The holiday elves here at the Irish Fireside have been working doubletime sorting through your suggestions for our annual gift guide.

We hope you enjoy this list of the Irish Fireside's favorite Irish and Ireland-related gift ideas. Be sure to let us know the products you liked seeing most on the list and send us your suggestions for next year's guide.

Have a great holiday season!

The art tiles created by Brian Davis and Katie Hobson are certain to conjure the spirit of Celtic Ireland. Their designs are based on ancient carvings and architectural details with the rich, natural colors of their glazes turning them into art pieces for the home or gallery. 

Poke around their website and see how their creations hold their own solo or can transform a fireplace, kitchen or bathroom when presented as a group.

There is something wonderfully endearing about Susan Moloney’s accounts of the Irish and Ireland. Part journal – part survival guide, her ‘zines (that’s a self-published mini-magazine) provide a unique look at Ireland from the eyes of a Yank (American) married to an Irishman.

Anyone planning a trip to the Emerald Isle will appreciate her insider’s perspective and tidbits of advice. The ‘zines are hand-bound and nicely packaged making them an inexpensive and entertaining gift. In case her online store appears ‘sold out,’ drop her a line and she’ll be sure to add more.

The thought of a broken Irish Belleek plate has been known to invoke tears, but for Liam Hughes, it presents an opportunity. The artist (and podcast host!) has found a unique way to recycle broken dishes into beautiful shard jewelry. Combine his creativity with his keen interest in Ireland, and the result is a whole line of wearable art with ties to the Emerald Isle.

In addition to the Belleek, Nicholas Mosse and other shards recovered in Ireland, Liam has given new life to both antique and contemporary shards that include free shipping in the US and an attractive gift box.

Considered one of the most beautiful books ever created, Ireland’s Book of Kells is a treasure trove of Celtic Art. Just in time for the holidays, Pat Preston from www.irelandexpert.com has a special limited edition reproduction of the Book of Kell’s Virgin and Child with a unique laminated mahogany frame. Other pages are also available.

While you’re there, you should also pick up a copy of Pat’s “Take a Break in Ireland” book; it’s the ultimate guide for daytrips throughout Ireland, and shoppers be warned, Pat also has a comprehensive guide to Shopping and Crafts throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, so your shopping spree doesn’t have to end with this list.

We first heard about the Irish Seed Savers from RTE Radio Host Ella McSweeney and have since grown quite fond of the group’s efforts to locate and preserve Ireland’s traditional fruit, vegetables and trees.

Gardners and nature lovers will appreciate something a little different this holiday season – a membership to this wonderful organization. Although they can’t send seeds overseas, your gift will help provide educational programs to schools and maintain their seed bank. You can have the welcome card sent to you or directly to the recipient.

Christmas gift: www.irishseedsavers.ie/article.php?artid=142
Donation: www.irishseedsavers.ie/donations.php

Who can resist chocolate? Certainly not us, and the Skelligs Chocolate Company makes some of the best. From their shop on the Ring of Kerry, they whip up some of the most delicious truffles and chocolate bars.

They ship around the world, and the only disadvantage to ordering online is that you don’t get to enjoy the abundant free samples they offer when you visit their brick and mortar store. Having been there, trust me, the chocolates are to die for and be sure to take a look at their selection of handpainted boxes.

Okay, who can resist buying gifts from group of Irish nuns who knit angels, bead rosaries and print prayer cards in an effort to raise money to feed and care for the homeless? The Sisters of Grace in Ireland specialize in wonderful knitware and will custom-make your order. They’re just getting their site up and running, so take a look at what they have to offer.

What gift could be more Irish than a full Irish breakfast? Now you can give the gift of a traditional fry without having to book at a B&B. Instead, the folks at Food Ireland will supply the real Irish rashers, puddings, beans, brown bread, tea and even the butter!

Not up for a full fry, they’ve also got all your favorite Irish sweets, crisps (potato chips) and other edibles.

What happens when a history buff gets a hankering to be creative? Well, for Peggy Yunque, it means crafting a collection of wearable art that is not only beautiful but also revives archetypal symbols and images.

’Tis the season for finding the perfect card for your holiday greeting. The folks at the Glen Gallery based in Sligo, Ireland, offer an entire line of cards for every occasion in both English and Irish.

We first spotted their products at the new Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and have come to appreciate their collection of blank cards the most, but they’ve got all kinds of goodies you can order.

Peter O’Donnell’s panoramic photos capture the Irish landscape in ways standard photography falls short. You’ll get lost in his poetic images, just look at his images of the Poulnabrone Dolmen, Footed Turf and Hook Head Lighthouse to see what I mean.

Anyone who enjoys an authentic Irish fireside will certainly appreciate Tanya Bond’s miniature prints. The charming images by this self-taught artist include scenes of thatched cottages and Irish landscapes…as well as some of her favorite animals.

I must say these small wonders are delightful, and I especially like brightening up my desk with all four images from her cottage collection framed and displayed as a series.

Last month we published the story of the popular Doors of Dublin poster, but we didn’t tell you it’s also available as a very “giftable” jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle features the same classic collection of  Dublin’s Georgian doors as the poster, and it's sure to transport puzzle-solvers right to Dublin.

Any bride-to-be on your Christmas list is sure to appreciate Bridget Haggerty’s collection of tradition, lore and history surrounding the Irish wedding. Bridget, the blushing bride half of the www.irishcultureandcustoms.com website and e-newsletter, emigrated from Ireland to the US and went full-guns into her research on the topic when she put on a traditional Irish wedding for her American-born daughter.

Bridget still has a few copies of the book’s earlier editions left which she will inscribe and sign however you wish, just email her for details. Otherwise, you can find it at most North American Irish bookstores and at www.amazon.com.

Maureen, one of our listeners, was “knocked of my center surprised” when her son gave her a reversible wool bag from Hannah Hats. As the name suggests, they are better known for the selection of headgear in designs that range from traditional to modern.

Legend states that it was the salmon that provided the Irish hero Fion mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) with unlimited knowledge. If that’s true, the folks in County Clare are doing their part to “smarten” us up by supplying their selection of Irish smoked fish…including salmon.

Choices include mackerel, trout, eel, organic salmon, Irish cheeses and even wines from County Clare, Ireland. They'll ship your delicious treat to the US, Canada, Europe and elsewhere.

Beautifully written and illustrated by Irish-American Thomas Aquinas Maguire, "A Growling Place" is the perfect gift for the picture book-lover on your list.

If you'd like an autographed copy, contact Thomas and let him know the folks at the Irish Fireside sent you, and he'll be sure to sign and ship your book.

Aleda Diggins has created a whole collection of beautiful Celtic-themed porcelain jewelry. Her pendants, earrings and pins include bits of knotwork, crosses and other Irish-inspired symbols.

Aleda doesn’t have an online store, but her online gallery will give you a good idea of her work. Just drop her an email if you’re interested in a purchase.

As the peace process in Northern Ireland continues to take root, the guys at Open Window Productions have humorously moved the conflict to the chess board. Their chess sets feature the country’s political figures, including Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams.

They don’t have an online store, but those serious about a purchase can contact them at 0044 28 9032 9669.

How often can you stuff someone’s stocking with a certificate bequeathing them a real plot of land in Ireland? Mind you, the plot is only 1-foot square, but it IS in Ireland. Some clever folks in Macroom, County Cork, have put together a fun little scheme that allows anyone to claim a bit of land in Eire. Your purchase gets you a personalized certificate suitable for framing, photographs from the area and a four-page history.

The bodhran drum has been called the heartbeat of Irish music, and Eamonn Maguire has taken to task on crafting some of the best. He has experimented with all kinds of woods and animal skins, and as a result, his creations may look great hanging on the wall, but their true beauty is realized when played.

You won’t find Eamonn’s shop online…he’s got a workshop at Conway Mill, off the Falls Road in Belfast, but you can contact him directly at bodhranmaker@hotmail.com.

Irish Crafts

There are several sources for Irish-made crafts, and we’re providing three that our readers really appreciate. From textiles, leathers, paintings, pottery and other creative endeavors, you’re sure to find something special at Country Down Crafts, Burren Crafts and The Wickerman Crafts.
www. countydowncrafts.com
www.burrencrafts.net
www.thewickerman.co.uk

www.irelandyes.com/book.html
Michele Erdvig's book offers a great list of suggestions for B&Bs, restaurants and sites around Ireland.

www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7408536
www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6269401
We thought you might have someone on your list who would appreciate these items by RubyClover.

http://stores.marcusgunther.com/StoreFront.bok
Check out Marcus Gunther's photos of Ireland.

www.zazzle.com/cowboycraic
Take a peek at some of the items Bit Divine...aka Cowboy Craic...has created in her Celtic gallery.

www.irishincense.com
Bring home the aroma of burning peat.

www.cathedralstamps.com
For all you stamp collectors, we had to include this link.

www.jessrk.com/photographsforsale.htm
Jess Kamens, an art educator and Ireland lover also has some photos to share.