Sheridan Cheesemongers
The Sheridan brothers, Seamus and Kevin, have revolutionised cheesebuying and selling for many people in Dublin and Galway over the last year, and their magnificently ripened cheeses, from Ireland and overseas, and their superlative salamis and other cooked meats are amongst the finest presents you can give any food lover.
This year, they have mini Colston Bassett Stiltons, matured by Kevin - it is necessary to order these early, as the brothers only deal with the Colston Bassett dairy and don't use any other Stilton makers. They are also offering a selection gift box of Irish and European cheeses, from artisan cheesemakers. Following a visit to the Slow Food Congress in Turin, Kevin has sourced superlative salamis from the Antica Macelleria Falorni company in Florence. They produce a range of true artisan salamis, including fennel and wild boar - and wonderful prosciutto and pancetta. Prices start at £5.
Sheridans Cheesemongers, 11 South Anne Street, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 679 3143
Terroirs
THE originality and selectivity of the small selection of foods which Sean and Francoise Gilley sell at Terroirs, their wine shop in Donnybrook, really gladdens the heart. Look out especially for the sublime Les Olives de Provence, made by Francoise Doucet (which look exactly like olives and are, in reality, almonds covered with chocolate - stunning); the delicious Benjamin and Barton Christmas tea (a real treat, in its little red tin) and dazzling marzipan fruits by Verger du Roy. There are many other treats unique to the shop: the gorgeous Christmas tin of chocolates, les Gavottes (from Brittany), the Cafes Suavor coffee, including Java Bleu (from Indonesia) and Kylemore Abbey Christmas puddings and preserves.
Terroirs, 103 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Tel: (01) 667 1311
Rankin Hampers
MANY hampers have a decent selection of good foods, interspersed with quite a lot of padding, but the Rankin's Gourmet Ireland hampers are very well chosen. Many foods emanate from the best artisan producers around the country: chocolates from Ruth McGarry-Quinn of Torc Truffles; West Cork Herb Farm basil oil; smoked Gubbeen cheese; Irishgold smoked venison; Skelligs chocolates and Carrigaline cheese are just some of the featured foods. Prices range from just under £30 to a whopping £460, with delivery at £5 in the North and £8 in the South.
For a catalogue and to order, tel: (0801) 846 668242. You can also order through the website: www.gourmetireland.com
Crescenzi Hampers
IF Sean and Francoise Gilley apply selective palates to French speciality foods, then Stefano and Eileen Crescenzi do much the same for Italian artisan foods. If you have a friend who is keen on Italian cooking, then some of these foods - the red pepper flakes, for instance - are invaluable. There is a range of hampers with a selection of foods and wines, with prices from £29 to £100.
Corte dei Crescenzi, 8 Pearse Square, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 671 7450
More hampers
The Good Food Store, Dublin: Vanessa Clarke's Pembroke Lane shop offers parents the chance to buy children's additive-free selection boxes, which include organic chocolate santas, organic lollies, organic crisps and other treats. There are also hampers for grownups, which can include crafts as well as foods. Tel: (01) 667 5656
The Foodhall, Portlaoise: Jim Tynan's marvellous shop has the very best handmade Irish foods and choice bottles from abroad. Don't miss their own home-baked cakes and puddings. Tel: (0502) 62061.
Country Choice, Nenagh: Along with superlative cheeses and other delights, do pick up a jar of Peter Ward's pumpkin chutney, which they have been producing for 16 years now. At Christmas, Country Choice is almost a one-stop shop. Tel: (067) 32596.
Continental Sausages, Fossa, Killarney: Carmel Mannix and Armin Weise sell everything from a ready-made gingerbread house to venison from Killarney National Park - and the prepared meats made by Mr Weise are some of the finest you can find in Ireland. Tel: (064) 33069.