Ireland is an island country, strongly steeped in ancient Gaelic and Celtic traditions, that is home to a passionate and proud people Probably no other nationality has a stronger sense of their national and cultural heritage than the Irish. And probably no other

nationality can lay as a strong a claim to the popularity of their ethnic or cultural items as can the Irish with their Irish collectibles.

In addition to those living in Ireland itself, millions of people of Irish descent live elsewhere throughout the world. For example, the United States & Canada both experienced a great tidal wave of Irish immigration during the 1800s, and today, more than 10% of America's population traces its roots back to Ireland. But Irish immigration

was much more widespread than to just those two countries, and as a result, almost everyone in every region of the English-speaking world knows at least several people of Irish origin. Because they exert such passion in maintaining their distinct traditions and heritage, Irish people have also exerted a significant, lasting influence on the culture of just about every area where they live.

This strong sense of national pride, of Irish tradition, makes Irish collectibles extremely appealing to Irish men and women - those who live in Ireland as well as those of Irish descent who live elsewhere..And because so many people of Irish origins feel their roots so strongly and continue to maintain very close ties to their national heritage, there is no sign that the popularity of Irish collectibles has reached its apex or will wane at any time in the foreseeable future.

Different Types of Irish Collectibles, for Different Interests.

Almost everyone wants to be surrounded by objects that interest or appeal to them. And the urge to possess items that in some way relate to Ireland or its traditions and culture lies at the heart of the huge popularity of Irish collectibles.

A multitude of different types of Irish collectibles, both large and small, are available to collectors. They include Irish jewelry such as Claddagh rings and other Irish rings such as those that bear family crests or coats-of-arms. Irish jewelry also includes pendants, cuff links, lapel pins, Celtic crosses and tie pins/tacs that feature a shamrock or other symbol of Ireland. Other types of Irish collectibles include various items made by hand by Irish cottage crafters, the renowned Waterford or Galway Irish crystal, Irish pub

signs, pub pitchers, beer mats and other Irish breweriana such as items relating to Guinness Beer, and whimsical pieces such as leprechaun figurines. There are also Irish clocks, wall plaques wall hangings, landscape paintings of Irish scenes, and much, much more.

Irish Pride.

The desire to honor and preserve Irish culture and the traditional ways is strongly felt by nearly every Irish person or person of Irish descent. Irish roots, and a sense of pride in Ireland and its culture, run deep. Irish collectibles are a very visible way for any

Irish man or woman to honor those traditions, and a very tangible symbol of pride in being Irish.