The Dingle Peninsula Christmas Gift Guide

Photo of Ventry Village

Supporting local, supporting small businesses and supporting Irish has never been more important than in 2020

Tales of a Tourism Officer - Fallon Ní Ghrifín

Hello to you all and welcome back to the blog! I realise it's been a while since I've posted, as I decided to skip last week and focus on putting this post together for you all. And what a special one it is! As you know, it is so important to support local businesses, especially this year given the unprecedented times we've experienced. As Christmas is soon approaching, we've compiled a list of all the wonderful Dingle Peninsula businesses that are selling their products online - everything from handmade crafts to activity vouchers. It's all here! Have a browse and see if anything takes your fancy. And fear not, if you're overseas, most of these businesses are happy to ship internationally, so browse in the comfort of that knowledge! Though I've put a focus on Christmas, these businesses operate year-round so you might see something that will suit another occasion! Until we can welcome you back to the Dingle Peninsula in a safe way, perhaps you can treat yourself or someone you love to a very special Dingle Peninsula gift..... Happy shopping!! 

Crafts & Gifts

Leac a’Ré – A family run business offering a wide range of Irish made products and books. Browse the website here: https://leacaredingle.ie/

Fiadh Woven Design – Fíodóir ó Chorca Dhuibhne. Ethical woven accessories inspired by & made on the Dingle Peninsula. Website: https://fiadh.ie/

Brian de Staic Jewellers – World-renowned, Brian de Staic Jewellers combines the skilled artistry of a modern master with the unique age-old traditions of the Celts. Be sure and browse his new innovative ‘Carraigh Dubh’ collection. Website: https://www.briandestaic.com/

Dingle Crystal – A family-run Irish crystal company founded by master craftsman Sean Daly. Their unique Celtic designs are inspired by the rich heritage and breath-taking landscape of Ireland’s west coast. Website: https://www.dinglecrystal.ie/

Holden Leathergoods – The longest established leather goods brand both designed and made in Ireland, celebrating 30 years of craftmanship. They produce quality, hand made leather products in Dingle, on the Wild Atlantic Way. Website: https://holdenleathergoods.com/

It Must Be Dingle – Martine Moriarty creates beautiful paintings of Dingle, the Dingle Peninsula’s landscapes and pet portraits. Follow the pink and purple signs to her gallery in Gortadubha, Ballyferriter or browse her website here: https://www.itmustbedingle.com/

John Weldon Jewellers – John Weldon combines Celtic knotwork with beautiful contemporary designs and has managed to capture the magical ambience of our ancient ancestors of the Celts. All pieces are handcrafted in his shop in Dingle, Co. Kerry. Website: https://www.johnweldonjewellers.com/index.php?route=common/home

Lisbeth Mulcahy – Lisbeth has become one of Ireland’s best-known weavers and designs woven goods including wall hangings, scarves, tapestries and throws. Website: https://www.lisbethmulcahy.com/

Louis Mulcahy Pottery – The best in robust stoneware and exquisite fine porcelain produced right here on the Dingle Peninsula. Website: https://louismulcahy.com/

Sinead Lough Ceramics – Handmade functional pottery for everyday use created in Ballyferriter village on the Dingle Peninsula. Website: https://sineadloughceramics.myshopify.com/

An Gailearaí Beag – A showcase for the West Kerry craft guild, displaying the fantastic selection of handmade crafts available here on the Dingle Peninsula. Website: https://angailearaibeag.com/

Uisce Saddlery – Creating bespoke hand-stitched saddlery and leather good crafted in the centre of Dingle Town here on the Dingle Peninsula, using only the finest quality leather and materials. Website: http://www.uisceleather.com/

My Ireland Box – Ireland’s first-ever Irish subscription box, bringing Ireland to you once a month through their unique finds and handmade treasures. A lovely piece of Ireland every month. Website: https://www.myirelandbox.com/

Sweet Pea – Selling a wide range of gifts for all occasions, such as candles, greeting cards, pottery, jewellery, gifts from Dingle and much, much more. You’ll be sure to find something special! Website: https://sweet-pea-dingle.myshopify.com/

Dingle Peninsula Gifts

Murphy’s Ice Cream – Hand-made Irish ice cream made locally in Dingle using only the best ingredients – fresh milk from the Kerry cow breed, local cream, free range eggs and organic sugar. Their delicious ice cream has become known the world over! Website: https://murphysicecream.ie/

Dingle Distillery – Established in 2012, The Dingle Distillery is the first purpose-built Distillery for a new whiskey in over 200 years in Ireland. Also distilling vodka and gin, the Dingle Distillery brand has become known the world over for its premium quality products. Browse the website and shop their merchandise here: https://dingledistillery.ie/

Tig Áine – Located on the beautiful Slea Head Drive, Tig Áine combines the breath-taking views, delicious food and the Irish language to create a delightful Dingle Peninsula experience. Browse her art shop here: https://www.tigaine.com/shop/

Shiv’s Creations – Local artist Siobhan O’Connor combines bright colours with Dingle Peninsula scenery to create beautiful prints and cards. Browse her collection here: https://www.sraideoinhouse.com/shivs-creations

Oceanworld Aquarium – While the aquarium remains closed to visitors (Reopening December 28th), have a look at their online shop to bring a little bit of Oceanworld Dingle to your home: https://www.dingle-oceanworld.ie/

Dingle Surf Shop – Ireland’s most Westerly surf shop, stocking all the latest surf fashions from the best brands. With a huge selection online and some fantastic ‘Dingle Surf’ brand items, it is certainly worth a browse! https://dinglesurf.com/

Solas Tapas Dingle – Dingle’s resident tapas and wine bar, using only the very best of locally sourced ingredients. Check out their Christmas hamper, full of local Dingle Peninsula products: https://www.solastapas.com/store

Anchor Down/Sheehy’s Fish – Serving fresh seafood direct from their family seafood factory. Check out their Instagram for their seafood boxes or to purchase a gift voucher: https://www.instagram.com/anchordowndingle/

Out of the Blue Restaurant – Serving the very best of fresh seafood, from the Atlantic Ocean. Though they’ve decided to stay closed until the new 2021 season, pick up a voucher and be ready for when they open their doors once again! https://www.outoftheblue.ie/

The Fishbox Dingle – A family owned and run business bringing you the freshest of seafood with the best of flavours, direct from their family trawler Cú na Mara. Pick up one of their gift vouchers or treat yourself to some of their merchandise here: https://www.thefishboxdingle.com/

Ashe’s Bar & Restaurant – Family run seafood restaurant in the heart of Dingle. Always a treat! Check out their Instagram for voucher details here: https://www.instagram.com/ashesbarandrestaurant/

Accommodation Vouchers

Dingle Bay Hotel – A modern, family-run hotel in the heart of Dingle town, right by the beautiful marina. Treat yourself to a voucher here: http://www.dinglebayhotel.com/

Dingle Skellig Hotel – The beautiful Skellig Hotel in Dingle town has become known the world over, boasting beautiful accommodation with expansive views of Dingle Bay. Treat yourself or someone you love to a voucher: https://www.dingleskellig.com/

Castlewood House – An award-winning guesthouse in Dingle town, sure to make your trip to the Dingle Peninsula extra special. Check out their artwork or purchase a voucher on their website here: https://www.castlewooddingle.com/shop/

Dingle Benners Hotel – An intimate boutique hotel offering luxury accommodation in the very centre of Dingle town. Expect a warm, cosy stay with welcoming, friendly staff. Check out their website here: https://www.dinglebenners.com/

Greenmount House – Owned and run by the Curran family since 1977, Greenmount House is a luxury, award-winning guesthouse with beautiful views of Dingle Bay and town. Purchase a gift voucher here: https://www.greenmounthouse.ie/

Luxury Gifts

Strand House Dingle – A family-run business in the centre of Dingle town, stocking the best in fashion and gifts. Shop via their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/strandhousedingle/

The Coach House – A gorgeous shop, stocking a beautiful collection of stylish interior accessories and furnishings as well as beautiful gifts. Have a browse here: https://coachhousedingle.com/

La Boheme – Stocking the best selection of women’s fashion, right in the centre of Dingle town. For those of you who can’t browse in-store, check out the website here: https://www.labohemedingle.com/

Dingle Bookshop – Europe’s most westerly bookshop! Until their website is launched, check out their Instagram to see if any book titles catch your eye: https://www.instagram.com/dinglebooks/

Garvey’s Sports & Leisure – Stocking a fantastic selection of unique Irish and local sportswear, outdoor wear and accessories. Shop the huge selection here: https://garveyssportsandleisure.ie/

Activity Vouchers

Dingle Cookery School – Winner of the Best Cookery School in Ireland 2019, Dingle Cookery School offers cooking classes in a fun and accessible way. Check out their Instagram for easy cooking tips or attend an online class or purchase a voucher here: https://dinglecookeryschool.com/

Dingle Sea Safari – Experience the Dingle Peninsula from the water with a tour around sea caves, the Blasket islands, and Dingle Bay. Experience sea life up close! Purchase a voucher here: https://dingleseasafari.com/

Jamie Knox Surf Shop – Teaching water sports on the beautiful Maharees since 1990. Browse the merchandise, surf equipment or purchase a voucher for when travelling can start again! https://www.jamieknox.com/surf-shop.html

Wild SUP Tours – Ed & Oonagh’s Stand up paddle-boarding tours bring you on a tour of some of the most beautiful spots in West Kerry in an intimate, non-intrusive way. Certainly a magical experience https://www.wildsuptours.com/about-us/

Dingle Darkroom – Photography tours and workshops along the Dingle Peninsula. You’re sure to get some great shots along the beautiful landscape! Get a gift card here: https://www.dingledarkroom.com/product/gift-cards/

Irish Adventures – Providing unique outdoor adventures around the Dingle Peninsula. The sunset kayaking trips are truly exquisite! Check out the different adventures here https://www.irishadventures.net/ 

Dingle Boat Tours - Providing a wide range of boat trips around the beautfiul coasts of the Dingle Peninsula including Sea Angling, RIB Sea Life Tours, Dingle Harbour Tours, Blasket Island Eco Tours, Blasket Island Ferries and Private Charters. For more information check out their website here: https://dingleboattours.com/ 

Well, if you've made it to the bottom - well done! Hopefully something in that vast list of superb choices caught your eye! We are so lucky here on the Dingle Peninsula to have such a wonderful choice of different businesses to support. Now more than ever it's crucial to support your own so that we all come out of this crazy year together! Even if you aren't looking for something to purchase, simply enjoy the selection of unique products that are on show....There's always something for everyone here on the Dingle Peninsula!

Until next week, 

Fallon.