Hello, Maresa here from Gaeltachtín. After years of thinking ‘one day’, ‘some day’ , I finally took the plunge into my first immersion course in the Gaeltacht. Since then, I’ve visited every year (until 2020 for obvious reasons!) and love actively keeping my Gaeilge alive and fresh during the year. While I may be a late comer to the world of Gaeilge, I am passionate about using Gaeilge on a daily basis and immersing myself in all things to do with Irish culture.
In 2020, I went looking for an Irish Diary that I could use to keep my new found Irish muscles strong and believe it or not, I could not find any! So I set my mind to creating a practical fully Irish diary that has plenty of space to write, sprinkled with some inspiration ‘as Gaeilge’, and here we are!!
So if you are like me and love supporting Irish businesses, especially those who are based in the Gaeltacht or who trade through Irish, then look no further. You are sure to find something memorable amongst these wonderfully talented Irish producers to spoil your loved ones this Christmas.
Wonderful Wooden Pens (made in Donegal)
The McGarvey brothers began making wooden pens in the Donegal Gaeltacht in 2010. Handcrafted from a broad choice of wood, these pens make a beautiful gift to keep forever. www.donegalpens.com now make pens, pencils and USB sticks, as well as providing the refills to last forever.
My Passion Project : Dialann 2022 (created in Laois)
With a beautiful pen, now you need something equally beautiful to write in. How about a daily diary as Gaeilge? This diary from www.dialann.ie features phrases and sayings on every day of the year, the works of some of Ireland’s most creative and accomplished artists between each month, a directory of Irish-speaking businesses at the back, as well as the days and months in Irish. Perfect inspiration for the year ahead.
Storytime magic (written in Galway)
Nurture a love of reading with beautiful children’s books from www.doloresandrew.com/author These books are beautifully illustrated stories told in both Irish and English. Lorcan and the Magic Whistle is an empowering story of a child who has been bullied, and Niamh and the Journey to Baba Yoga is a tale of the courage of Niamh who has dyslexia.
Learn to play the tin whistle (created in Dublin)
Bestow the gift of tradition with the original whistle from www.feadog.ie These beautiful whistles are still made in our fair Dublin city, as they have been since 1978. Supporting the craft of making whistles as well as the art and fun of playing them.
A miniature work of art (made in Kerry)
For jewellery inspired by ancient and modern Ireland, look no further than www.briandestaic.com Each piece is skillfully crafted by Brian and his in-house trained team on the Dingle penninsula making each piece a miniature work of art.
Stunning crystal (made in Waterford)
Choose something extraordinary from the Criostal na Rinne studio workshop in the Waterford Gaeltacht. Offering exquisite pieces to suit any budget, you will find something truly special at www.criostal.com .
A monthly surprise (packed in Waterford)
Spoil someone with a gift box from www.thebookresort.ie Each box is filled with wonderful luxury items such as a book, candle, chocolate, skincare, prosecco . . all sourced from Irish suppliers and many made right here in Ireland. A reading buff can even get a subscription.
Fun games (made in Galway)
If you and yours need a break from facing screens try a wonderfully inventive game from www.cluiche.ie These games are dreamed up, designed and created by Eoghan, and they are all in Irish too! A fantastic way to have some family fun and put your cúpla focail to use.
Hoopla Focal (created in Dublin)
For the friend who loves to show their support for Irish by wearing it, www.hooplafocal.com will have you sorted. Deirdre will embroider a sweatshirt, t-shirt or bag with a variety of options, or something bespoke for your lucky recipient. An-speisialta!
Wild Cards (made in Dingle)
Now you have found the perfect gift for someone special, why not crown it with a beautiful card from www.dinglewildcard.com These cheerful cards are all original designs carefully made by Neasa, and are available both in Irish and English.
Your One-Stop Ethical Online Shop (based in Dingle)
For gifts that come with peace of mind, take a look at www.skyscraper.ie Ethically sourced clothing and many other items made with with sustainability in mind. From reusable to compostable, from hemp t-shirts to biodegradable pens; there’s something for any taste, and any budget.
