Irish Gifts for Father's Day
Presents from Ireland for Fathers, Grandfathers, and Husbands
Jun 7, 2009
Along with being known for luck, fathers with an Irish background commonly share a pride for their roots in Ireland. With the large inventories found at Irish specialty stores and online retailers, it can be difficult to select the perfect present for an Irishman. This list of ideas is sorted by interest, making it easy to select just the right Irish gift for Father's Day.
Irish Gifts for Sports Fans
If Dad loves sports, a shirt that represents an Irish team is sure to please. Since their victory in the RBS Six Nations Rugby Competition, pride for Ireland's national team is at an all time high. A variety of stylish Irish National Rugby Team shirts are available in green, white, and navy from Lansdowne, the leading manufacturer of rugby jerseys. If he prefers soccer, there are many styles of jerseys, t-shirts, and sweatshirts available bearing the logos of the Irish National Soccer Team.
Irish Gifts for Whiskey Lovers
If Dad has a taste for Irish whiskey, a bottle of his favorite brand, a taste of something new, or a luxury diversion from his usual spirits can all make an excellent gift. Jamesons, Bushmills, and Brennan's are all brands of Irish whiskey that are popular in the United States and available for less than $40 per bottle. Brands like Tullamore Dew, Kilbeggan, The Tycronnell, and Connemara offer a mid-range version that sells for between $35 and $80 per bottle and may provide him with a type of whiskey he's never tried before.
Luxury Irish whiskeys such as Jameson Vintage Reserve or Knappogue Castle 1951 can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars in price and can be the ultimate gift for a very special occasion. When purchasing a bottle of Irish whiskey for a gift, consider buying a matching pewter or brass tumbler from the maker of the spirit so he can enjoy his gift in proper Irish style.
Irish Gifts for Fathers who Enjoy the Outdoors
For dads who like to camp, fish, or hike, an Irish wool fisherman's sweater will keep him warm on chilly mornings or nights. Sometimes called Aran sweaters, Irish wool fisherman's sweaters are woven from báinín, a yarn made from sheep's wool, and feature between three and six textures throughout the sweater's design. Fisherman's sweaters are available as button-down cardigans or pullovers and come in a variety of colors and sizes. An Irish wool or tweed flat cap is another great option, especially for men who enjoy taking leisurely walks outside in the spring or autumn.
Irish Gifts for Businessmen
For dads who spend most of their time at work, there are a range of Irish accessories for the office available. Online retailers carry Irish wall clocks in solid wood with pewter Celtic symbols and marble desk clocks made from genuine quarried Connemara marble. Irish bog oak desk sets are available in modern and antique styles as well. For men who travel by airplane or car frequently for work purposes, an audiobook on Irish history such as How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill and Donal Donnelly or Hungry for Home: A Journey From the Edge of Ireland by Cole Morton and Gerry O'Brien makes a thoughtful gift that will help him pass time on flights or on the road.
Irish Gifts fo Guinness Lovers
In Ireland, Guinness is the King of Beers, and the Guinness brewing company offers plenty of Guinness merchandise for its loyal subjects. Guinness apparel includes sweatshirts, T-shirts, polo shirts, boxers, slippers, cuff links, lanyards, wallets and watches. A variety of Guinness drinkwear, bottle openers, and pouring spoons are available as well as a variety of collectibles.
Guinness even sells logo dartboards and soccer balls. A fun idea for his Guinness gift is to fill a Guinness cooler, tote or duffle bag with Guinness merchandise and Guinness beer and tie it with a big green bow. He will love finding and enjoying the contents of his Guinness goodie bag.
Irish Gifts for Genealogists
If Dad enjoys uncovering the history of his Irish ancestors, a gift displaying his family's traditional symbols is an excellent choice. Irish coat-of-arms and family crests are available on wood plaques, embroidered tapestries and throw blankets, and framed hand-drawn calligraphy pictures. In addition, services are avaialable to research his first and last name, providing meanings and history on a framed and matted print. These pictures make a lovely addition to his office, study, or game room.
Irish Gifts for Gourmet Food Lovers
If a variety of Gourmet Irish tastes please Dad's palette, gather some imported Irish foods and drinks in a regular wicker or Irish willow basket. Start the basket off with an Irish-made cheese, such as Cahill's Cheddar, Coolea, Kerrygold Irish Whiskey Cheddar or Aged Swish, Carrigaline, Tipperari, or Cashel Blue. Include some Boland's Cream Crackers, Donnelly Sausages, Follain Irish Jams, and Lakeshore Whole Grain Mustard to complement the cheese. Finish the basket off with a box of Barry's Tea, a container of Bewley's Irish Cream Coffee, and a box of O'Neill's Shortbread Cookies for the perfect finish to his Irish snack.
General Tips for Buying Irish Gifts Online
When considering an Irish gift for Dad, keep budget concerns in mind, remembering to add in shipping costs when buying from an online retailer. There are a variety of online currency calculators available if the site lists prices in Euros. Also, try to purchase Irish gifts ahead of time to avoid the expense of expedited shipping. Any of gifts listed above are also appropriate for Birthdays or Christmas.
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