Celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge with these Irish-themed businesses

Words: Eva O’Beirne

Seachtain na Gaeilge is a yearly festival that celebrates all aspects of the Irish language and helps raise awareness around the country’s historic mother tongue.

To get in the spirit and to support local, how about you check out some of these businesses that embrace Irish in their products? From prints to jewellery, there’s something for everyone regardless of your level of the language.

Clodafoto

To surround yourself with phrases as Gaeilge is a great way to learn cúpla focal. Whether you’re buying for yourself or for friends, Clodafoto has prints for all occasions. Check out their “progress over perfection” print here.

Cuimhne Candles

With candles inspired by each county, Cuimnhe Candles has designed 32 scented candles featuring both native flowers and names as Gaeilge. The Dublin ‘Ulysses Flower of the Mountain’ Candle is a tribute to the 1922 novel Ulysses by James Joyce.

Based on Molly Bloom’s soliloquy in Ulysses, it has a sensual blend of magnolia blossom encapsulated in musk infused vanilla pods with sultry sandalwood, creating the ultimate warm and cosy aroma. You can buy one here.

The Dictionary of Hiberno-English

This book is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning about Irish and it’s unique influence on the English language. Learn how some of our most popular colloquialisms came to be and get acquainted with the island’s history in a brand new way.

You can find this dictionary and other books that celebrate the native teanga on the Siopa Leabhar website.

Spailpín

Your one stop shop for all merchandise in Irish, Spailpín has dozens of t-shirts, hoodies and hats that are perfect for the Gaeilgóir in your life.

Whether you’re looking for some Paddy’s day outfits or simply wanting to send a to send a token from home to someone who’s immigrated, you can check out shirts like this map of Ireland as Gaeilge on the Spailpín website.

Draíocht Jewellery

Draíocht in Irish means “magic”, and that’s certainly the right word to describe the jewellery from this small Irish business. Based in West Cork, the brand tries to be as eco-friendly as possible, using sustainable packaging and making each piece to order.

You can even customize your piece so your loved one will feel extra special. Choose your favourite Irish word like “Grá” or “Bród” to create a stunning piece of jewellery. Check out their best-selling metal custom ring here.

Selkies

There’s no place like home. Or the food from home. And this adorable print from Selkies shows just that. With tonnes of gorgeous Ireland-themed and Gaeilge-filled prints, Selkies is the perfect store for you to pick up a few bits to put up around the the house. Check out the store’s website here.

Debúrca Design

There’s nothing like sharing the love, but sharing it in Irish makes it even sweeter. Pick up this tote from Déburca design for any fashionista in your life (or yourself!). In their online store, you can find a large selection of prints and apparel, so why not check it out?

Craic Galore

From cards you can gift to your grandmother to statement prints you can decorate with, Craic Galore has a fabulous Etsy page with merchandise featuring accessible phrases as Gaeilge and plenty in English too. Check out their page here.

Doon Duh Vail

Named after the Irish phrase “Dún Do Bhéal” – meaning shut your mouth – this brand is full of tongue-in-cheek phrases that celebrate the fun side of the Irish language. You can pick up their “Putting the Gae in Gaeilge” sweatshirt here.