The Celtic Store Blog
Inis - The energy of the sea.
We are delighted to be stockists of Inis. A staff & customer favourite & a well known Irish brand. For over 35 years, Inis has created perfumes and personal care inspired by nature, beauty and the magic of Ireland. Inspired by the beauty and energy of the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, Inis offers a sparkling, clean fragrance that captures the feeling of a perfect sunny day by the sea. Inis instantly refreshes and makes you feel close to the sea – no matter where you are. Inis is the Irish word for island, but no one is an island: we are all connected by seas, by oceans, by dreams. The pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean are not only the inspiration for Inis, but also the source of the nutrient-rich seaweed found in all of Inis' bath and body care products. A truly unique, discovery fragrance, Inis uplifts and brings a feeling of happiness.What makes Inis so special? Here's a list of some of the ingredients found in the well loved brand.Sea Minerals & SeaweedAll of Inis' body care products feature skin restoring ingredients from the sea – seaweed extracts and sea minerals – that can help soothe, hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Inis' body care items are formulated with these three nutrient-rich varieties of seaweed – all harvested from the cold, pristine waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.Chondrus Crispus ‘Irish Moss’Exceptionally rich in nutrients and antioxidants, Irish Moss can have a moisturising and soothing effect on the skin.Fucus Vesiculosus ‘Bladder Wrack’Full of Vitamins A and C with a high concentration of minerals plus amino acids that can help hydrate the skin.Laminaria Digitata ‘Tangleweed’This cold water species contains an abundance of minerals and is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits which can help protect the skin.Other key ingredients in Inis bath and body care products:Shea ButterShea butter is a fat that’s extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It’s naturally moisturising, smoothing and nourishing and can help the skin regenerate itself. Using shea butter on your body can condition, tone and soothe your skin.Argan OilFull of vitamin E and fatty acids, argan oil gives the skin a natural boost. Known as natures’ ‘liquid gold’, it absorbs easily and makes a great natural moisturiser.Vitamin EA nutrient full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting cell turnover and regeneration – vitamin E helps keep the skin hydrated and calm.Aloe VeraAloe vera is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Full of vitamins A and C, enzymes and antioxidants, it’s a great after-sun skin treatment – helping to soothe, hydrate and repair.Inis' commitment to dolphins and whales.The ocean is a place of wonder and magic, its energy is the inspiration for Inis the Energy of the SeaSince 2001, Inis has been the core funder of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group – dedicated to the protection, conservation and better understanding of whales and dolphins in Irish waters and across the world.Their work helps ensure that the seas of the world will continue to be a source of delight and joy for generations to come.For more information on how to help protect our oceans please visit seathebeauty.net Buy Inis here
Learn more
Aran Knitwear & Stitches!
The Aran tradition began with fishermen on the Aran Islands off the coast of Co. Galway in the early 1900's. Aran tells the unique story of our culture and heritage that span the generations.Within the Aran Wool tradition, every stitch tells a story representing different facets of the fisherman’s craft, and some are said to bring luck, good fortune and safety to the wearer.Treat yourself to a carefully crafted, ethically made, cosy piece of knitwear that will last many years. Basket StitchAlso known as the Lattice stitch, the Basket stitch is inspired by the fisherman’s basket, filled to the brim with fish after a successful day at sea. This beautiful stitch is said to represent a ‘good catch’ and bless the wearer with abundance and a plentiful life.Cable StitchThe traditional Cable stitch comes in many cable variations and is said to symbolise fisherman’s ropes. This stitch is seen as a symbol of safety and good luck for fishermen while at sea. Diamond StitchThe Diamond stitch is said to represent the shape of the fishing mesh or ‘net’, used to capture and bring home an abundant catch to the family. This stitch signifies wealth and success for the wearer, so grab yourself a diamond.Honeycomb StitchThe intricate Honeycomb stitch is said to be a lucky stitch, signifying abundance and, in the case of fishermen a good catch.Irish Moss StitchThe Moss stitch is said to symbolise abundance and growth. The stitch depicts carrageen moss, a type of seaweed found on the Irish coast. The seaweed is used a as a fertiliser to support a healthy harvest.Blackberry StitchThe Blackberry stitch represents nature. It is also called the Trinity stitch and it holds religious significance. Shop Aran Knitwear here https://www.thecelticgiftstore.com/collections/knitwear
Learn more
Connemara Marble The 'Irish Gemstone'
Connemara Marble is referred to as "Ireland's Gem Stone". This rare and beautiful marble, estimated to be over 900 million years old, gets its range of green colour tones from the various natural elements only found in the limestone in this remote Connemara region in the West of Ireland. This Irish marble is as unique as the spectacular Irish landscape it is found in, with green of almost every hue in arresting layers and patterns. .The beautiful bands of rich to pale green within the marble are formed by tiny crystals of green serpentine, diopside, chlorite, and creamy white calcite, and dolomite.Known as the “Irish Gemstone”, the beautiful and unique patterns make it a fabulous material for use in jewelry. Each piece of Connemara marble jewellery is unique, as every piece of green marble is different & contains a small piece of our beautiful island in carefully crafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.Connemara Marble is the perfect choice for anyone who would like to incorporate green tones into their jewelry wardrobe. The soft hues will suit any skin tone and the feel of smooth, cooling, natural stone on your skin is said to bring serenity to the wearer.It comes in over 40 shades of green and has a high magnesium content which is is thought to aid in the absorption of calcium and magnesium. This stone gives access to the spiritual history of Ireland and creates a sense of peace, tranquility, restoration and healing.No two pieces are the same, each as unique as a fingerprint – Your very own piece of Ireland. Buy your own piece of Connemara Marble here.
Learn more
New in Store - Irish Beads & Charms.
Just in!! This gorgeous range of Irish beads from Irish jewellers Shanore. Create a bracelet to show off your Irish memories or to celebrate your Irish heritage. You can celebrate your favorite Irish things from music and dance to pints of stout or Irish Symbols, Celtic crosses and angels. A beautuful gift or memory for someone special! Beads compatible with most major brand charm bracelets Click here to buy!
Learn more
Symbols of Ireland - The Celtic Cross
Since early times, the Celtic Cross has marked sacred places all over Ireland. Standing tall in the landscape. Rooted in the Irish soil. And yet reaching for the sky. Each one has its own tale to tell – with stories from scripture, carved in stone, preserved for future generations. From the shores of Lough Neagh and the cathedral city of Armagh, to the monasteries of Clonmacnoise and Monasterboice, these beautiful high crosses are powerful symbols of early Christianity in Ireland. Each with their own unique design. The four arms of the Celtic cross are thought to be representative of the four directions of the compassions, the four elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water, and as representation of our mind, soul, body and heart.The center ring of the Celtic Cross is said to be evocative of the Celtic symbol for infinite love According to a popular legend, St Patrick himself was responsible for the design when he combined a Christian cross symbol with the sun, one of the most important and ancient Celtic symbols of life. There may be a grain of truth in this legend. With the fading of the old, pagan way of life and customs in Ireland, it fell to early Christian monks in Ireland to impart the new teachings of Christianity. The early Celtic church was not always in step with the central Roman church, and developed its own distinct style of teaching, and of art. They were unafraid to use old pagan symbols and stories to aid in spreading the word. Highly decorated monuments and their unique symbols were highly potent presences in ancient Ireland, and early Irish Christians used the same method - large stone monuments, richly decorated with symbols to tell an important new story in a familiar way.The high cross was usually placed to mark a sacred location, to mark the boundaries of a monastery, or to honour a sponsor or patron. Another important function was probably to spread the Christian message to a pagan populace. Many Irish high crosses were richly decorated with visuals of key biblical stories. A Celtic Cross is not only a beautiful representation of faith, and it is also a true reflection of the hope the Celts had. Similarly, it represents knowledge, strength, compassion, and infinite love.
Learn more
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig - Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of our customers & friends. We love meeting you all & havng the chats about your Irish roots, your family's stories & your past & upcoming trips to Ireland. We look forward to meeing you all soon!
Learn more
The Irish Harp - a symbol of Ireland.
The harp is the official emblem of Ireland and is a symbol of Irish identity & pride. In Ireland, it is seen everywhere on official government documents, presidential seals, passports and currency, even beloved by well known Irish companies' logos such as Guinness and Ryanair. We are proud to be the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as our national symbol.The Gaelic harp was a revered instrument, and the bards who played it were celebrated and given pride of place, and the very best of hospitality in ancient Irish society. In a society that prized music and the spoken word, the musician was second only to the poet in stature. With the breakdown of the old Gaelic society and culture heralded by the Flight of the Earls in 1607, the status of the bard and his harp began to decline. Irish culture being largely an oral culture, meant that no written records of music were kept. Folk music legend Edward Bunting was its saviour, when in 1792 he held a traditional hero festival, and notated and saved many ancient traditional folk tunes and recorded styles and terminology. In the 19th century, with revolution in the air and a re-awakening in interest in Irish culture, the harp became a symbol of Irish pride and resistance, so much so that the instrument was banned for a time. The oldest surviving harp from this period is the 15th century Brian Boru harp, (or the O'Neill Harp), which is on display in the Long Room of Trinity College in Dublin.It is a distinctly Irish design, smaller than most harps and with a unique sound, which is due to the large resonating chamber, carved from a single willow log. The official harp symbol you see on currency and government documents is based on this harp.
Learn more
Symbols of Ireland - The Tree of Life
An ancient Celtic symbol of balance, harmony and rebirthPowerful, sacred, wise beyond measure and a portal to the otherworld. Life giving, sanctuaries, symbols of rebirth. The Celts of ancient times believed that trees had several powers and were the source of all life. The symbol of the Tree of Life has thus been preserved for many centuries in Ireland. It is said to represent balance and harmony in all worlds, connecting heaven, earth and the underworld. Trees were thought to be symbols of longevity, rebirth and renewal, strength and wisdom, and were believed to be our ancestors reincarnated. The branches reach out representing the search of learning and knowledge in life. The trunk symbolises strength and unity from family, its flowers and fruit show renewed growth and the eternal life. At the base the deep roots represent reach deep into the underworld, where the Sídhe (fairly folk) resided.Trees were planted at the centre of any new settlement, providing vital resources such as food, shelter, and a meeting point for ceremonies. The pagan belief in the power of trees persists right up to present day Ireland. The countryside is dotted with 'fairy trees', which are adorned with medals, ribbons and messages from people who seek knowledge, cures and prosperity.
Learn more
Symbols of Ireland - The Shamrock
In ancient times, a tiny three-leafed plant bloomed far and wide and laid a carpet of green all over the limestone hills of Ireland.The Druids knew the Shamrock had mystical powers. To them its three leaves were a natural sign of a sacred number. This little plant was even said to warn of an approaching storm by turning up its leaves. Some believe that the shamrock has significance that is much older than Christianity, one theory being that the shamrock's three petals aligned with the ancient Celtic belief in the power of three and may have been used to demonstrate this, and their belief in the triple goddesses - maiden, mother and crone. Many believed that wearing this little sprig of green would keep them from harm. According to legend, St Patrick himself plucked a Shamrock from the ground, using the three petals to explain the blessed Trinity - one God, three people, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - helping to convert the Irish people to Christianity.Over the centuries, the Shamrock has become an instantly recognisable emblem of the Emerald Isle. The name comes from the Irish 'seamróg' which literally means 'young clover'. The shamrock is ever present on St. Patrick's day, where the shamrock that is customarily worn for the day on the lapel.Whatever the truth of the legends, the shamrock is cherished by Irish people everywhere and is worn by all nationalities around the world on Saint Patrick’s Day, one of the great international festivals. We have some beautiful Irish jewelry with Shamrock sysmbols, find your next cherished piece here
Learn more
Happy New Year!!!
Wishing a happy, healthy & peaceful new year to all our customers, enjoy 10% off until Jan 15th, choose from a wide selection of Irish & Celtic giftware, Irish Knitwear, Irish Jewelery, Irish textiles & apparel. We have a wide range of Irish caps & hats, leather belts and purses. Take care of you body & skin this new year with our fabulous Irish Skincare ranges such Green Angel, an exclusive range of seaweed and essential oil based beauty products, sourced and hand-made in Ireland, we also stock The Handmade Soap Company with their beautiful rand of clean & natural soaps, body lotions, hand creams shower gels, candles & diffusers. The Moher Soap Company has a gorgeous range of bath salts to detox, unwind & relax & not forgetting Inis a store favourite! Have a browse, treat yourself
Learn more
Symbols of Ireland - The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life - ancient Celtic symbol of balance, harmony and rebirth Symbolism. The Celtic Tree of Life meaning is ultimately about the forces of nature combining to create balance and harmony. The branches reach for the sky, the roots reach down into the ground. A representation of the link between heaven and earth, mind and body and the never-ending cycle of lifePowerful, sacred, wise beyond measure and a portal to the otherworld. Life giving, sanctuaries, symbols of rebirth.The Celts of ancient times believed that trees had several powers and were the source of all life. The symbol of the Tree of Life has thus been preserved for many centuries in Ireland. It is said to represent balance and harmony in all worlds, connecting heaven, earth and the underworld.The branches reach out representing the search of learning and knowledge in life. The trunk symbolises strength and unity from family, its flowers and fruit show renewed growth and the eternal life. At the base the deep roots represent reach deep into the underworld, where the Sídhe (fairly folk) resided. Trees were thought to be symbols of longevity, rebirth and renewal, strength and wisdom, and were believed to be our ancestors reincarnated.Trees would have been planted at the centre of any new settlement, known as Crann Bethadh(basically meaning Tree of Life), providing vital resources such as food, shelter, and a meeting point for ceremonies.The Celts are thought to have revered five sacred trees, the most powerful being the oak, which represented the centre of the world, and the most potent doorway into the underworld - indeed, the Irish word for oak is 'doir', from which the English word 'door' is thought to originate.Check out our Tree of Life items, sepecially our Solvar & other jewelry ranges. Click here to see out Tree of Life items.
Learn more
Symbols of Ireland - Trinity Knot
A symbol of never ending love & eternal life This endless, intertwining Celtic knot work symbol with three corners, possibly of pagan origin with its original meaning lost in time. The Trinity knot is one of the most recognisable symbols of Celtic culture. We do know that the number three held deep significance for the Celts, the three corners possibly representing the three intertwined domains of earth, sea and sky, or solar and lunar phases. In later centuries, The Trinity knot was adapted to Christianity, with the three points representing the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The golden age of Irish art and metalwork coincided with the period of early Irish Christianity, enlightenment, learning and faith which saw Ireland celebrated as the 'isle of saints and scholars'. Irish monks worked from dawn till dusk, working with infinite care and patience to produce handmade and lavishly illustrated versions of the gospels, stopping only to eat and pray. Today the Book of Kells remains a testimony to the artistry which produced this lasting legacy. The twists and turns of the Trinity Knot symbolise the timeless nature of the human spirit. It reflects the convergence of mind, body and spirit - a message which is as powerful and mystical today as it was in those ancient times. With no beginning and no end, this intricate decoration is a sign of eternal life and never ending love. Check out our range of trinity Knot Jewelry & give the gift of eternal love from Solvar Irish Jewlery, Boru & others. Click here to see our Trintiy Knot Jewelry.
Learn more