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Chasing unique experiences, like hearing folklore retold by a traditional Celtic storyteller and visiting a family-owned farm. Retracing history. Getting closer to your personal cultural heritage. Coming face-to-face with stunning natural beauty you’ve only seen in pictures. There are countless reasons that travellers are drawn to Scotland and Ireland.
While the motivation behind adding these destinations to your travel story may differ, there are some experiences that are universal to all travellers: You want to forge incredible memories that live on long after your trip is over.
Souvenirs, either for yourself or to share with loved ones back home, are an avenue for storytelling about different cultures. They offer a way to share that culture, and to give the gift of travel even with those who weren’t a part of your journey.
I reached out to Collette’s top Tour Managers in Ireland and Scotland, John Fitzgibbon and Laura Goodman, respectively, for their advice: What are the best souvenirs from Ireland and Scotland, according to local experts who know those places best? How would you share the story of a trip to Ireland and Scotland through souvenirs?
Here are their thoughts.
Souvenirs from Ireland
The Irish are world renowned for their sense of hospitality. And even though I know this to be true, I was surprised and thankful for Tour Manager John Fitzgibbon’s feedback.
He found time in his evening to call and share his ideas, after a long day of touring with our travellers. John gave some context about what trends he has seen in traveller souvenir shopping, what is most popular with travellers now, and his personal picks.
Celtic Jewelry
John said that Celtic jewellery is a trendy souvenir for travellers now. In the past, he said, Waterford crystal was a top gift, but jewellery – with its diversity in selection and price and its lighter weight, is the most popular item for folks to bring home.
Claddagh rings are a classic go-to, but other popular designs include the Tree of Life and Celtic cross.
Another design in jewellery with a story? The trinity knot. This three-pointed interlocking knot is a widely recognized symbol of Celtic culture, with a variety of accepted meanings. The number three was significant to the early Celts, and some believe that the knot represented the power of the earth, sea, and sky. Others say the twist and turns represent the tenacity of the human spirit. As time passed, the knot also adapted to account for the holy trinity in Christianity.
Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, a ring, pendant, watch, bracelet, or necklace are all great souvenirs from Ireland. For authentic jewellery produced by Irish craftspeople, John recommended travellers check out the store Moriarty’s in Killarney.
Wool
Rolling green hills dotted with sheep munching on the grass. This is a common image travellers imagine when they think of Ireland. And as a country that’s home to nearly four million sheep, it’s a fair idea!
Ireland has history in the wool industry dating back to the thirteenth century, and with plenty of high-quality wool products to choose from, our local expert John says that wool is an excellent souvenir. In fact, it’s one he brings home for his wife often!
John gave a variety of souvenir options tied to Ireland’s rich history in wool production and even suggested travellers check out Triona, a shop in Donegal, for premier wool gifts.
Wool Throw Blankets
Imagine a chilly winter evening after your trip. You’re settled on the couch with a book or a movie, thinking about your trip to Ireland. A wool blanket is the perfect addition to surround you with warm memories from your journey. John shared that he had purchased a Merino wool throw blanket for his wife, and it’s become a favourite practical gift.
John explained that Merino wool comes at a higher price tag because of both the qualities of the wool, and the scarcity of it – these sheep are smaller and the wool grows slowly. The high-quality wool, though, is known for being long-lasting, and its excellent temperature regulation, fabric breathability, and moisture-wicking qualities.
There are a variety of different blankets you can shop for, from different wool compositions, to differences in colour and design.
Example: If you want to shop wool for a loved one back home and you’re not sure about sizing, an Aran blanket instead of an Aran sweater is a great option.
Wool Sweaters
The Aran sweater is an iconic souvenir, and one that tells a story about fishing and farming culture in the Aran Islands.
With the moisture-wicking qualities and warmth that come from Merino wool, these sweaters were an extremely functional piece of clothing for those working the land and sea on the island. But there was an element of storytelling in the fashion as well. Unique patterns in the stitching were representative of nature and the hard work that happened outdoors.
Cable stitches, for example, are common on Aran sweaters and represent the ropes used by fishermen. Honeycomb stitching is said to reflect the rewards that come from hard work – similar to the work of a honeybee.
If you’re looking for a gift with a rich backstory, make sure you pick up a sweater and get the details on its stitching!
Tweed Jackets
Similar to Aran sweaters, tweed jackets first started with working farmers. County Donegal especially is synonymous with tweed, and they’ve been making it for centuries.
It’s handwoven from wool, often featuring intricate patterns and speckled colours that reflect the natural landscape of the region: browns for the earth, greens for the lush countryside, and blue for the sea and sky, for example.
Historically, Donegal tweed was handmade by local artisans with many patterns, like herringbone, windowpane, striped, checked, and houndstooth.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Donegal tweed is highly regarded for its durability and warmth, making it popular for clothing. The fabric has gained international acclaim, often associated with high-quality craftsmanship and a connection to Irish heritage.
John noted that tweed jackets are a popular gift from wives for their husbands.
Souvenirs from Scotland
My first experience with Tour Manager Laura Goodman was hearing her tell a story. It’s something I know Collette travellers truly appreciate about their time on the road with her. And I knew it would make her a great person to chat with about meaningful gifts that tell a story.
So, what souvenirs does this Scotland resident think you should pick up from the place she calls home? Here are her shopping suggestions.
Heathergems
For a souvenir that’s unique to Scotland, Laura suggests heathergems. When I reached out to her, she explained how these pieces are made.
“When the heather has died off for the year, it is picked and then washed and dried,” She said. “Then it is dipped in natural dyes made from plants and berries. They are usually, blue, gold, red, and green. After that, under incredible pressure, the dyed heather is pressed until it looks like a stone and then polished and varnished.”
She explains that this methodology also assures that every stone is unique – which is so important when it comes to gift giving! After they’re cut, they’re placed in either pewter, silver, or stainless-steel settings. Then they become pendants, earrings, cufflinks, watch fobs, broaches, and bangles.
“It’s absolutely stunning,” Laura says. “They make great gifts, and they slip into luggage with no weight at all.”
Calendars and Magnets
When it comes to souvenir shopping, practicality is important to Laura.
“The problem when you come to Scotland is that there are so many beautiful things to purchase to take home,” she said. “One of the most important things to keep in mind when travelling, is ‘Can I get it back home without purchasing an extra suitcase?’”
There are reasons that our expert pitched these classic souvenirs: They’re lightweight, affordable, there are many options to fit specific interests, and they’re a way to reflect your trip at a quick glance.
She notes that these are very popular souvenir options with Collette travellers in Scotland. Some popular designs? Highland cows, castles, and men in kilts!
Scarves
Similarly to John’s list, Laura says that scarves are a great choice for souvenirs in Scotland.
“Scarves, of course, are always popular,” Laura says. “Scarves with a clan tartan are a top choice. For the extra bit of luxury, you can splurge on a wrap in lambswool or cashmere.”
Tartan scarves are a good way for those of Scottish heritage to connect with their culture, but the good news is anyone can wear them! Every tartan, or plaid, pattern is tied to a specific clan or region. The pattern is identified by the unique number of threads of a certain colour in sequence.
Laura said no matter the quality of scarf that people choose, wearable, beautiful Celtic designs are a lovely reminder of Scotland.
More Insight from a Scotland Expert
Want to hear more from our Scotland-based Tour Manager? Laura Goodman recently did a virtual event with the Collette team to go over our small group tour Scotland: Land of Lore and Legend.
You can catch that event on-demand and learn all about this tour from someone who knows it inside and out.
