What are the must-buy stuff from Ireland?

Question

what are the must-buy (non-Alcohol) things from Ireland?

Answer 1

Irish lace is pretty famous, and some curtains or doilies or the like would make a nice conversation piece. If you are a "world music" kind of person, there will undoubtedly be CDs you can get of music that you really can't get any other way. Irish cheese is quite famous, but you may or may not be able to import it to where you're headed (check in advance.)

I would say that once you're there, concentrate on experiencing things. You may then want to buy something as a reminder (postcard, coffee table book, cookbook etc) or so that you can continue to experience something you enjoyed. Or if your intention is to bring presents home to those who didn't travel, choose the things that connect best to stories you can tell about your trip.

Answer 2

From spending a year or so in Ireland as a student:

Not much is "must buy" - it depends on who you are. I found my greatest "buys" in Ireland were experiences, rather than things. So here's my list:

• A ticket to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin. For that matter, just wandering Dublin.
• A ticket to the Guinness Factory Tour. You said no alcohol, but even if you have no intention to drink, it's worth seeing.
• Something from the Waterford crystal factory in Waterford - after taking the factory tour ;)
• Lunch in a random pub.

In terms of just merchandise? The Irish are a sweater people, given their climate, so Irish wool sweaters, scarves, etc. are decent buys. And if you're a slightly bigger dude, it is the land of the rugby shirt.