Irish Heritage Month is here, bringing with it weeks full of activities including the Kinsale Festival of Fine Food, the 7th annual Jameson’s Coffee Competition and the (much loved) 54th Annual Parade in Honor of Saint Patrick. Restaurants celebrate with guest chefs from Ireland and menus inspired by the Emerald Isle, while storefronts toast the spirit of the month with decorated windows. Closet Revival has struck a pot o’ gold with head to toe outfits in varying shades of green for men and women (and at bargain prices). Check them out on Broadway before all the Irish-inspired threads are snatched up.
Men looking to get their Irish up can pick up a classic, hand-woven, tweed cap by Shandon of Cork at Bristol’s Claddagh 
Connection on Thames Street Landing. Made from the finest wool found in County Donegal, these caps are known to last a lifetime. The Claddagh Connection also has an impressive collection of hand-knit sweaters, scarves by Rita Condron Knitwear and jackets, capes, ladies’ hats and scarves, baby pramsuits and blankets by Branigan Weavers, a more than 100-year-old company based in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland.
In Newport, Ireland Calls on Swinburne Row in Brick Market Place offers Irish crystal, gifts and more authentic woven wear. The store also carries music by Irish artists and adorable gifts with the Irish Blessing for baby (not to mention, precious onesies with Irish sayings). Both shops also have a beautiful collection of Celtic jewelry and select bridal pieces including tiaras, claddagh and Celtic wedding bands and wedding accessories like unity candles and groomsmen gifts.
Claddagh Connection, 259 Thames Street, Bristol, (401) 253-0000,www.thecladdaghconnection.com
Ireland Calls, 123 Swinburne Row at Brick Market Place, Newport, (401) 849-8174
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