jewellers, Ireland has so many amazing producers for you to discover. Whether you’re a visitor looking for souvenirs or a resident who loves supporting local businesses, we’ve got a list full of products to watch out for.

All dressed up

Looking your best is made so much easier by Ireland’s huge range of exciting designers. Award-winning knitwear designer Pearl Reddington creates beautiful jumpers, hats, scarves and blankets in super snuggly Donegal wool. They’re as cosy as they are cool.

Anna Wintour, Kate Moss, Frida Kahlo and more iconic women feature on the simple graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags designed by Jill & Gill. Look out for the Notions bag, which raises smile from Irish shoppers.

 

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Natasha Sherling is all about subtle sophistication. Her jewellery is modern, timeless and infinitely covetable. The perfect present to mark a milestone.

Mouthwatering morsels

Is there anything better than savouring a tasty bite? We don’t think so.

West Cork favourite Toons Bridge Dairy makes a range of unbelievable cheeses using locally-sourced milk. Their high-quality halloumi, mozzarella, scamorza and more appears on the menus in some of the country’s most well-known restaurants.

The White Mausu range of condiments and sauces are beyond delicious. For starters, check out the brand’s flagship sauce Peanut Rayu. Spicy, savoury, rich and just a little bit sweet, this can lift almost any meal.

 

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For anyone with a sweet tooth, Bean and Goose is a real treat. This company specialises in crafting single origin chocolate bars. Our favourites have decadent ingredients like smoked sea salt and roasted spiced hazelnuts in Wexford honey.

Home improvements

Make your home brighter on even the greyest of days with some gorgeous Irish products.

And there are few things more gorgeous than the woodwork designed by Modet. The Tilt mirror elevates any dressing table, while Morty the elephant might just be the cutest baby present around.

You can’t go wrong with anything from Beeswax Candle Makers. Their small selection of simple hand-rolled and hand-poured candles have a subtle scent and a beautiful warm glow. And they look stunning on a mantlepiece.

 

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Meanwhile, you can create an oasis of calm in seconds with the help of VOYA. The Lavender, Rose and Camomile Diffuser is pure luxury, while the Travel Candle is a frequent flier’s best friend.

Raise a glass

Craft beer and small-batch spirits have been growing in popularity for the last few years, and we couldn’t be happier about that.

Kinnegar Brewing has been on the radar of Irish beer fans for quite some time and with good reason. The punchy Rustbucket has a cult following, while their specials always attract attention. Try Olan’s Tart apple sour if you spot it.

Whiskey lovers should look out for Glendalough Distillery. The Wicklow brand’s Double Barrel Irish Whiskey is deliciously smooth, but the airport exclusive Single Cask (finished in Grand Cru Burgundy Casks) is on our most-wanted list.

 

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The gin craze has well and truly taken hold in Ireland. So for something to stand out, it has to be really special. Bertha’s Revenge from Ballyvalone House Spirits is just that. This small-batch Irish milk gin uses whey alcohol from cow’s milk and is infused with over a dozen locally foraged botanicals.

Beautiful inside and out

A lot of beauty brands are jumping on the natural bandwagon these days, but we want to know about the ones that stand out from the crowd.

Oxmantown Skincare is one of those brands. Its ethically-made products are in weighty brown glass packaging making them feel luxurious even before you get to the potions inside. Use the hardworking 02 Papaya Fruit Hydrating Facial Cleansing Balm to remove every last trace of makeup and follow up with the soothing 08 Rosehip & Vitamin E Hydrating Facial Cream.

Jo Browne is quickly becoming one of the best known names in Irish beauty. Sold in clever bamboo packaging, her solid perfume suspended in beeswax is ideal for travelling. Floral Note for women and Woody Note for men are both divine.

 

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Another range we’re excited about is Kinvara Skincare. Started by a scientist, these products are designed for even the most troubled skins. The Glow Getter Gift set is a great way to try some of the brand’s most loved products.

Think it’s time you had a shopping spree in Ireland? Check flights from your local airport and get a great value deal today. 

Read more of our local guides to Ireland. Check out these 11 hidden gems to visit in Ireland or read our insider’s guide to Dublin