Sooner or later in life, we all go through an airport. Whether to pick someone important visiting from overseas or coming home for Christmas, airports might be the only spot where businesspeople coexist with huge clusters of students, religious congregations, or lovebirds going on their honeymoon.
Be that as it may, airports are conceived as hubs where practicality and rush prevails. It is common to find large queues of people stocking up on travel-sized toiletries, a local souvenir to mark their trip, or a thoughtful gift for those who wait upon arrival. And, of course, duty-free shops play a pivotal role in satisfying everyone’s needs.
Of every Irish contribution to the world, we’re certain you weren’t expecting these convenience shops to be on the list. Read on to learn the history of duty-free shops and their connection to the Emerald Isle.
The Origin of Duty-Free Shops
The year is 1947, Europe is recovering from the harrowing effects of World War II, and many U.S. aircraft and ships choose Ireland to refuel on their trips to Europe.
An innovative young manager named Brendan O’Regan notices that tax-free products are being sold on sea journeys Shannon-bound, and sets to create a “no man’s land”, a small area inside the airport where goods are not subjected to tax.
Recognizing an opportunity to generate revenue in this junction between the US and Europe, O’Regan successfully persuades the Irish government to enact the Customs Free Airport Act. This legislation exempts transit and embarking passengers, goods, and aircraft from standard customs and excise procedures.
From seaports to airports
Of course, we’re talking about duty-free shops, and the testing ground for his idea was Ireland — and Europe’s — westernmost airport, Shannon. The early small kiosk facility, run by local Kitty Downes, only offered local produce and souvenirs.
However, the establishment’s offering would eventually diversify to include alcohol, which garnered significant popularity due to its notably lower prices, sometimes just a third of those of conventional stores.
Following the success of the first store of its kind, 1957 saw Amsterdam become the next airport to include a duty-free shop among its amenities.
Items you can buy at Irish airports
Nowadays, the four main airports in the Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and West) all have duty-free shops bursting with local produce and souvenirs that both nationals and visitors enjoy on their trips abroad.
Globalization has easily paved the way for local produce to be enjoyed from every corner of the world. For many, this might have brought along a certain homogenisation, while for others it’s the perfect chance to find unique treasures to keep nostalgia at bay or bring along a tiny bit of Ireland on their adventures.
This small collection isn’t about magnets, keyrings, or snowballs. Instead, it features Irish souvenirs that will be kept in memory!
Whiskey
We simply could not start the list without mentioning Ireland’s staple product — with all due respect to Guinness: whiskey.
You can self-indulge or pick a case of Jameson, Bushmills, or Tullamore D.E.W as a gift that never disappoints.
Snacks and gourmet delicacies
The Irish love their local produce, even abroad! The food counter at any Irish airport might well be the easiest way to spot the Irish.
Whether eying the price of sausages from local butchers to mulling over whether or not to splash out on that package of Wild Atlantic salmon, people from the Emerald Isle usually bring over a taste of home wherever they go. Any security scan will reveal tea bags, packets of Tayto crisps, or that small jar of Ballymaloe relish that makes the perfect sandwich. And let’s not get started on the bread…there’s no place like home!
Sweet treats
Have a sweet tooth? Worry no more. Ireland’s most famous cream liqueur brand usually has its own section at every Irish duty-free. Besides every variety of sweet nectar under the sun, peckish travellers will be welcomed with a great assortment of fudge, biscuits, and chocolates to satisfy their cravings, even in the sky!
Local literature
Ireland’s literary imprint is known worldwide, with household names such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Sally Rooney hitting the shelves of millions of homes in and out of the country.
Many take the opportunity to bring along a classic, like Finnegan’s Wake, the latest sensation’s best-seller, an essay on recent historic events like the Easter Rising or The Troubles, or a collection of local proverbs (believe us, the Irish language is rich beyond compare).
Choose what you choose, a book doesn’t take up much space and makes for the perfect companion onboard.
Insider’s tip: Dublin-bound bookworms shouldn’t miss the top bookstores in the city.
Wool and knitwear
Travelers to Ireland can either resign to the unfriendly weather or use it to their advantage. Luckily, Irish duty-free shops sell outerwear in all shapes and colors. Be it a wool blanket, an Aran sweater, or Donegal tweed, coziness is guaranteed.
Tips for savvy duty-free shopping
Duty-free shops are meant to simplify things. That’s why many EU duty-free shops now include a free shop and collect option, a service that lets you buy goods before flying and pick them up on return.
Duty-free allowances and regulations
In addition, certain rules apply when purchasing goods from a duty-free shop. These include that the goods imported must be transported and accompanied by the person traveling, and they must be for personal use, or a gift, not for commercial purposes.
The buyer must present their passport and boarding pass at the moment of the purchase.
As far as allowances go, EU countries impose limitations on the amounts that can be imported without incurring customs duty. For instance, visitors to Ireland can import 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g for tobacco.
Regarding alcoholic beverages, 1L of spirits, or 2L of wine, or 16L of beer are permitted in Ireland. In addition, this country allows travelers to carry goods up to a total value of 430 €.
Airport shopping in the age of Brexit
With Brexit changing the rules of international commerce, many will wonder if goods traveling to the UK are subject to tax. Good news! Visitors bound for the United Kingdom can also enjoy duty-free prices.
Now that you know the curious history of duty-free shops, you will likely think of Brendan O’Regan and Shannon Airport before you board your flight. Stock up on your favourite goods, forget about tax, and reminisce about your time in Ireland over a shot of whiskey or a Gatsby cap.
With the money you save buying duty-free products, make sure to use it to sign up for one of our amazing Dublin tours. On our Pubs, Pints, and History: Beer & Whiskey in Dublin’s Pubs tour, our local guides will show you how to enjoy Dublin like a local.
