Photos: Avoca Handweavers sign has been beckoning
shoppers for nearly 300 years; Avoca weaver demonstrates his craft; and
Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy.
As the home of three branches of Avoca Handweavers, Co. Wickow is synonymous
with soft and colorful woollen products, while Co. Kildare is known for its
pewter and silverware. The East Coast area also offers other intriguing
shopping possibilities. Here is a preview:
Avoca Handweavers, Main St., Avoca, Co. Wicklow (tel. 0402-35105), is
the oldest hand-weaving company in Ireland, dating back to 1723. Housed in a
cluster of white-washed stone buildings, this enterprise invites visitors to
take a walk-through tour to observe all stages of production – from wool
preparation, spinning, carding, and dyeing, to the actual weaving process.
The adjacent mill shop stocks the results - travel rugs, blankets, bed
spreads, cushion covers, stoles, scarves, suits, jackets, ponchos, ties and
hats, as well as yarn and skirt lengths. Don’t miss the “Bargain Balcony”
upstairs. The shelves also hold pottery, batiks, music CDs, jewelry, books
and gourmet foods. Starting in late Fall, there are also handmade Christmas
ornaments and holiday decorations. Nearby Avoca sister shops are located off N11 at Kilmacanogue, Bray, Co. Wicklow (tel. 01-286-7466); Powerscourt House, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow (tel. 01-204-6066); Mount Usher Gardens, Ashford, Co Wicklow (tel. 0404-40205); and Rathcoole, off the Naas Rd., Co. Dublin (tel. 01-257-1800). Web site: www.avoca.ie
Fishers, The Old Schoolhouse, Main St., Newtownmountkennedy, Co.
Wicklow (tel. 01-281-9404). As its names implies, this classy sports
clothing shop is housed in an old schoolhouse, and now features all types of
men’s and women’s wear for fishing, hiking equestrian activities, and other
outdoor events. Web site: www.fishers.ie
Fitzgerald’s Crafts, Main St., Avoca, Co. Wicklow (tel. 0402-35310).
Hooked on the Ballykissangel TV program? Then come here for Bally
K souvenir postcards, prints, Christmas cards, mugs, magnets, tea towels
and trays, as well as local crafts, china and music CDs.
Glendalough Woollen Mills, Derrybawn, Laragh, Glendalough, Co.
Wicklow (tel. 0404-45156), specializes in Aran hand-knits and other sweaters
from local knitters using Wicklow wool, as well as tweeds, clothing from
local fashion designers and a “sheep shop,” with sheep tee-shirts, sheep
toys, and sheep novelty items. Web site: www.glendaloughwoollenmills.com
Irish National Stud Shop, Tully, Co. Kildare (tel. 045-521617), sells
all types of horse-related souvenirs, from tee-shirts to accessories, art,
posters, books, post cards and more. Web site: www.irish-national-stud.ie/shop
Newbridge Silverware, Cutlery Rd., Newbridge, Co. Kildare (tel.
045-431301), For over 80 years, this enterprise has been one of Ireland’s
leading manufacturer of silverware – place settings, bowls, candelabras,
trays, timepieces, frames and one-of-a-kind items. This complex also incorporates the Museum of Style Icons, with costume displays and possessions of famous film stars such as Grace Kelly, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, and more. Web site: www.newbridgesilverware.com
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