While the countdown to Christmas is on, there’s no need to panic if you haven’t had time to do your Christmas shopping yet.
There are plenty of independent shops, manufacturers and producers here in Louth where you will find one-of-a-kind quality gifts that will stand out from the mass-produced ones.
We have all learned to appreciate the importance of shopping locally during the pandemic and now is the time to support all those who have managed to keep their doors open during very difficult times.
Here at Louth we are blessed to have some brilliantly talented artists, designers, creators and food producers who need our support more than ever.
By buying local produce, we are saving money in the local economy, supporting our neighbors, and avoiding the hassle of being jostled with the crowds in the city center. At a time when we are more aware of the need to reduce our carbon footprint, buying local products is good for the environment and the economy.
Clothes and accessories
Mel bradley
Mel Bradley works from his studio at Millmount Drogheda, creating beautiful hand-painted silk velvet scarves that are ideal to complement outfits. In addition to creating her own brand, she has collaborated with leading Irish fashion designers such as John Rocha, Louise Kennedy, Jen Kelly, Richard Lewis and Pat Crowley designing and creating fabrics and coats for their collections.
Their scarves are available on their website www.melbradleysilks.com
Edward McNally
Edward McNulty knitwear comes in the softest wool and is ideal for keeping those winter chills at bay. Based out of Millmount Studios, it is particularly known for its men’s clothing and women’s accessories.
His hats, gloves and hoods are available from The Makers in Blackrock, while his menswear is available from Garrett Mallon Design House Carlingford.
Niamh gillispie
Drawing inspiration from her experience working with top fashion models, Niamh Gillispie launched her own range of Tidings luxury silk scarves. Taking inspiration from the coast and fields near his home in South Louth, his designs incorporate strong graphic elements and inspiring messages.
Niamh scarves are available at www.tidings.ie
Beezti
Dundalk designer Blaithnaid McClean graduated with a fashion degree from NCAD. He produces unique 100% organic cotton t-shirts with artistic designs inspired by his love of nature, diving, photography and music.
Their t-shirts can be purchased at www.beezti.com
Soaps and Cosmetics
Finca Skin Organics
Finola Fagen has created this range especially for people with very sensitive skin, including rosacea. The range uses all natural ingredients and is vegan and cruelty free.
Call the Finca store in Carlingford or order online at www.ro
See www.rosacea.ie
Emma is so natural
Famous for its candles, this Ardee-based company also makes a range of beautiful handmade soap bars.
Made with shea butter and avocado oil in an olive oil and coconut base with pure essential oils for the scene, they are wonderfully nourishing and hydrating.
www.emmas.ie
Thanks Fields
Esker Fields is a range of natural skin care products manufactured by Maria Morgan at the family’s newspaper farm outside Drogheda. It includes products aimed at both women and men, hand creams, facial serums, aftershave balms, body oils, lip balms, shower gels and pillow sprays.
www.eskerfields.ie
Books and calendars
Paul Kavanagh Photographer
Dundalk photographer Paul Kavanagh captured iconic images of the city during his long career as a print and commercial photographer. Now many of these outstanding photographs have been included in a book curated by his daughter Paula.
Available at www.pkphotography.ie
Jimmy’s Times as a photographer
In this latest book from the Drogheda photographer, Jimmy has put together a collection of photos he has taken in and around Drogheda over the past 30 years, with caption by Harry Reilly.
On sale in Drogheda stores or by order at 086 8339 022.
Mythical Ireland Calendar 2022
The Mythical Ireland calendar features 13 of Anthony Murphy’s best images from the Boyne Valley and beyond.
Copies can be ordered at www.mythicalireland.com
Darren Rafferty Calendar
Dundalk photographer Darren Rafferty has built a huge following around the world for his photos of Dundalk. Their Dundalk, Navy Bank and Blackrock calendars are favorites of locals and expats living abroad.
For sale in local stores or through their website www.dundalkphotos.com
Household items and gifts
Mojo & Co
Mojo & Co is a Dundalk-based startup founded by Maureen Hoey that produces a range of wellness diaries and stationery sets. Journals can even be personalized with initials, making them the ideal gift for someone special this season.
The beautiful letter writing games (€ 19.95) are also the perfect way to reconnect with your loved ones in a more tangible and lasting way.
Available for purchase at www.mojoandco.ie
Candle lights
When Dundalk designer Karen Lavelle returned home from working with fashion houses in the United States, she was inspired by the beauty of her homeland to create a range of natural candles. Soilse candles are made from natural soy wax and capture the scents of the Irish countryside.
Scoilse candles are available from local dealers or online at www.soilscecandlecompany.ie
Etaoin O’Reilly
Etaoin O’Reilly is based at Bo Studios, Chapel Street, where he throws all of his pieces on his potter’s wheel before putting them in the oven and glazing them. Her range of Christmas burners and decorations make great gifts, while she also makes funky mugs, pitchers, and planters.
Visit www.ceramicsbyetaoinoreilly.com
Designs by Caroline Duffy
Dundalk artist Caroline Duffy has earned a following for her vibrant floral designs that are available as original paintings, high-quality prints, cards, calendars, stationery, and even silk scarves.
Visit her website www.carolineduffydesigns.com
Jewelry
Garrett mallon
Garrett Mallon is one of the nation’s leading jewelry manufacturers, whose work is stocked across the country as well as in his own design store in Carlingford. Working in silver, gold and gemstones, her handcrafted collections are inspired by Irish heritage and the landscape. He also makes custom jewelry and remodels old pieces.
Visit her store in Carlingford or www.garrettmallon.com, not only for her own exquisite jewelry, but also for items from the best artists and artisans in the country.
Orla Barry
Orla Barry brooches are pieces of art to wear. His folk art designs include miniature paintings inspired by nature. A member of Bridge Street Studios, Orla also creates paintings, prints and greeting cards.
His work is for sale at Bridge Street Studios, local craft stores and www.orlabarry.com
Mia mullen
Mia Mullen is a contemporary jeweler based in Carlingford. Create limited edition collections and unique pieces in metals and precious stones.
Visit their store in Carlingford or call 087-2990076
Oldbridge Silver
From her studio at Millmount Craft Center, Drogheda, Deirdre McCullough manufactures artisan jewelry, specializing in precious and semi-precious stones, repairs and pearl knotting. His works are inspired by Celtic art and the natural world.
Visit www.oldbridgesilver.com to view his work
Food and drink
Great North Pantry
Great Northern Larder started out making devilishly tasty sauces, condiments, and spice mixes that are guaranteed to make the best of Christmas leftovers. Lately they have started offering kitchen equipment and accessories to keep all enthusiastic chefs happy, as well as equipment for nature lovers.
Buy online at www.greatnorthernlarder.com
Geneva Listoke
A gift from the award-winning Listoke Distillery range of gins and whiskey is guaranteed to put the recipient in the holiday spirit. There is also a monthly subscription service and coupons for the popular Gin School.
For more details, visit www.listokedistillery.ie
Flavors of Boyne Valley
The Boyne Valley Flavors local growers group of Louth and Meath are offering beautifully made baskets of holiday food from a € 55 Christmas Day dessert basket to the Ultimate Christmas gift box with a decadent assortment of delicious food and drinks. , including a copy of Tara’s Walker Cookbook: Good Food No Stress.
To order, visit www.boynevalleyflavours.ie
Neighbor Food Blackrock
Take the hassle out of shopping for Christmas groceries and order the best of local produce through Neighbor Food Blackrock. Place your order before Wednesday night and pick up your purchases on Friday between 5:00 p.m. M. And 7:00 p.m. M. At Blackrock Community Center.
Sign up for Neighbor Food Blackrock at www.neighbourfood.ie
Gift vouchers
Although gift vouchers may seem terribly unimaginable, they can be a great gift. Our local businesses, hotels and restaurants, art and music venues, bookstores and record stores, beauty salons and hair salons have all suffered terribly during the pandemic, so buying a gift voucher can also be a good way to support them in times of uncertainty. like giving the recipient something to look forward to.