Tasty Artisanal Treats, Handmade in Ireland

For an island roughly the size of the US state of Indiana, Ireland is home to an impressive wealth of artisans creating speciality food products. The history of Ireland is filled with farmers, makers, bakers, cooks, fermenters, and taste creators of every variety you can imagine. 

You'll find farms in County Clare making handmade goat cheese where each batch is unique. The creamy, bloomy rinds are sought after by artisan cheesemakers around the world. Just nearby on the west coast of Ireland, is a family-run smokehouse. They smoke salmon and other fish in ways native to both Ireland and Sweden. These clever foodies have created flavour concoctions of their organic smoked salmon, including honey with lemon and pepper.

Artisans create their products with care, real ingredients, and often by employing traditional techniques handed down through generations. Enjoying these delicacies is about more than just taste, as they allow you to tap into authentic Irish history and family legacy. With each bite, you gain an experience not to be found on ordinary supermarket shelves.

By choosing these products, you also give your support to Irish artisans, ensuring the continuation of their craft for more generations to enjoy.

As the gift-giving season approaches, Irish artisanal foods make for extra thoughtful gifts for friends and loved ones. For the baker in your family or one of your friends who may have recently taken up breadmaking, try a gift of handmade jam or chutney to spread on their toast. Similarly, Irish craft beers or artisanal chocolates (or likely both!) could offer parents an evening of relaxation after juggling remote work and childcare. A glass of wine paired with Irish cheeses also makes for an enjoyable afternoon at home, snuggled with movies or good books.

At a time when supporting craftspeople and small businesses is so important, there is no better Irish gift than an artisanal one.