Photos: (top row, from left) Interesting Books, Westport, Co. Mayo; and Treasure Chest, Galway City; (middle row, from left) Sheridan's Cheesemongers, Galway City, and Galway Bead Shop, Galway City; and (bottom row, from left) Judy Greene Pottery, Galway City; and shoppers stock up with shopping cart at Standun's of Spiddal, Co. Galway.

The West of Ireland is known for many excellent products — from hand-knit Aran sweaters and Claddagh rings, to Galway Crystal, and Connemara Marble, as well as tweeds, woollens, and many other gifts.

Here are over 20 suggestions to start you off on a shopping spree:

Anthony Ryan, 16-18 Shop St., Galway City (tel. 091-567061), is a traditional and long-established Galway department store. The Anthony Ryan Home Store at nearby 7 Lombard St. (tel. 091-593160) has a section devoted to woolens, yarns, knitting supplies, etc. Web site: www.anthonyryans.com

Carraig Donn, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-26287), known all over Ireland (19 stores nationwide) for distinctive colored knitwear, crochet work, and other woolen products. This is the headquarter/original store. Web site: www.carraigdonn.com

Clarke’s, Peter St., Westport, and O’Rahilly & Connolly Sts., Ballina, Co. Mayo (tel. 096-21022) a seafood delicatessen, known for Irish smoked salmon which the Clarke family has been shipping throughout the world for over 60 years. Web site: www.clarkes.ie/gourmet.htm

Connemara Marble Industries, N 59, Moucullen, Co. Galway (tel. 091-555102), is the factory/showroom for Connemara’s signature marble, characterized by twisted, interlocking bands of serpentine, in varying shades of green, sepia, cream and gray. Dating back millions of years, it is still quarried in western Connemara near Clifden and Letterfrack, and brought here for cutting, polishing and adapting into jewelry and small mementoes of Ireland. The Joyce family provides free demonstrations and tours of the workshop.  Located 8 miles west of Galway City. Web site: www.connemaramarble.com

Galway Bead Shop, 2 Lr. Cross St., Galway City (tel. 091-567347), specializes in all types of colorful beads and buttons plus necklaces, rings, earrings, pins, pendants, and more.

Galway Market, Market St. at Church Yard St., Galway City, is the city’s farmers market, held every Saturday (early morning to afternoon) and Sunday (afternoon). It’s a great place to meet the locals, roaming around the stalls for music, clothing, jewelry, crafts, vegetables, fruit, fish, and all kinds of foods to eat on the scene – from crepes and soups, to cheeses and sweets. Web site: www.galwaymarket.net

Healthwise, 4 Lr. Abbeygate St., Galway City (tel. 091-568761), has been operating as a health food store since 1978, selling everything from seeds to tonics, vitamins and herbal cosmetics. Also, a prime source for gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free products.

Interesting Books, 7 James St., Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-56944). True to its name, this small book shop is chock-full of interesting books and collector’s items (mirrors, pictures and family crests).  Owner John Hurst seeks out unusual and rare volumes including classic first edition books.  It’s well worth a visit to find a gem of a literary souvenir.

Jack Dylan Jewelers, Shop St. , Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-28666), sells the unique “Westport Ring” (a gold band etched with five Westport designs) and other jewelry and gifts. Web site: www.jackdylanjewellery.com

John O’Brien, Shop St., Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-27051), specializes in lace curtains, linens and yarn.

Judy Greene, Merchants House, Kirwan’s Lane, Galway City (tel. 091-561753), creates and sells handmade pottery decorated with boldly colored wildflowers inspired by the nearby Connemara countryside. Choose from tableware, goblets, vases, and teapots, to candleholders, lamps, and jewelry. Web site: www.judygreenepottery.com

Kenny, Liosbán Retail Park, Tuam Rd., Galway City (tel. 091-562739), formerly a mid-city book haven for over 50 years, this family enterprise has now moved to a suburban location, along with a full-time gallery featuring contemporary Irish art. Web sites:  www.kennys.ie andwww.thekennygallery.ie

Linenmill Shop & Museum, off Newport Rd., Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-29500), tells the story of Westport’s textile industry, with linens, quilts, candles, and more for sale. Web site: www.linenmill.ie

Marlene’s Chocolate Haven, Lime Court, James St. , Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-24564), a café/shop producing hot chocolate, ice cream and handmade chocolates (including diabetic). Web site: www.chocolatehaven.net

McCambridge, 39 Shop St., Galway City (tel. 091-561802),  a treasure trove of fine chocolates, nuts, cheeses, breads, and other gourmet foods and drinks (wines, juices, and smoothies), including a deli section. Web site: www.mccambridges.com

O'Maille, 16 High St., Galway (tel. 091-562696). For over 60 years, the O'Maille (O'Malley) name has been synonymous with the finest Irish tweeds and fashions in the West of Ireland. The shop gained worldwide fame in the early 1950's when it outfitted the cast of the classic movie "The Quiet Man," and has done a brisk trade ever since. Web site: www.omaille.com

P. J. Kelly & Sons, The Octagon, Westport, Co.Mayo (tel. 098-25349), established in 1871. This family-run shop is known for selling knitwear, tweeds, linen, lace and books.

Roundstone Musical Instruments, IDA Craft Centre, Roundstone, Co. Galway (tel. 095-35875). There's music in the air at this small shop. Step inside and watch as master craftsman Malachy Kearns hand-fashions bodhrans (traditional goat-skin drums) from goatskins that have been treated with a age-old formula. Each drum is then hand-decorated with Celtic designs, initials, family crests, or names. Tin whistles, flutes, harps, and other musical instruments are also for sale, as are music tapes and CDs. Web site: www.bodhran.com

Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, Church Yard St., Galway City (tel. 091-564829), is known for its wide range of Irish cheese, as well as European cheeses.  This shop also operates a stand at the Galway Market. Web site: www.sheridanscheesemongers.com

Standún, Coast Road, An Spidéal (Spiddal), Co. Galway (tel. 091-553108). Established over 50 years ago, this family-run store is a one-stop source for quality Irish products — Aran sweaters, woollens, tweeds, crystal, pottery, china, linens, and jewelry including the famous Claddagh ring. Web site: www.standun.com        

Treasure Chest, 31-33 William St., Galway City (tel. 091-563862) – is easy to find with a decorative blue and white Wedgewood-style façade. It sells an amazing array of products – Waterford and Galway Crystal, Belleek China, Lladro figurines, Claddagh rings, Aran knitwear, linens, jewellery, designer fashions, tee shirts, hats, dolls, leprechauns, stationery, and all types of small souvenirs. Web site: www.treasurechest.ie

Westport Marine, Shop St. , Westport, Co. Mayo (tel. 098-28800), sells ships in bottles, miniature lighthouses, ship models, and art featuring yachts, fish, dolphins and lighthouses.

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