I'm traveling to Ireland, can you recommend any souvenirs/gifts for my 31 & 29 year old sons?

Question

They are U2 fans, interested in Irish history, enjoy Guinness. Very big sports fans.

Any unique, new ideas on what to get them? Or just the obvious??

Thank You!

Answer 1

if you are in Dublin, there are many shops called 'carrols' souvenir stores...they have the usual guinness/Irish/ leprechaun souvenirs, rugby shirts are an idea for sons of the age you specified, and they also have lots of other stuff too, which people really seem to go for in a big way...some of it is  tacky of course but most of the stuff is good quality...there are plenty of good bookstores...'easons' , waterstones, hodges figgis, reads, etc they all have huge Irish history sections...also try Elvery's sports stores for rugby, soccer, and the usual Irish sports wear...explain to the staff what you are looking for and they will be only too happy to help...

if you are staying in Dublin, the bookstores are in nassau street, and elverys is on suffolk street ( it is one long street, split into 2 halves) also on nassau st, are the kilkenny shops , with traditional Irish clothing ( pretty expensive though)  enjoy your stay here..you will love it!!!

Answer 2

If you want to sway from traditional souvenirs, you may want to try the framed family crests. They have some really beautiful ones right in Dublin (assuming your last name is available). Especially where they are 'sons' and will not be  changing their names if they marry. When I went to  Ireland, I bought one for myself. I also purchased a pair of rosary beads at  the Cathedral for my Mom. They're  green with  shamrocks  etched into each bead. (These gifts are not expensive either, I was on a  limited budget).  If  you don't mind  spending a little more $, now  would be the time to  consider  buying  what  could  become  a  family heirloom (such  as  pocketwatches). Having  them engraved in the country of their heritage would be  so great.  I'm  getting too sentimental now, but there are some of my ideas. Have fun on your trip &  be  safe.

Answer 3

Guinness has a shop in most UK airports, and places in Ireland.

They have a neat line of clothes and Guinness trivia things...

That would be your easiest bet.

Then something neat would be CD's of their favourite music, or some good irish celtic music! There are several shops in the center of Dublin that carry a great variety of fantastic music..

If there is a woman in your life...a piece of celtic jewelry (in silver) not too expensive and very pretty.... Or some irish linen.

The shops are near the Trinity College and The National Gallery, sorry I don't remember the name of the streets.

Also since they are interested in irish history, there are some excellent books in Trinity Colleges shop, reproductions of part of the Book of Kells, etc...

One of my best friends lives in Drogheda...and when I last visited her she gave me a fantastic tour of Dublin.

P.S. You could always fall back on a good bottle of irish whiskey!

That's also a great gift! :-D

Answer 4

Might be too obvious BUT there are loads of Guinness related souvenirs available, including clothing such as rugby shirts, glasses, posters - and if you get them from The Guinness Brewery Shop in Dublin you can tour the brewery too, which is well worth a visit AND get a free pint at the end in the bar with the best view over Dublin!