In the West of Ireland, Connemara Lamb is often a specialty while wild salmon is offered during peak summer months. Most menus now include a vegetarian selection of a more imaginative variety than previously found. Quality food at reasonable prices are to be expected, with friendly, efficient service. Most major tourist areas have a wide selection of offerings. The Aran Sweater named after the County Galway Islands where the women traditionally knitted them, are world famous and very distinctive.
Irish pottery can be exquisitely beautiful and is available to suit most budgets.
Belleek Pottery is one of the most famous, but look for local craftsmanship when visiting villages and towns in Ireland. Irish Crystal is also sought after in the form of Waterford Crystal, Galway Crystal and other local varieties such as Clarinbridge and Tipperary Crystal. It is possible to visit the heritage crystal factories where the glass is blown and crafted and showrooms display the crystal wares. The Claddagh Ring, originating in the Claddagh fishing village on the shores of Galway Bay, is the most distinctive of a wide variety of Celtic Jewelry currently being crafted in Ireland. Dublin city provides the greatest variety of shops but for the more unusual arts and crafts shops look to the smaller towns across the country.