Blarney Woolen Mills spun wool for over a hundred years before being turned into a heritage shop for all things Irish! You’ll find everything from traditional Aran sweaters to designer Irish jewellery – including pendants, earrings, claddagh rings and more. And, their personalised Aran Knitwear service even lets you add a label featuring your family name, making your sweater truly unique.
Souvenir idea: A charm bracelet with meaningful Irish symbols or personalised Aran sweater to remember your trip!
Open since 1723, Avoca is Ireland’s oldest working woollen mill. Today, Avoca has 13 locations across the country including cafes, food markets and garden centres. Their colourful ceramics, perfumes, soaps and clothing make it easy to fall in love (and buy half the shop!). You can purchase everything from a handwoven scarf to a life size wool sheep!
Souvenir idea: Natural sheepskin wine cooler
This family-run gem was started by the Donaghy family to help keep the traditional craft of hand-weaving alive. Visitors can take an informal tour, meet the team and see the master weavers work their magic! Everything with a Studio Donegal label is hand-woven and made in the Kilcar mill.
Souvenir idea: A skein of flecked Donegal yarn to inspire your next project.
Cushendale textiles are designed to be loved for a lifetime, ready to be passed on to the next generation. Their wool is 100% natural and traceable and they provide free repair kits, tailored to your purchase. Even their item tags are cotton and fully biodegradable! The shop also offers views into their historic mill which has been spinning magic since the 1700s.
Souvenir idea: A skein of their naturally dyed Irish wool.
Aran Sweater Market is a wool-filled wonderland with locations across Inis Mór, Dublin, Killarney and Galway! It’s perfect for anyone who wants to buy an authentic Aran Sweater, as well as learn about its long and fascinating history. These markets offer the very best quality Aran Knitwear and Accessories, in every colour and style imaginable!
Souvenir idea: A soft Aran patchwork wool throw.
This knitting shop was inspired by the unique spirit and heritage of Inis Meáin, one of the three Aran Islands. Inis Meáin Knitting Company importantly created new jobs and opportunities for locals, attracting young people who would otherwise have left the island forever. Each piece is made sustainably, and reinvents traditional designs with the introduction of new colours and yarns. So, don’t miss out on shopping with breath-taking island views!
Souvenir idea: A rustic Aran alpaca shawl.
Glencolmcille was built to recreate a traditional Irish village with thatched cottages, pubs, a school, a craft shop and more. This incredible living history museum is like stepping into a time capsule of 17th – 19th century Ireland. The craft shop, filled with locally made products, is ideal when shopping for those special gifts to bring back home.
Souvenir idea: A CD by a local Donegal musician.
Skelligs Chocolate factory overlooks the majestic Skellig Rocks, just a stone’s throw from the beach. They are the only ‘open plan’ chocolate production facility in Ireland, where you can watch the delicious chocolates being made and then have a taste yourself! Their products are made up of locally sourced ingredients and flavours inspired by the salty Atlantic coast.
Souvenir idea: A chocolate puffin!
Hanna Hats is Ireland’s last operating commercial headwear shop. On our Knit the Wild Atlantic Way tour, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour and discover the rich history of Irish hat making. Look out for some familiar faces who have been spotted wearing Hanna Hats on their wall of fame! And of course, they use the finest Donegal tweed to stock their large selection of handcrafted flat caps, newsboy caps, hats, accessories and more!
Souvenir idea: A Donegal tweed flat cap
Irish Design Shop is an award-winning small business that loves promoting local Irish art. From ceramics to textiles and everything in between, both established and emerging artisans are represented across the shop floor. They also offer a range of customisable gift boxes with different themes like ‘self-care,’ ‘the great outdoors,’ and ‘hug in a mug!’ There’s something for everyone!
Souvenir idea: A pair of plush Irish sheepskin slippers.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and, of course, plenty of yarn.
The best Irish keepsakes are found in little wool shops, family-run mills, and craft studios off the beaten path. So, whether it’s a skein of rustic Donegal tweed or a hand-knit hat from a tiny island, make space in your suitcase for some seriously cute souvenirs.
If you’re dreaming of seeing these magical places and so many more in person…
Check out our upcoming Knitting Tours across Ireland! https://www.knittingtours.com/knitting-tours/?tour=2025#2025
