Hello lockdown, my old friend. From midnight tonight, we'll all be spending the next six weeks back within that claustrophobic bubble of lockdown. There's no sugarcoating it - it's crapola, and we all need to take time out to look after ourselves. Of all the many therapies out there, retail therapy is one of the more expensive forms of self-care, but, as this writer found out during Lockdown Part One, making slightly impulsive online purchases can sometimes bring unexpected joy. Obviously, it's a very difficult financial time for many people, but if you are looking to make some Christmas gift purchases over the next few weeks, do your best to support Irish independent retailers, most of whom have had their regular trade devastated by covid.
If you're looking for inspired Irish gift ideas, there's a very handy website called Guaranteed Irish Gifts that features gift ideas from a range of Irish companies. We've browsed their selection of men's gifts and can present some dapper, fun and slightly ridiculous Irish gift ideas for the man in your life.
Donegal Tweed caps - Magee
The original, the best. Perfect headwear in any season but especially during those long winter months when the rain is pelting down.
Price: €55.00 | Link to buy
Bamboo hurl - Torpey Hurling
The Sixmilebridge hurley makers sell tradition ash cámans, but we're very interested in their 'bambú' hurls, which were released earlier this year. This could be the future of hurling.
Price €50 | Link to buy
A huge tent - Pamper The Camper
Until we get a covid vaccine, lockdown will be a feature of our lives. That could mean all of next summer's festivals will be taking place in back gardens. Dublin company Pamper The Camper has a really cool range of big tents and yurts that you'll be grateful for once summer rolls around again.
Price: €399 | Link to buy
Grandfather Shirt Mens Flannel Blue Ivory Stripe - Lee Valley Ireland
Lee Valley Ireland claim to sell 'THE Traditional men’s Grandfather shirt'. Who says no to collarless soft cotton flannelette? Debonair and rustic.
Price: €54.99 | Link to buy
Putter refitting - Fore Golf
Fore Golf provide a brilliant service for golfers looking to get more out of their clubs and a putter refitting service is a great gift for someone looking to retool their putting game while the golf closes stay closed.
Price - €150 | Link to buy
Sterling silver Claddagh cufflinks - Arnua
Some day in the future, we will go to weddings again, and when that happens we will need accessories for the suits that we struggle to fit into. Nothing says 'refined Celtic man' like a pair of sterling silver Claddagh Ring cufflinks near the wrists.
Price €140 | Link to buy
