23 BEST Cork, Ireland Souvenirs to Bring Home (2025)

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Looking for the best Cork, Ireland souvenirs? Here are my top picks as a former local!

It can be a struggle to know what to buy when you’re on the road. If you’re like me, you probably enjoy the idea of bringing home some great souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family, but it can be hard to know what to buy. I don’t want to buy junk that I’ll never use, and I don’t want to spend hours of my trip going from souvenir shop to souvenir shop. 

I lived in Cork, Ireland for about two years and was forever shopping for gifts to send home, noticing the souvenirs my guests bought, and exploring new shops in the city. Accordingly, I wanted to share my guide to the best Irish souvenirs that you can bring home from the Rebel City. 

I prefer to buy souvenirs from local shops wherever possible, so I’ve included many of my favorites in this post. Luckily, Ireland is buzzing with artisans and pop up shops, so the city is rich with options that support the local economy and showcase Ireland’s craftsmanship. 

Table of Contents
23 Best Cork, Ireland Souvenirs
Best Corkian Souvenirs
Best Irish Souvenirs
Where to Shop for Souvenirs
FAQs
Conclusion

23 Best Cork, Ireland Souvenirs

Here are the top souvenirs that you can buy to remember your visit to Cork, Ireland. The list is broken down into Cork-specific souvenirs and those that are more broadly Irish. Whenever possible, I’ve tried to include my personal favorite spots and products. 

Best Corkian Souvenirs

These are the best souvenirs that capture the spirit of Cork. Whether they’re made by local artisans or just capture the feeling of Ireland’s second city, these are my favorite Corkian souvenirs to share with friends and family. 

1. A Photo of You Kissing the Blarney Stone

One of the most quintessential things to do when visiting Ireland is to kiss the Blarney Stone. When you kiss the stone, which is located on the top of Blarney Castle, there’s a camera set up to take your photo, similar to the camera shots after a rollercoaster ride. After you leave the castle, you can buy a print of yourself kissing the stone to remember your trip. 

To be completely honest, I was too cheap to buy the photo so I only have this one that a friend took of me. The photos from the gift shop are a little more professional. 😉

2. Handmade Gifts

My favorite spot in Cork for unique and handmade gifts is the Cork Flower Studio. They have handmade jewelry, candles, knit scarves, and local artwork available to purchase. As the name implies, you can also buy some flowers while you’re there. 

There are also handmade gifts in the Marina Market, a local spot for food and shopping. The Marina Market is open seven days per week, but the weekend is the best time to shop because it’s when the most vendors are open. 

A few years ago, my dad bought a handmade wooden map of Ireland that is still hanging in his house today. It was one of a few maps for sale at the Marina Market the day we visited. 

3. Why Cork is Better than Dublin Book

I didn’t know that there was a rivalry between Cork and Dublin until I moved to Cork in 2021. The rivalry reminds me of the one between my hometown of Denver and nearby Boulder, in the sense that it’s a little one sided. 

Just as Denver tends to thumb its nose at Boulder, Corkians are often vocal about their distaste for the capital city. And, just Boulderites are mostly unaware of this rivalry, you’ll rarely hear a Dubliner mention Cork’s existence. 

A playful way to remember the rivalry is to buy a copy of 101 Reasons Why Cork is Better than Dublin by Pat Fitzpatrik. While you’re at it, you could also settle the Dublin vs London debate and buy a copy of 101 Reasons Why Ireland is Better than England – also by Pat Fitzpatrik. Both books would be great bathroom or coffee table reads. 

4. Antique Irish Memorabilia 

One of my favorite places to shop for unique vintage gifts in Cork is the Mother Jones Flea Market in the Victorian Quarter. You can find a huge assortment of things in this shop, from vintage Irish clothes to magazines to photography equipment. Old bank notes, Guinness memorabilia, and vinyl records are also popular items here. 

You probably won’t find a deal at Mother Jones because the items are priced on the higher end, but still there are some treasures to be discovered here!

5. T-shirt 

My dad loves to collect t-shirts when he travels, and I’ll often grab a shirt for him when I visit a new place. 

You can find a big selection of t-shirts in the English Market and Carrolls Gifts. Both stores have plenty of sizes and designs to choose from, and you’re sure to find some Cork-specific options. The shirts at the English Market will be cheaper and the Carrolls Gifts shirts will be higher quality.

However, if I were going to bring back a Cork t-shirt, I’d grab one from the Franciscan Well – a local brewery and pub. They only have a few sizes and designs, but they’re the most creative and local-feeling options I’ve found in the city. Plus, you can grab a pint and a pizza while you’re there!

6. Fridge Magnet

Growing up, my grandparents loved to collect magnets from all of their travels. Anywhere they went, they’d have a small reminder to look at anytime they opened the refrigerator. I haven’t kept up the tradition, but I have started buying a few magnets when I travel and I love them.

I bought my Cork bottle opener magnet from a man with a small stall at the Coal Quay Farmers Market one morning. They’re not overly common, but I have seen them at local shops – keep an eye out as you’re walking around Cork. 

Otherwise, you can find simple and not-so-simple magnets throughout Cork. The biggest selection is definitely at Carrolls Irish Gifts, which is just off of the Grand Parade. 

7. Boiled Sweets from Shandon Sweets

For a very local souvenir that won’t break the bank, make a stop at Shandon Sweets near St Anne’s Church. This local sweets shop has been operating in Cork since 1929, delighting children and adults alike with its bonbons, lozenges, and honeycombs. All of the candies are handmade using traditional methods and machinery from the early 20th century. 

My favorites are the lemon bonbons, which sell for about €3 for a small package. The toffee bonbons have also been popular with my guests. Be aware that many of the treats at Shandon Sweets are not gluten free. 

8. Ballymaloe Relish

Cork earned its title as the Food Capital of Ireland largely because of Ballymaloe, a cooking school and hotel about 35 minutes east of Cork City. Ballymaloe practices a slow food philosophy, is hyper-focused on sustainability, and also runs a 100 acre organic farm. 

You can visit Ballymaloe House while you’re in Cork, or just pick up a jar of their famous tomato relish. Ballymaloe relish is a popular condiment on sandwiches in Cork, and there’s even a brand of potato chips with a Ballymaloe relish flavor. 

The relish itself is tangy, like a mix between ketchup and a sweet pickle relish. You can find it in any Irish grocery store, as well as the Cork Airport. 

Best Irish Souvenirs

You can buy some great Irish souvenirs from Cork. Although they might not represent Cork directly, they’ll still commemorate your visit to Ireland and remind you of the great time you had. Here are some of my favorite Irish souvenirs – along with some classic choices – for even more ideas. 

9. Guinness Gear

Although Guinness is not a traditional Cork stout, it is a classic Irish brewery with iconic branding. You can pick up Guinness gear throughout the city, but Carrolls Irish Gifts has the biggest selection. 

One of the perks of buying Guinness souvenirs is that they’re usually higher quality than the average t-shirt or mug you’ll pick up from an average Irish gift store. 

If you forget to buy souvenirs while you’re wandering through Ireland’s city streets, don’t worry – there’s also a huge Guinness gift shop in the Dublin Airport. The airport gift shop has t-shirts, magnets, keychains, hats, and anything else you might need. 

Of course, you can also find some cool vintage Guinness merchandise at Mother Jones Flea Market in the Victorian Quarter. 

10. Wool Sweater or Scarf

Ireland is known for its sheep, which line the countryside and produce adorable lambs every spring. They also produce Irish wool, which is often woven into sweaters, scarves, and other knitwear throughout the country. Irish wool is a little scratchier than other varieties, but it’s a classic Irish souvenir so it definitely belongs on this list. 

You can find the best selection of Irish knitwear in Cork at Blarney Woolen Mills just outside of Blarney Castle. 

A note: neither of my favorite stores for buying wool sweaters are actually in Cork. For discounted wool sweaters, go to the Dingle Woolen Company, just across the street from the meeting place for the Dingle Sea Safari. 

For high quality, nicely designed wool sweaters, I recommend Avoca Handweavers. There are a few locations around the country, but my favorite shop is the Avoca Kilmacanogue in County Wicklow. A sweater can also come in handy if you forgot to pack enough warm clothes for the Irish weather. 

11. Irish Chocolate

You can find fabulous chocolate in Ireland and it’s one of my favorite treats to bring back from Ireland. I especially love Nobó chocolates because they’re dairy free and gluten free, perfect because I have a lot of people in my life with dietary restrictions. You can find Nobó at Tesco in the Free From (gluten free) section. 

Butlers is another popular Irish chocolate brand that was founded in Dublin in 1932. You can visit the Butlers Chocolate Cafe on Oliver Plunkett Street. 

My two other favorite Irish chocolate brands are Hazel Mountain Chocolate (get the crunchy Nutella-style spread) and Skelligs Chocolate (get the white chocolate and raspberry truffles). 

You may not see them in Cork because they’re not reliably stocked, but, if you do, they’re two of my favorites. Of course, you could also go visit them in County Clare and County Kerry, respectively!

12. Specialty Whiskey and Gin

A popular souvenir for whiskey lovers is to bring back a bottle of Irish whiskey that is not available in the US. A few specific bottles to look for are the Jameson Crested, Method and Madness, and Dunville. Yellow Spot, Gold Spot, and Red Spot are also good options. 

If you’d like to sample a few Irish whiskeys before you buy a bottle, you can either tour the Jameson Distillery or stop by the Shelbourne Bar, a pub in the Victorian Quarter known for its extensive whiskey selection.  

Ireland also produces some fabulous gins, which would be a good choice if you’re on the fence about whiskey. My favorite is the Method and Madness Irish Gin, which you can pick up at most off-licenses (liquor stores) or grocery stores. 

For other specialty wines and spirits, and expert advice, stop by Bradley’s, my favorite off license and specialty store. 

13. Barry’s Tea

Irish tea is beloved around the country, and the best brand – in my opinion, anyway – is Barry’s. If you’re curious, the other popular tea brand is Lyon’s. Many families in Ireland are wholly committed to one brand or the other (yes – another rivalry!). 

You can find Barry’s Tea in any Irish grocery store. I recommend buying a few of the smaller boxes because they’re easier to share and stay fresh a little longer. For maximum enjoyment, have your tea with a little milk and sugar, and serve with a scone or biscuit like a Jaffa Cake. 

14. Irish Honey

I started buying Irish honey as a gift after seeing a particularly pretty jar containing a piece of honeycomb in the grocery store. Irish honey makes a great souvenir as long as you were planning to check a bag anyway, as you can’t fly with it in your carry on luggage. 

My favorite Irish honey is the Mileeven Acacia Honey With Comb that you can find at Tesco. Add a little Irish honey to your tea, scones, or use it to sweeten sauces and dressings. 

15. Jaffa Cakes

Jaffa Cakes are a classic Irish treat to enjoy with tea or coffee. These small cookies are made with a sponge cake base and orange jam, then dipped in chocolate. You can find them in most any Irish grocery store in the cookie aisle. I usually pick them up from Tesco on Paul Street. 

16. Tea Towels

A tea towel is an affordable, functional, and long-lasting gift that you can pick up in Ireland to remember your visit when you get home. You can find souvenir-style tea towels at Carrolls Gifts or the English Market. You can also find a few souvenir tea towels at the Blarney Castle Shop near Blarney Castle. 

17. Local Books 

I made a point of reading more often after I moved to Ireland in 2020, and I focused much of my reading list on Irish authors. Having enjoyed both Sally Rooney’s Conversation with Friends and Colum McCann’s Apeirogon, I also read books about the country like Ireland: The Autobiography, edited by John Bowman, and Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe. 

For a novella that highlights rural Irish culture, I highly recommend Foster by Claire Keegan. You can find Foster and other local Irish books at Vibes and Scribes, Waterstones, or Dubray Books in Cork. If you’re still planning your trip to Ireland, you might consider reading an Irish novel before you go for a little additional cultural insight. 

18. Irish Seaweed

After I started visiting Irish saunas set up along the coastline, I quickly learned about how popular seaweed baths are. There’s a small Irish company that sets up large barrels with seaweed and hot water so that you can soak along with the kelp.

For the same effect, you can find Wild Irish Seaweed wellness products in Cork, including dried seaweed that can be added to your bath. If you prefer something a little less tricky to clean up, opt for a seaweed soap or mask. 

To find Irish seaweed products, check the English Market or the Quay Co-Op.   

19. Jam/Preserves

Locals in Ireland love to eat scones and breads with jam, so local preserves make great souvenirs. When you get home, you can bake your own soda bread or scones for friends and family, then impress them with some real Irish jam. 

In Cork, you can pick up some jam or preserves at Tesco, Dunnes, or Aldi if you want to capture what the locals typically eat. For more artisan or organic options, visit the English Market, Quay Co-Op, or Cork Rooftop Farms. 

20. Burren Perfume

I should start this write up by noting that the Burren is not actually in Cork, so this is a general Irish souvenir. If you make it up to the Cliffs of Moher, you can easily add on a trip to the Burren – it, together with the cliffs – are a UNESCO Geopark. Within the Burren is the Burren Perfumery, a boutique and local Irish perfume factory and shop. 

The Burren Perfumery makes unique scents that incorporate the seasons and natural beauty of Ireland. With seasonal (literally, “Spring” and “Summer”) scents, as well as a few blends, you bring a little bit of the Burren home with you. My favorite scent is Aran. 

The Perfumery ships orders over €70 to the US for free (but they only charge €10 for orders under €70). I would recommend shipping your order even if you go into the store because it’s so convenient. 

21. Celtic Cross

The Celtic cross is an iconic religious symbol that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was revived in the mid-19th century and has since become a symbol of Irish heritage and Celtic identity. Although it is a Christian cross, today it has lost most of its original religious symbolism.

You can find Celtic crosses in gift shops throughout Ireland and even in the gift shops in the airports. In Cork, I would start by checking Carrolls Irish Gifts. 

To see funerary stones in the shape of a Celtic cross, visit a graveyard like the one at the Clonmacnoise Monastery or Glendalough. 

22. Tattoo

I have a friend who loves to get a tattoo from or commemorating each country she visits. For Ireland, she has a tattoo of a retro Guinness ad featuring a toucan.It would take some planning, but you could absolutely get a tattoo to remember your visit to Cork. 

The Ink Collective in Cork is a woman-owned tattoo shop in Cork with impeccable reviews. A good friend of mine got a tattoo there and had a great experience. 

23. Irish Sea Swim Map

Locals in Ireland often love spending time by the sea, and you can often find them swimming in the cold Atlantic waters for most of the year. To celebrate the culture of sea swimming in Ireland, Malin and Mizen made an Irish Sea Swim Map of the country’s swimming spots all along the coastline. 

It’s beautifully designed, and would be a great piece of art to celebrate Ireland’s geography. 

Top Places to Shop for Souvenirs in Cork

As a former local, I wanted to share my favorite places to shop for souvenirs in Cork. These shops include special local spots like the Cork Flower Studio and larger, better known ones like the English Market. No matter who you’re shopping for, chances are you’ll find something they’ll love at one of these shops. 

1. English Market

The English Market is one of Cork’s top landmarks, and it first opened in 1788. Today, there are a variety of food stalls, from international ingredients to a local olive vendor to a sausage stand. There are also several vendors that sell traditional Irish gifts and artisan products. 

The best way to shop at the English Market is to wander in and plan to spend at least 30 minutes perusing the aisles. You never quite know what you’ll find!

2. Carrolls Irish Gifts

For classic Irish gifts, you’ll have plenty of options at Carrolls Irish Gifts. From Guinness gear to t-shirts to magnets to a small wall of keychains, you’ll find it at Carrolls. The only thing you won’t find here is products from local artisans – this chain only carries souvenirs that are more or less mass produced. 

3. Nano Nagle Place Gift Shop

The Nano Nagle Place is home to one of my favorite cafes in Cork, the Good Day Deli. It’s also a beautiful place to visit and walk around – and most of the grounds are free to visit. When you first enter Nano Nagle Place, you’ll walk through their curated gift shop, which has a great selection of local treasures that you can pick up. 

4. Cork Flower Studio

The Cork Flower Studio is something of a hidden gem in Cork. This little florist/cafe/gift shop is set on an unassuming street and carries a variety of adorable gifts from local artists. There are paintings, candles, jewelry, and toys, all with a distinctly Irish flair. 

On a nice day, you can sit and read or sip your coffee in their charming outdoor seating area. 

5. Marina Market 

Visiting the Marina Market is one of the best things to do in Cork because it’s a local favorite. The enormous space is full of restaurants and small food vendors, all surrounding a large seating area. All through the main corridor, you’ll also find small booths of vendors selling jewelry, artwork, and other items that would make great souvenirs. 

The best time to shop at the Marina Market is on the weekends during the day, when most vendors are active and have their shops open. 

FAQs: Cork, Ireland Souvenirs

Searching for the best Cork, Ireland souvenirs and still have lingering questions? Here are the answers to some of the top queries about Cork. 

What is special about Cork, Ireland?

Cork, Ireland is known as the Food Capital of Ireland because of its collection of great restaurants and food shops. The city is also near the infamous Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone. You can best get a sense of Cork’s unique architecture and history by taking a walking tour of Cork during your visit. 

Is Cork in Ireland expensive?

Ireland is a very small country, and it’s expensive to live and visit. However, given its size, you won’t see dramatic variations in prices from one city to the next. So, yes, Cork is expensive, but it’s not any more expensive than Dublin or Galway – in fact, it might be slightly cheaper. 

Is Cork, Ireland worth seeing?

Yes, Cork is absolutely worth seeing while you’re in Ireland. This small city is easy to see in a day or two, and there are some great viewpoints because it’s hillier than Dublin or Galway. Climb to the top of St Anne’s Church and Elizabeth Fort to see Cork from above! 

You can also check out local sights like the English Market and the Victorian Quarter for a sense of Cork’s culture and vibe. 

Why do people go to Cork?

People go to Cork for a variety of reasons, including to study, to work, and to visit as tourists. Visitors often go to Cork to try the local cuisine, which is famous for being the best in Ireland, and to see Cobh and Blarney Castle. Cobh (also known as Queenstown) was the final stop for the Titanic before it sailed across the Atlantic. 

Travelers, students, and locals all love Cork because it’s a safe place to live and visit.

Conclusion: Cork, Ireland Souvenirs

When shopping for souvenirs in Cork, you have a wealth of choices. From the super traditional selection at Carrolls to the quirky and local souvenirs at the Cork Flower Studio, you’re sure to find something great to remember your time in Ireland. 

Don’t overlook local shops like book stores and grocery stores for cheap souvenirs – some of my best gifts from Ireland have been items I purchased at Tesco. 

Rest assured, if you happen to forget someone on your list or need a few extra souvenirs, you will also find some great options at the airport. Dublin in particular has a Guinness shop, an Avoca, and several other stores where you can pick up some gifts in a pinch. So, enjoy your shopping (and visit!) in Cork.