The banana or undyed wool came originally from the Aran Islands and makes the garment warm and rain resistant. You can buy sweaters, cardigans, dresses, caps and mitts in Aran patterns. Ask for a card explaining the meaning of the pattern. The tiny village of Belleek in Fermanagh is the home of delicate, almost transparent porcelain. In these you can buy anything from an egg cup to a full dinner service.
Every record shop stocks a selection of traditional Irish music.
Among the well-known performers are the Chieftains, Clannad, The Dubliners, Paddy Reilly, the Furey Brothers and the Clancy Brothers. Irish publishers produce an enormous range of books on every aspect of Irish life and there are bookshops in every large town.