Irish food gifts are a thoughtful and delicious way to celebrate your trip or send a little piece of Ireland to friends and family. Whether your recipient is missing the hearty cuisine or planning a visit to Ireland, these goods will make their day.
A willow basket from Wicklow makes a beautiful and sustainable gift. Or choose a curated box from EvenStone, which features luxurious products from artisan makers.
Linen
Linen is a fabric made from flax fibers and is known to be the oldest textile in the world. It is strong, absorbent, and fast drying and has been the favored linen of royalty since ancient Egypt. It was even used to wrap mummies.
It is a fine Irish gift to give someone a set of linen towels or bed sheets that are hand-woven by traditional Irish weavers. These linens are considered to be of the finest quality and carry the Irish Linen Guild logo. This guarantees that the linen is not woven in another country and then bleached in Ireland.
The color of the linen is also important and can be a good indicator of the quality. For example, damask linen is woven on a jacquard loom and has a luxurious look to it. It is often adorned with embroidery and/or lace, especially Victorian-era redwork and bluework. This type of embroidery is considered to be highly collectable.
Chocolates
Ireland is renowned for its chocolate, which is made with local milk and cream. Indulge your loved ones in a box of Cadbury or Irish cream candy. These sweet treats are a great gift for anyone who is missing home or planning a trip to the Emerald Isle.
If you are looking for a gift that is both sweet and healthy, consider giving your loved ones a jar of Irish honey. This is a gift that will keep them connected to their roots and help support local bee farms.
Whether you are shopping for whiskey, a traditional Irish breakfast, or chocolate, there is an Irish food gift for everyone. From cookbooks to artisan jams, there is no shortage of delicious and unique gifts that can be enjoyed all year long. These gifts will bring your recipient closer to the home country of their heritage and maybe even bring them a bit of luck!.
Christmas Puddings and Cakes
Christmas pudding, sometimes called plum pudding or frumenty (a name that dates back to medieval times), is a rich steamed dessert that is traditionally made well in advance of Christmas to allow it to mature and develop a deep flavour. Many families have their own recipes and traditions tied to this dish. Some of these include adding coins to the mixture – traditionally silver coins for wealth, wishbones for luck, thimbles for thrift and an anchor for safe harbour. Adding a sprig of holly to the top is also a traditional symbol of the festive season.
The term “pudding” is used to describe a heavier type of dessert than a cake and in the UK, we have a wide range of delicious and charmingly-named steamed puddings like Treacle Sponge, Spotted Dick and Sticky Toffee Pudding which are cooked in covered bowls set over a pan of simmering water. These are best served warm with cream, ice cream or custard.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is one of the most popular products in the country, and it’s a great gift for anyone who enjoys sipping spirits neat or with ice. It’s also a staple in many classic cocktails like the Irish coffee, whiskey smash, or a simple whiskey & soda with a twist of lime.
From the world’s oldest distillery comes this blended whiskey with a smooth, warming taste that combines lighter grain and malt whiskies. It’s easy on the wallet and perfect for any occasion.
The signature single malt whiskey from the world-famous Knappogue Castle distillery is distilled in copper pot stills for a bright, clean base, and then aged in bourbon casks to give it the subtle flavors of cinnamon toast and apple pie. It’s a whiskey that truly captures Ireland’s classic spirit.