Popular Irish gift ideas to consider this Christmas

It's hard to believe but there are only two weeks left until Christmas and for many of us this is when the shopping season starts in earnest! Town centres and out of town shopping malls become alive with the hustle and bustle of eager shoppers so the option of purchasing Irish gifts online is always a useful option to have.

There isn't any need to hit panic stations just yet but it worthwhile considering some great traditional Irish gifts for both family and loved ones. Alternatively, seeing as it's the season for giving why not choose some quirky or novelty Irish gifts for friends, house-mates or perhaps even your favourite work colleague!

Lismore Crystal... An Enduring & Timeless Irish Gift

One of the most enduring and timeless Waterford Crystal collections is the Lismore which is derived from the ancient Irish description of a "great ringfort". It is said that the Lismore Collection is strongly influenced by the Gothic architecture of Lismore Castle in County Waterford which dates back almost the 800 years.

New Arrivals: Stylish Aran Knitwear and Celtic Accessories

The St. Patrick's Day celebrations may be done and dusted for another year but there is never an impromptu time to purchase Irish gifts or, more specifically, aran knitwear. The evenings may be stretching that little bit longer and temperatures may be on the rise but stylish aran knitwear looks good whatever the weather.

With this in mind, there is a new stylish range of aran sweaters, cardigans and accessories have arrived at blarney.com which will ensure that you will be looking your best during the spring and summer months. All of this new range of garments form part of Blarney Woollen Mills new and exclusive knitwear range.

St. Brigid's legacy in Celtic craftsmanship and design

St Brigid is a revered and fondly thought of figure in Irish history and Christian mythology. Her influence has even crossed into the realms of Celtic jewelry design and appearance such as Celtic pendants and Celtic Cross jewelry.

Also referred to as “Mary of the Gael”, St. Brigid is patroness of Ireland and also founder of the first Irish monastery in Kildare. Born in Dundalk in 450 A.D, St Brigid is closely associated with the creation of a truly unique ornamental cross that has since been named after her. This unique Irish cross is typically constructed from rushes but it is also not uncommon for it to be made from straw.

The mystical power of St Brigid’s Cross, woven rushes, is its power to repel evil, fire and hunger from the homes in which it is displayed. The exact details of the cross' creation are unclear with no definitive explanation of just how it came into being.

The tale as we know it is revolves around an old pagan Irish Chieftain who lay delirious on his deathbed in Kildare; it is rumoured that he was in fact the father of St. Brigid. Brigid was summed to his beside in the hope that the saintly woman could intervene and cure the Chieftain from certain death. 

Brigid is said to have sat at his bedside, consoling and calming him and it is here that she picked up the rushes from the floor and began weaving them into the distinctive cross pattern. Whilst she weaved, she explained the meaning of the cross to the sick Chieftain and it is thought her calming words brought peace to his soul, and that he was so enamoured by her words that the old Chieftain requested he was baptised as a Christian just before his passing.

Ever since that fateful day and for countless generations that followed, it has been customary on the eve of her Feat Day (1st February) for Irish people to fashion a St Brigid Cross of straw or rushes and place it inside the house over the door. Many Irish people used to send the rush cross to their family and friends overseas as traditional Irish gifts to remind them of the Emerald Isle and help keep them safe from danger and misfortune.

This rush cross, which has since been commonly referred to as St Brigid’s emblem, has been used in Irish designs throughout history, with many modern stylists using this now popular Irish symbol within the designs of Celtic jewelry and unique gifts from Ireland.

A glimpse at the magic qualities of authentic Irish Crystal

Ireland has always boasted a long and illustrious history of craftsmanship in glass and crystal making. The origins of this great craftsmanship can be traced back to the early Celts who put their artistic talents to good use by integrating the pure white sands from the shore's of Ireland to produce beautiful glass beads and Celtic jewelry.  Over the passage of time, Ireland’s skilled craftsmen spawned a thriving hand-blown lead crystal industry throughout the country, which is still renowned across the world due to its quality and distinctive Celtic splendour.

Two of the more recognised manufacturers of Irish Crystal are Waterford and Galway Crystal. Waterford Crystal was established in the southern Irish town of Waterford in the late 18th Century.  The manufacturers in Waterford introduced stylish and intricate designs and patterns to its stemware that soon became synonymous across the globe for its exquisite crystal glasses and crystal gifts.

Irish Crystal at its very best, the Waterford Crystal Collection is known for its quality and beautiful glassware such as crystal wine glasses and waterford crystal decanters. The range of products  as well as its home accessories such as Waterford Crystal vases, crystal clocks and crystal picture frames.

Our collections include Lismore (the most famous of the Waterford Crystal patterns), Marquis, Fleurology, Colleen, Clarendon, Irish Lace and Pineapple.

There is always something mystic and magical about authentic Irish Crystal. Whatever design or piece you may be looking for, a piece from any of the Waterford Crystal collections makes the ideal traditional Irish gift and is a well-received Irish wedding gift that will be treasured forever.