5 Irish import stores on Long Island celebrating Irish culture

As the saying goes, everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s the perfect time to revel in the spirit of Ireland — from its lush landscapes and rich traditions to cozy woolens, decadent chocolates and sparkling Claddagh rings.

A visit to local Irish businesses turns into a celebration of culture and history. With St. Patrick's Day on the horizon, here are five destinations across Long Island to shop at all year.

Shop old and new at Irish Crossroads

58 Main St., Sayville

Emerald Isle meets Long Island at this cozy family enterprise with a rich history and inventory to match. Celtic imports like woolen sweaters ($135 and up), silver and gold Claddagh rings ($75 and up) and teas and jams ($9 and up) are all in store at this family business turning 25 next summer.

"My parents’ parents had Irish ancestors," says Kayla Quinn, 40, who’s run the business with her sister, Kierstin Quinn, 42, since their mom died two years ago. "My mother’s family comes from Sligo and Tyrone. My father’s family also has its roots in Tyrone — in Ulster, where the Quinn name was prominent."

Quinn notes that Long Island hosts several family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day parades, all praised for their welcoming vibes and community spirit. "The closest one to our location is the Bayport-Blue Point parade," she says. What to wear to the event? The shop’s "Long Island Irish" tees, hoodies and caps ($30-$70) are right in step.

MORE INFO 631-569-5464, irishcrossroadsonline.com

Get a piece of Ireland at Kathleen’s of Donegal

8 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre

Founded in 1987 by Kathleen Alcock, who hails from Donegal, where she has now retired to, this multigenerational family business is a long-running go-to for authentic Irish imports and gifts.

Patrick Alcock, 47, who’s named for his maternal grandfather, not Ireland’s patron saint, now runs the business. He says the philosophy and inventory have remained constant.

"The store always aims to create a homey atmosphere," he says, adding that his mother is set to be in town for St. Patrick’s Day. "We’re very family-oriented."

Like a pot of gold at rainbow’s end, captivating finds at the shop beckon — from a Belleek shamrock teapot steeped in charm ($265) to christening outfits ($65 and up) and tasty bangers (pork sausages) for an Irish breakfast ($7.99). The shop, as it notes on its homepage, "brings Ireland to your doorstep."

MORE INFO 516-536-9616, irishgiftsofrvc.com

Find fashion, fragrance and flavor at Irish Roots Candy & Gifts

3225 Sound Ave., Suite 1, Riverhead

With both sets of grandparents from Ireland — Cork and Limerick, to be specific — Adrienne Governali, 52, has strong Irish roots. In December 2024, following a trip to Ireland with her husband and two daughters, she opened her retail haven for Irish imports and themed gifts.

Popular picks include Irish knitwear — ponchos, shawls, sweaters — ($65-$165), Inis skincare products and fragrances including Governali’s personal go-to Energy of the Sea ($25 for .5 ounce), plus chocolates like Crunchie ($2.25). "I have a couple of people that come in once a week just to get their candy fix," she says. Hand-carved signs with "Sláinte" (as in, "cheers") and whimsical shamrock designs ($32 and up) add to the merchandise mix.

Governali leaned into a leprechaun motif last year to decorate her husband’s truck to participate in holiday parades in Jamesport and Hampton Bays. Beyond such merry gatherings, March 17 is always a big day for her. She got married on that date 25 years ago. "It’s great," she says. "My husband never forgets our anniversary."

MORE INFO 631-591-0290, irish-roots-candy-gifts.square.site

Fill up on what you knead at Mary’s Irish Shop

874 W. Beech St., Long Beach

"When you walk through my doors, you’ve got Irish in you somewhere," says Patricia McCormac, who runs the cozy cafe and small grocery named for its original owners. It’s known for its full Irish breakfast ($17.95), corned beef and cabbage dinners ($18.95), porridge ($6.96), plus snacks and drinks.

McCormac, who hails from Banbridge in County Down and ran a cooking business in Ireland for 12 years, took over ownership in December of 2019. Mid-March, she says, is time to double down on baking a beloved house favorite — Irish soda bread. She reckons she makes 300 of the dense, crumbly loaves that sell for $10 each. She uses flour from Ireland, she says, but that’s not the only secret to a luxe loaf. "It's all in the handling, the mixing of the dough and the kneading," McCormac says.

Other fan favorites: scones ($4 plain, $6 with cream and jam) and brown bread for making what’s become known as Trish Toast. "My customers christened it after me," McCormac says.

MORE INFO 516-442-1185, @marysirishshoplb

Shop for gifts at Olde Towne Garden Irish and Victorian Gift Shop

1902 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh

This family-owned shop specializing in Irish imports has been attracting shoppers for more than 33 years. Brisk sellers include Irish woolen caps and cardigans (starting at $50) and Celtic crosses (from $99). Many pieces are sourced directly from the owners’ hometown in Ireland.

"We grew up in the west of Ireland, in Galway," says Ann Durkin, co-owner of the store with her sister, Ellen Dolan-Curran. Ann and Ellen, who moved to the United States in the 1980s, aim for an inviting vibe in their store. "Everybody who comes in talks about when they go to Ireland that they feel so welcomed, very friendly and warm. That’s what we wanted people to experience here in the store."

Constancy is a running theme at the store, which is in a picturesque Victorian building. "We've stayed true to our core products all these years," Durkin says. "We have suppliers who have been in business with us all that time."

She swears by knits to keep away the cold — even amid the deep freeze of 2026. "I’ve had an Aran woolen sweater on me since November," she says.

MORE INFO 516-826-2574, irishvictorian.com