*From a local perspective*
This blog is aimed at supporting the small High Street retailers and the family owned businesses in Fermanagh. Through the pandemic, we’ve relied so much on the internet for our virtual shopping therapy we can easily get sucked in by the big giant corporations such as Amazon to do all our shopping on line. Although some boutiques are already cutting edge with social media advertising and e-commerce, for a lot of other small business owners this is a big jump in the unknown.
Experience-Enniskillen.com & Fermanaghlakelands.com are two good sites to get an overall view of what’s available here and are a huge source of information.
In this blog I’m going to visit the best gift shops in Fermanagh: little boutiques overflowing with bespoke gifts, trinkets, personalised and handmade goods, unique arts and crafts.
Here you will find gifts, crafts, Irish souvenirs, knitting wool, natural flower wreath, wooden welcome signs, egg holders, animal magnets, vases and ceramic goblets, stationary and unique greeting cards, and many more hidden treasures. There is something for every occasion, you will find what you want in this beautiful shop and get a five star service from the staff.
A family run business on the High Street in Enniskillen, Osborne & Co specialise in statement home accessories & furniture, bespoke floral arrangements & wreaths as well as seasonal décor. They are very active on social media and have an online store.
3. The Buttermarket art, craft & design centre
The early 19th century buttermarket buildings have been beautifully restored, and house diverse crafts such as pottery, fly-tying, ceramics, handmade jewellery, textiles, picture framing and original art. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a special shopping experience in the Studios and Galleries around the Buttermarket Courtyard.
My favourite is Angela Kelly Jewellery: Rocks and fossils collected throughout Ireland are hand cut, polished and used in making pendant, drop earrings and brooches.
Ann McNulty Pottery: Ann’s stoneware includes tableware, tiles and sculptural pieces. The glaze used for her pots is her own recipe, it gives the tableware a satin finish and can be used in the oven, microwave and dishwasher. I love her designs and vibrant colours.
4. Jewellery is always appreciated as a gift
Mercers Jewellers is established since 1881, it is a fifth generation family business located on Enniskillen Main Street. Ideal for classic jewellery, diamonds and watches; as well as design and repair.
Also try Bogues Jewellers in town for your wedding rings as well as homeware gifts such as Belleek living or Galway crystal.
Enniskillen based florist, Blooming lovely will not disappoint: They have a great selection of floral bouquets, hand-tied bouquets with seasonal flowers, gift boxes, wreaths to make any occasion memorable.
6. Enniskinn
A cosmetic small business with a passion for artistic flayer. Jessica has created natural, colourful and beautiful soaps, bath bombs, shampoo bars etc.., with a strong stance on sustainability, product creativity, natural ingredients & zero tolerance to testing on animals.
The shop smells amazing, and her products are first class.
In Belleek:
A small boutique with thousands of gifts of all sorts. Being close to Belleek Pottery it sells a wide range of Belleek products such as mugs or photo frames. But it is the best place to get Irish gifts in Fermanagh: Donegal tweed, Irish blackthorn, Island Turf crafts, Carna Nail craft sculptures, Claddagh rings, Irish road signs, Irish thatched cottage ornaments. The shop also sells canvas and prints from local artist Michelle Duffy Camlake Canvas.
Another lovely family run gift shop in Belleek. I love calling in to browse or to get that last minute birthday present. It has a fantastic selection of gifts for all occasions, toys for children of all ages, beautiful homeware, jewellery, great displays and lovely staff. It is a real treasure trove.
Isabelle
Fermanagh Series: Blog 4 of 5
(edited July 2023 - photos credit to local businesses)