If you’re English but living in Ireland…..

[IrishHamper]

We’re planning on visiting Family who live in Ireland on Boxing Day and I was thinking of making up a little hamper (for a couple in their late 50s & early 60s) with products that are hard to find or don’t exist in Ireland.

Please could I have some suggestions?

I’ll be taking a cabin size suitcase although it will be being checked in. We’re flying with Aerlingus, who I believe allow you to take a cabin size suitcase that’s checked in at no extra charge, so don’t think the 100ml rule will apply? Also flying from Manchester if it’s relevant.

There's a huge Tesco extra in Drogheda, definitely available there.

Re: the 10kg cabin bag that will be checked so the 100ml limit wont apply - BEWARE!

Sometimes, if Aer Lingus are using the smaller propeller planes, they refuse to check in any cabin bags and insist you take the cabin bag on as carry on. I was caught out with that once because I assumed I could check my bag every time but they wouldn't accept it and i had to take it through security. Luckily I didn't have many items over 100ml, but it did make the experience stressful.

Any good butcher will have it. And Tesco too.

A butcher… for tinned style corned beef?

Oh not the tinned shite…I’m talking real sliced corned beef!! Cheaper corned beef slices can be bought in the supermarkets.

If it’s Emerald Airlines/Aer Lingus Regional it could be a 7kg luggage allowance - beware!

Also, who wants Stinking Bishop cheese from a suitcase? 🤢

You can definitely get mustard powder, president butter and twiglets. No idea about the others as I'm not a fan of marmite and don't use garlic granules.

Well for me it's drink me chai ( chai tea in a tin) sold in Asda and Uk Tesco, pickled onion walkers crisps sold in Asda, sensations chicken and thyme crisps big bags, and lots of veggie products I can't get in Ireland

Notions… 😂

You can get the tinned corned beef on any shelf in a mid sized supermarket, my dad lived on then.

A lot of these things ye mention are readily available unless your relatives/friends are in the sticks.

For stuff I cant get i use addresspal, I get a lot of deliveries from Target in the US. Not sure if your brexit stuff would put a stop to it.

NI has a huge influx of visitors across the border this time of year stocking up too.

I recommend a nice hamper regardless of where its from, but for the love of god dont put cheese in your suitcase and bring it with you!

@OchonAgusOchonOh please tell me where I can get Twiglets! That's the one thing I miss that I've never found here.

As for corned beef, it's an utterly different thing to the UK sort and it's far superior. Bloody delicious, actually, and nothing like the tinned stuff.

They're not something I eat so haven't looked out for them but I have seen them on shelves from time to time. I don't remember where though. I'll have a look in the local shops when I'm there next and let you know if they have them. I can always send you some if they do. Sorry not to be more help.

@OchonAgusOchonOh thanks for offering to send, that's very kind, but my waistline would regret finding a Twiglet source! I just got a bit excited as I haven't seen them in years and felt all nostalgic for a minute. Appreciate the offer, though!