Find out about tax-free shopping and popular Irish souvenirs
Going shopping doesn’t differ much from one country to another, but here are some helpful points to keep in mind when picking up goodies to commemorate your time in Ireland.
Popular Irish souvenirs
Noteworthy souvenirs include: Irish whiskey, silver jewellery (including the Claddagh Ring), traditional music, handmade Aran sweaters, and Waterford crystal.
Irish books and music: We recommend visiting bookstores like Waterstones (Dawson Street in Dublin) for art, photography or travel books about Ireland. Some of the more popular books may also be published in German or French. You might also find some unique books at the second-hand shops around the Trinity College area.
As for Irish music, you will find the biggest selection of folk and traditional music at Claddagh Records Ltd (2 Cecilia St, Temple Bar). Some tourist shops also carry a small selection of CDs.
Keep your receipts for VAT refund!
VAT: The Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate is 23% in Ireland and 20% in the UK for most goods and services.
Head on an Irish countryside tour to find more unique gifts, like in the Aran Islands.
Tax-free shopping
A refund of local VAT is available to all visitors from outside the EU. The refund results in a reduction of the 23% VAT, which only applies to goods of above a certain value, purchased at participating stores.
At a participating store you will need to present your passport at the time of purchase. To claim your refund, you must bring your form and receipts to one of the 3 refund points in Dublin, or at Dublin or Shannon Airports. The goods must be exported outside the EU within three months. It can take up to six weeks to receive your refund.
Interested in a tour of Ireland? Check out our Irish heritage packages or itineraries built around culture and history.
If you forget something
No worries, you’ll find what you need in downtown Dublin. You could visit the Jervis Shopping Centre which is well stocked with various shops, where you can buy clothes and other items such as sunglasses, gloves, ear plugs, batteries and much more.
Another good option for cosmetics, clothing and other general items is Marks and Spencer (M&S), a large grocery/department store in Jervis (open 8 AM – 8 PM most days).
Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in Ireland.
