Return to Blog

March 9, 2021

Treasures of (a Hammerican) Hibernia

The luck o’ the Irish falls upon us all this month when we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. It’s a day of commemorations, festivals and parades in many countries around the world, with celebrations in such diverse locales as Malaysia, Switzerland, the Caribbean island of Montserrat and even on the International Space Station.

In Ireland, March 17 primarily remained a religious holiday until the mid-1990s when the Irish government began a campaign to use the day to highlight the unique gifts of the Irish culture. No, not green beer; rather elements of Celtic life such as the beautiful Gaelic language, Irish stepdance and the influence of today’s Ireland, a creative, sophisticated and innovative country with international appeal.

At Hammacher Schlemmer, we’re celebrating the traditions of the Emerald Isle with these genuine Irish goods, ideal unique gifts for anyone with an appreciation for the Old Sod.

This Genuine Walking Stick is handmade in Ireland and bears the same name as the town traditionally known as the source of its origin centuries ago—Shillelagh. Made from blackthorn, the wood species used exclusively to make each shillelagh, this wood is selected for its superior weight-to-hardness ratio. Sold only through Hammacher Schlemmer, no two sticks are identical, so each one made is unique.

Perfect for staying warm while curled up with a good book, this Lady's Reading Shawl is made in County Kildare, Ireland. The shawl features traditional wide patch pockets useful for tucking away a paperback or e-reader, as well as a pair of glasses. Its enveloping design covers the full back, chest and upper arms while leaving the hands free to turn pages.

This Genuine Irish Tweed Patchwork Quilt is handcrafted in County Donegal, Ireland by an 88-year-old bespoke tailoring firm. Tweed patchwork's appeal lies in its superior heat retention, durability, and charm. Each tweed square is woven from the fine coat of purebred Suffolk and Texel sheep, breeds renowned for yielding a dense, warm fleece. Each quilt is truly the only one of its kind, and a Hammacher Schlemmer exclusive.
So don your shamrocks, tuck into a plate of corned beef and cabbage, and raise a toast of Irish whiskey or good stout beer to the Emerald Isle!