Shopping Avoca in Dublin– Candy-colored woolens from one of the world’s oldest mills

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If you think that Irish woolens are all about natural hues like the classic Aran fisherman’s sweater, then you haven’t been to Avoca.

Soft baby blankets, 45 euros.

Like an Anthropologie on steroids, Avoca has fabulous homespun designs in a slew of irresistible candy colors– except you won’t find anything made in China here. Avoca is one of the world’s oldest surviving manufacturing companies (and the oldest in Ireland), with a mill that dates back to 1723, and incredibly, is still family owned and run.

Bringing the memory of your past home with you

Fellow writer Mariellen of the inspiring adventure travel blog BreatheDreamGo.com had some luck shopping at Avoca– she bought a stunning orange and pink shawl.  Like many before her, Mariellen came to Ireland “to follow the goosebump trail” to her ancestral home in Ireland.

I love this image of Mariellen wrapped in her shawl, made by a mill with a 300 year legacy, while reconnecting to her past by standing in the footsteps of her ancestors who left Ireland’s Port of Cobh in 1800, knowing they would never see their country or kin again.

Read all about Mariellen’s emotional journey in these two beautifully written and moving posts, part one here and part two here. Warning– you may shed a tear by the end!

Shopping at one of the world’s oldest mills, Avoca

Even those without ancestral ties to Ireland can still appreciate a business that has managed to thrive for three centuries without slipping into corporate hands.  Supporting Avoca is easy– their woolens and other goods are based on traditional patterns but designed for modern times– and are completely irresistible.  What didn’t I want to buy?

Scarves, 30 euros.

lambswool throws, 50 euros.

soaps, 5 euros.

pom pom hats, 30 euros.

I came out of Avoca with lots of gifts for friends and some cute knee-high socks for me.  Perfect to wear with wellies and a bargain at 13 euros.

Be sure to check out the delicious cafe upstairs featuring all local dishes– I can recommend the Castletownbere crab salad.

Have you been shopping at Avoca or shopping in Dublin?  Share your favorites in the comments below!

Thanks to Mariellen of BreatheDreamGo for sharing her photo and story.

Dublin Souvenir Shopping Details:
Avoca
11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin (conveniently located right next to the tourist center)

You might want to check out these other Dublin shopping posts:
Shopping Irish Supermarkets for fun Souvenirs: What to bring back
Hit the Park, Shop for Knits, Get a Drink– the perfect Dublin Itinerary
Shopping Dublin, Ireland:  Sheridans Cheesemonger for the best in local Irish cheese
Shopping Dublin: Refined Irish design all wrapped up at Bow
Where to shop in Dublin for great dresses and jewelry by Irish indie and vintage designers

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