Unique Shops in Kerry Worth Making Time For
There’s something particularly lovely about coming home from a trip with something you couldn’t have bought anywhere else.
Kerry has plenty of places to pick up the usual souvenirs but look a little further and you’ll find independent shops, craftspeople, artists and family businesses selling things that genuinely belong to this part of Ireland.
Some are in busy towns, others you’ll stumble across while driving the Ring of Kerry or exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Either way, these are the places we think are worth stopping for.
Moriarty’s, Gap of Dunloe
If you’re heading towards the Gap of Dunloe, Moriarty’s is something of a Killarney institution.
The Moriarty family have been welcoming visitors here for generations and the shop is a great place to browse Irish knitwear, gifts, jewellery and locally made pieces.
There’s also Heather Restaurant next door, making it a very easy stop for coffee, lunch or something sweet before or after exploring the Gap.
Our tip: Give yourself a little extra time here. The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most beautiful corners of Killarney and definitely not somewhere to rush.
Aran Sweater Market, Killarney
You don’t have to travel all the way to the Aran Islands to find a proper Irish knit.
Aran Sweater Market on College Street has a huge selection of traditional and contemporary Irish knitwear, from classic Aran jumpers to scarves, cardigans and accessories.
If an Irish wool sweater has been on your holiday shopping list, this is an easy one to visit while exploring Killarney town.
The Coach House, Dingle
Dingle is a brilliant town for independent shopping, so leave yourself time for a wander rather than simply driving through.
The Coach House is one of those shops where it’s very easy to spend longer than planned. You’ll find a carefully chosen mix of Irish gifts, homeware, jewellery and beautiful little finds from Irish designers and makers.
A lovely place to pick up a present or something for yourself.
Fiadh Woven Design, Dingle
Another Dingle favourite and a particularly good stop if you appreciate Irish design and craftsmanship.
Fiadh creates beautiful woven pieces inspired by the colours and landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula. Everything feels unmistakably connected to the place it was made.
Scarves, wraps and other woven pieces make wonderful keepsakes and, importantly, they’re things you’ll actually use when you get home.
Dingle Crystal
Dingle Crystal is a lovely example of a traditional craft being kept alive by a family business.
Each piece is hand-cut in Dingle, with distinctive designs inspired by Ireland and the surrounding landscape. You can browse the collection in their Green Street shop in Dingle or visit the workshop and visitor centre outside the town.
If you’re looking for something special to mark a trip to Kerry, this is worth knowing about.
Delia O’Donoghue Ceramics, Castleisland
Castleisland probably isn’t the first place visitors think of when planning a shopping trip around Kerry which is precisely why we like including it.
Delia O’Donoghue creates colourful, characterful ceramics from her studio on Main Street. Her work makes a lovely alternative to mass-produced souvenirs and gives you something genuinely made here in Kerry.
If your travels take you through Castleisland, it’s well worth a look.
Lorge Chocolatier, Kenmare
There are worse reasons to stop in Kenmare than chocolate.
Lorge Chocolatier was founded by French chocolatier Benoit Lorge and has become a firm Kerry favourite. Expect handmade chocolates, truffles and plenty of temptation.
There’s a shop on Henry Street in Kenmare as well as the chocolate factory in Bonane.
Our tip: Buy more than you think you need. The box intended for home has a habit of becoming considerably lighter before you get there.
Kenmare Cashmere
While you’re on Henry Street, Kenmare Cashmere is another lovely independent shop to browse.
Specialising in beautiful cashmere and natural fibres, it’s the sort of place to visit if you’re looking for something timeless rather than another souvenir.
Kenmare itself is particularly good for independent shops, galleries and food, so we’d recommend parking up and exploring the town on foot.
Tralee Farmers Market
If you happen to be in Tralee on market day, make time for the farmers market.
Markets are one of our favourite ways to get a feel for a place. You’ll find local food, produce and small producers, with the added bonus of getting to chat to the people behind what you’re buying.
It’s also a good excuse to put together the makings of a Kerry picnic.
LQ Art Gallery, Waterville
Waterville is usually associated with its sea views, Charlie Chaplin and its position on the Ring of Kerry, but it’s also home to some lovely independent creative businesses.
At LQ Art Gallery you’ll find work by local artist Leo Quinlan, including distinctive pieces inspired by Kerry and the surrounding landscape.
Art makes a particularly nice reminder of a holiday because it brings you straight back to a place every time you look at it.
Skellig Gift Store, Waterville
Also in Waterville, Skellig Gift Store is a handy stop for Irish gifts, clothing and souvenirs while travelling the Ring of Kerry.
Its location makes it particularly easy to combine with a wander along Waterville’s seafront before continuing around the peninsula.
Take Something Home From Kerry
The best thing about shopping locally isn’t simply finding something different.
Every time you buy from an independent shop, artist, craftsperson or food producer, you’re putting money directly back into the towns and communities you’re visiting.
And we think that’s a rather nice way to travel.
So when you’re exploring Kerry, leave a little room in the itinerary for wandering into shops you hadn’t planned to visit. Chat to the person behind the counter, ask where something was made and have a look at what catches your eye.
You might come home with a handwoven scarf from Dingle, a piece of Kerry pottery, some Irish knitwear, a piece of local art…
…or, if you’ve stopped at Lorge, an empty chocolate box.
Some things simply don’t make it home.