The Best Places To Buy Souvenirs In County Kerry Ireland

Getting away from the stereotypical Irish souvenirs (whiskey, chocolate infused with whiskey, and Guinness branded products since you asked) can be a challenge. Getting something that truly sums up somewhere like Kerry – a rustic, rugged, old-worldly county laden with charm – is still harder. You could just pop down any one of the countless tat shops that line Killarney‘s main streets. Or, and we’re here to help you with this, you could do that little bit better. If you’re spending big and leaving the European Union for a substantial period of time after your trip, by the way, it’s worth checking out the tax rebate system on VAT (sales tax) for tourists. As for the shopping itself, here are our top suggestions.

1. The Aran Sweater Market

Shop, Store

They might have their origins in the gorgeous Aran Islands off the coast of Galway, but Aran Sweaters – thick, stylised woolly winter warmers – are hugely popular in Kerry, too. The Aran Sweater Market doesn’t focus quite exclusively on them (nor is it a market, but quite an upmarket shop), but there are loads here to explore, from simple cream designs to the more elaborate, modern version of the classic. Expect to pay a solid price for a good one, especially one that’s handmade, but they’ll certainly take you back to Kerry in an instant. A classic Irish look.

2. Louis Mulcahy Pottery

Store, Shop

Another specialist store; another perfectly done spot to indulge in some Kerry quality. Louis Mulcahy pottery near Dingle focuses on spectacular, delicate but sizeable centrepiece creations and fabulous lights. If you’ve a more modest amount of space (or cash) to play with, though, there are plenty of standard items like plates and bowls, all handmade, to explore in this beautifully displayed store. You’ll also find a cafe with local cuisine to hide from the showers in.

3. Bricin Craft Shop

Restaurant, Irish, European, Seafood, Vegetarian

Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House, Killarney

Another Killarney tourism staple, the Bricin Craft Shop doubles up as a restaurant selling classic Irish dish Boxty (a kind of traditional potato-based pancake). The shop is beneath the restaurant, selling pottery, local fashion, books, scarfs and assorted, fast-changing local products.

4. Kerry Bog Village Gift Shop

Museum

Plenty of Kerry’s tourist attractions have a little spot to encourage you to spend a bit more cash, naturally. The Bog Village – a glance back at life centuries ago, through reconstruction – does a better job than most. There are two spots on site selling a range taking in all the tourism standards, from tea towels to postcards via Guinness paraphernalia, as well as an abundance of leprechauns. What we like most, though, is the county themed stuff, from Kerry GAA items to county badges ready for mounting: true Kerry-themed memories.