Photos: (Clockwise) Bunratty Village Mills, Bunratty, Co. Clare; McKernan - Handweavers, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare; Doolin Crafts Gallery, Doolin; Andrew Muir of The Clare Jam Company, Doolin; J. Hanly & Co., Ballyartella Woollen Mills, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Shopping and Shannon have been synonymous ever since the world's first Duty Free Shop opened at the airport in 1947. Although the airport shop attracts the most attention, there are many other fine shops in the Shannon Region including the modern multi-story Arthur's Quay Shopping Centre in Limerick City.
Here are a few places to help you start your shopping list:
Angel Times, 26 Thomas St., Limerick City (tel. 061-412882). As its name implies, this shop concentrates on angel products, from angel figurines, cards, and paintings, to angel jewelry, books, CDs, greeting cards, candles, stained glass and more as well as holistic and spiritual development products.
Bunratty Village Mills, Main St., Bunratty, Co. Clare (tel. 061-364321) is a one-stop shopping complex across from Bunratty Castle. It offers a cluster of shops in a 19th century village setting, ranging from specialty shops for Waterford Crystal, to chain stores such as Blarney Woolen Mills and Meadows & Byrne, as well as specialty boutiques — Linen Shop, Aran Shop, Celtic Sounds Music & Book Shop, China Shop, and a Bargain Loft. Best of all, prices at Bunratty Village Mills are hard to beat anywhere in Ireland. The on-going policy of the management is to sell more by paring profits and passing the savings on to the customers.In addition, there is a buffet-style restaurant, picnic tables, and waterside walk. Open every day
Carrig Donn, O’Connell Square, Ennis (tel. 065-682-8188), housed in a former bank building, this flagship store specializes in sweaters and knitwear, but also offers handcrafts from all over Ireland -- jewelry, linens, music boxes etc.
The Clare Jam Company, Lough North, off Coast Road, Doolin, Co. Clare (tel. 065-707-4778). Some of the greatest views of the Clare coast can be enjoyed at this small cottage shop while selecting homemade jams, marmalades, jellies, and chutneys to take home. The Muir family prepare and sell over 25 different delicious products including the popular favorites (strawberry, raspberry, gooseberry, and blackcurrant jam or orange marmalade) as well as more unique concoctions such as 3 fruit citrus marmalade, red tomato chutney, strawberry champagne jam, or Connemara whiskey marmalade. Open daily all year.
Custy's Traditional Music Shop, Cook’s Lane, off O’Connell St., Ennis (tel. 065-682-1727), for traditional music tapes, CDs, and books, as well as traditional instruments from bodhráns to whistles.
Ennis Gourmet Store, 1 Barrack St., Ennis (tel. 065-684-3314), For a taste of Co. Clare farmhouse cheeses and other local delicacies, stop into this tempting shop. You can also arrange to send hampers of Irish goodies to friends in Ireland or at home. A great spot to shop for picnic supplies.
Gift Venue, 36 Abbey St., Ennis (tel. 065-682-9607), dating back over 50 years (and formerly known as The Belleek Shop), this was the first outlet in southern Ireland to sell Belleek China. Today it also offers other pottery and handmade character dolls, turf crafts, crystal, pewter, tweeds, and more.
Doolin Crafts Gallery, Church Rd., Doolin, Co. Clare (tel. 065-707-4309) is owned by Dublin-born Adrienne Doolan and her Dutch husband Jan Wagensveld. Having spent 20 years traveling and living abroad (in Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, England, Switzerland and Poland), the couple has melded these international influences into the craft shop/gallery. The items for sale range from jewelry and leather goods to sweaters, scarves, and pottery, as well as the work of Burren-based craftspeople. The shop includes an excellent cafe in a garden setting and serving home cooked dishes.
Glenstal Abbey Shop, Murroe, Co. Limerick (tel. 061-386103), is the best place to buy music tapes and CDs recorded by the Benedictine monks of the abbey. Since it is a charitable institution, all prices are VAT-free. This tiny shop also stocks locally-made crafts, postcards, and religious books and gifts, as well as delicious liqueur-filled handmade chocolate truffles.
McKernan -Handweavers, Main St., Tuamgraney, Co. Clare (tel. 061-921527), is a little home industry along the Lough Derg Drive. Step inside and see Anke and Eugene McKernan hand-weaving a colorful array of scarves, shawls, blankets, vests, jackets, and hats. Open all year except Easter week.
J. Hanly & Co., Ballyartella Woollen Mills, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary (tel. 067-24278), is a family weaving enterprise dating back to 1893, but updated with modern buildings and equipment in recent years. The fabrics produced, made of pure wool and linen, show off the natural colors and hues of the Tipperary countryside, as they are fashioned into coats, scarves, ties, caps and more. A 15-minute audio-visual in the shop explains the weaving process, and visitors are also welcome to tour the factory.
Olia & Farina, 2 Little Catherine St., Limerick City (tel. 061-319133), for Italian artisan wines and food products (baked goods, hams, salamis, pasta, cheeses, antipasto veggies, oil, vinegars); plus souvenirs and kitchen gifts such as olive wood bowls and pastry boards.
Seoidín, 52 O’Connell St., Ennis (tel. 065-682-3510), for unique silver and gold jewelry, wall hangings, woodcraft, pottery and ironware. Also located at 6 Sarsfield St., Limerick.
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