By SHELAGH BRALEY STARR
RELATED ☘️ Staff
We are awash in plastic paddy marketing from Christmas to past St. Patrick’s Day. Social feeds overflow with products aimed right at the sentimental Irish hearts of the diaspora, but most of it is just plastic garbage. We’ve put together a selection of “IRISH” marketed products that many actual Irish people would find odd, unfamiliar, or just not really “a thing” at home. Warning, some are downright cringey.
Bright-green “leprechaun hats” and suits
Those giant floppy green hats, cartoon beards, and full leprechaun costumes are mostly for tourists and Paddy’s Day parades abroad. Day‑to‑day in Ireland, you almost never see anyone wearing these.
Guinness–everything (aprons, oven mitts, shower curtains, etc.)
Guinness is Irish, yes, but whole walls of Guinness-branded tat (toilet seat covers, dog outfits, novelty bottle openers shaped like harps) are much more common in tourist shops overseas than in regular Irish homes.
Random objects just painted green with shamrocks
Green shot glasses, green feather boas, green cowboy hats, green flip‑flops with shamrocks. Irish people don’t typically surround themselves with shamrock-covered everyday items; it’s a stereotype packaged for export.
“Irish Drinking Team / 100% Drunk” style shirts
These play on the “all Irish are heavy drinkers” stereotype. You will see some in tourist-heavy areas of Dublin, but most Irish people wouldn’t see these as representing real Irish culture and might find them tacky or cringe.
Fake “ancient Celtic” symbols on everything
Mass‑produced “Celtic” knot stickers, plastic “Ogham” name plaques that don’t really match the alphabet properly, “authentic druid” necklaces from a factory in another country. Many Irish people wouldn’t recognize half of these designs as genuinely Irish, just as generic “Celtic‑style” decorations.
Authentic Alternatives
In answer, here are some genuinely Irish-style gift ideas that people in Ireland are much more likely to recognize and actually use or appreciate:
Irish-made chocolate or sweets
Brands like Butlers, Lily O’Brien’s, Skelligs, or O’Conaill.
Classic bars like Cadbury Dairy Milk (Irish-made) or Tayto chocolate bar (limited/novelty) can be fun, too.
Irish crisps, tea, and everyday food staples
Tayto or King crisps (cheese & onion is iconic).
Tea: Barry’s, Lyons, or Bewley’s.
Biscuits: Jacob’s Mikado, Kimberley, Custard Creams, or Cadbury Chocolate Kimberleys.
These are the kinds of things Irish people actually have in their kitchens.
Wool and knitwear from Ireland
Aran sweaters, scarves, hats, or socks made from Irish wool.
Look for labels like “Made in Ireland” from regions such as the Aran Islands, Donegal, or Connemara.
Smaller items (beanies, mittens, socks) are easier to pack and more affordable than full jumpers.
Irish pottery, glass, or homeware
Handmade mugs, bowls, or jugs from Irish potteries (e.g., local studios in Dingle, Donegal, Kilkenny, etc.).
Irish glassware (like simple tumblers or vases) is also appreciated; it doesn’t have to be expensive crystal—just something clearly Irish-made.
Books by Irish authors (or about Ireland, but not cheesy)
Fiction from writers like Sally Rooney, Colin Barrett, Claire Keegan, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright, or classics like Maeve Binchy, Seamus Heaney, James Joyce.
A good contemporary Irish short story collection or poetry book can be a very real, non-touristy gift.
Irish music (beyond the clichés)
Albums or vinyl from modern Irish artists (folk, trad, or indie): e.g., Lankum, Hozier, Lisa O’Neill, The Gloaming, Dermot Kennedy, Fontaines D.C.
Or a book of Irish tunes / songbook if the person plays an instrument.
Craft spirits or local drinks (where legal to transport)
Irish whiskey from smaller distilleries (Teeling, West Cork, Dingle, Glendalough, etc.).
Irish gin, craft beers, or poitín (traditional spirit) from reputable producers.
Even a branded glass from a local brewery or distillery tour feels authentic without being tacky.
Irish linen or household textiles
Irish linen tea towels, napkins, or table runners, especially with simple designs or local motifs.
Tweed items from Donegal (caps, small toiletry bags, wallets) are very recognizably Irish without screaming “tourist souvenir.”
Local artisan products from markets
Handmade soaps, candles, or skincare using Irish ingredients (seaweed, bog myrtle, heather, etc.).
Small art prints or photos from local Irish artists featuring real landscapes or street scenes, not generic “leprechaun” art.
GAA or real sports gear (subtle version)
A GAA county scarf, hat, or jersey (e.g., Dublin, Kerry, Cork) if the recipient likes sports.
Or a rugby or football (soccer) item linked to an actual Irish team rather than fake “Irish drinking team” stuff.
Supporting true Irish craftsmanship is the goal, to help our favorite little island thrive.
RELATED ☘️ 