Galway, on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland, has long been a prosperous trading centre. This 'City of Tribes' was named after 14 merchant families that dom-inated all aspects of life in the area from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Then, the old section of the city bustled with merchants trading wine, spices, salt and fish. These days, you can wander through picturesque alleyways and shop for Aran sweaters, Claddagh rings, Irish crafts and stylish clothing.
Originating in the nearby Aran Islands, the complex textured stitch patterns of Aran jumpers are recognisable around the world.
The most popular patterns are the honeycomb (a symbol of the hard-working bee), the cable (representing part of fishermen's daily life), the diamond (for success and wealth) and the basket (in anticipation of a plentiful catch).
Galway Woollen Market (below left, 21 High Street, tel: 353 91 562491;
www.sweatershop.ie) sells Aran sweaters (from Euro33/HK$345) and woollen jumpers (from Euro64).
These machine-made garments are cheaper than the genuine handmade jumpers, which cost about Euro100. Down the street at Fallers Sweater Shop (below right, 25 High Street, tel: 353 91 564833) you can pick up an Aran jumper for Euro29.95 or two for Euro55. The creations in both shops come in a rainbow of colours. Also, try one of Ireland's oldest clothing stores, O'Maille (16 High Street, tel: 353 91 562696;
www.omaille.com), 'the Original House of Style', for Aran jumpers, capes, wraps and other warm Irish-designed clothing.
The oldest fishing village in Ireland, The Claddagh, was situated outside the walls of the city of Galway, overlooking Galway Bay. Some houses still bear the Claddagh insignia. Pop into Claddagh Jewellers (Shop Street, tel: 353 91 562554;
www.claddaghjewellers.com) for his and hers matching Claddagh rings. A ring worn on the right hand with the crown turned inwards signifies the wearer is single. If it's worn with the crown turned outwards it means love is being considered. Worn on the left hand, with the crown turned outwards, it indicates the wearer is spoken for. Rings range in price from Euro50 (faux amethyst) to more than Euro800 (emerald and platinum).