Gifts for an Irish Mother

Ireland is a land of natural beauty.

Ireland is home to a myriad of landscapes, from towering ocean side cliffs to bright green pastures, to the mountains, rivers and valleys found in the center of the island. Much of Ireland's culture and industry draws off the shape of the land, and many gifts for an Irish mother can be purchased that celebrate the island's rich heritage.

Connemara Marble

Connemara marble is a unique green-hued marble found only in the Connemara section of County Galway in Ireland. Connemara marble's green coloring appears in a variety of hues, and often contains white and black streaks as well. The rare marble is used in multiple products, from inlays in rings and earrings to full kitchen counter tops. Irish-themed shops often carry products with Connemara marble.

Waterford Crystal

George and William Penrose opened the Waterford Crystal company in 1783 in the bustling port of Waterford. The company's crystal quickly gained renown for its purity of color and ornate design. Soon ships carried Waterford Crystal products throughout the world. In a survey conducted by the Total Research Company in November 2000, American consumers ranked Waterford Crystal as the highest quality world-class brand in the United States. The company's website has items for purchase and a locator to find nearby stores that carry Waterford Crystal.

Belleek Porcelain

Belleek porcelain, a delicate, almost translucent white porcelain, often embellished with shamrocks and other images reminiscent of the Irish countryside, was first made by the Irish Belleek Pottery company in 1963. Word of the porcelain's quality spread, and by 1865 Belleek porcelain was being exported to the United States, Canada, and Australia. Belleek porcelain is still prized throughout the world for its craftsmanship and unique designs and has been owned by a number of US presidents, various nobility throughout the world and famous golfer Tiger Woods. Belleek porcelain can be purchased at the Belleek Living website and a number of stores worldwide.

References

• Connemara Marble: Leading Luxury Marble
• Waterford Crystal: The History of Waterford Crystal
• Belleek Living: Celebrating 150 years of Belleek
• Belleek Living: Company History
• Government of Ireland: Geography of Ireland