7 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About All Things Irish, Idaho's Celtic Heart
For over a quarter-century, All Things Irish has served as the undisputed cultural anchor for Irish and Celtic heritage in North Idaho, a truly surprising feat given Idaho's rugged, potato-centric reputation. As of late 2024, this iconic shop, nestled on the bustling Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d'Alene, continues its celebrated run, having recently marked its 25th year in business. This deep dive explores the store's history, the dedicated owners who keep the Emerald Isle spirit alive, and its central role in Idaho's vibrant, year-round Celtic calendar.
The shop is more than just a retail space; it is a portal to Ireland, meticulously curated to bring authentic imports to the Inland Northwest. From traditional woolens to intricate jewelry, All Things Irish has become a staple for locals and tourists alike seeking a genuine piece of the Emerald Isle, cementing its status as a must-visit destination in the Coeur d'Alene area.
The Founders and Foundation of North Idaho's Irish Hub
All Things Irish is a family-owned venture, a labor of love that began over two decades ago. The store’s stability and longevity are a testament to the dedication of its founders and current stewards.
Store Profile: All Things Irish, Coeur d'Alene
- Location: 315 E. Sherman Avenue, Downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- Original Opening Date: 1998
- Owners: Ilene Moss and Craig Moss
- Milestone: Celebrated over 25 years of operation on Sherman Avenue (as of 2024)
- Expansion: The store expanded to almost twice its original size in 2007, demonstrating early and sustained success.
- Specialty: Authentic Irish and Celtic Imports, Gifts, and Products
The decision to open an Irish import store in Coeur d'Alene in 1998 was visionary. The owners, Ilene Moss and Craig Moss, recognized a powerful connection to Irish heritage that runs deeper in Idaho than many realize. This little-known fact is supported by census data, which shows that a significant number of Idahoans—over 181,000—claim Irish ancestry, making it one of the state's most prominent heritage groups. The store serves this large, often-underserved community, providing a physical link to their familial roots and cultural identity.
The 7 Pillars of All Things Irish's Enduring Appeal
The shop’s long-standing success is built on more than just location. It’s a combination of product authenticity, community engagement, and its role as a cultural touchstone. Here are the seven key elements that make All Things Irish a North Idaho institution.
1. The Authentic Irish Imports
Unlike novelty shops, All Things Irish focuses on genuine imports, ensuring high quality and authenticity. The inventory is a curated collection of products sourced directly from Ireland. Shoppers can find everything from fine Irish linen and Aran sweaters to traditional Irish food and confectionery.
2. The Claddagh Ring Collection
One of the store's signature offerings is its comprehensive selection of Claddagh Rings. These iconic rings, symbolizing Love (the heart), Loyalty (the crown), and Friendship (the hands), are a staple of Irish jewelry and a popular purchase for engagements, anniversaries, and meaningful gifts. The store ensures that its Claddagh pieces are top-of-the-line, often featuring sterling silver or gold.
3. A Hub for Celtic Jewelry and Art
Beyond the Claddagh, the shop is a treasure trove of Celtic-themed jewelry and artistry. This includes pieces featuring the intricate Celtic Knotwork, the Tree of Life, and symbols like the Shamrock and the Trinity Knot (Triquetra). This dedication to Celtic products broadens its appeal beyond just Irish heritage, connecting with the wider Celtic diaspora.
4. The Anchor for Coeur d'Alene's St. Patrick's Day
All Things Irish plays a crucial, though unofficial, role in Coeur d'Alene's annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The store is perfectly positioned on Sherman Avenue, the main route for the city's festive St. Patrick's Day Parade. While the Coeur d'Alene Resort hosts its own large "Coeur d'Irish" party, the shop provides the essential gear—from green apparel to flags—that fuels the city-wide revelry.
5. Featured in Current Relocation Guides
Its inclusion in the 2024 and 2025 Relocation Guides for North Idaho and the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce highlights its importance not just as a store, but as a landmark. This continuous recognition confirms its role as a key piece of the downtown business landscape, recommended to new residents as a local gem.
6. The Connection to Idaho's Wider Celtic Community
The store's presence is a year-round reminder of the state's rich Celtic connections. It serves as a complementary entity to major regional events like the Idaho Highland Games and Celtic Festival in Boise, the Beltane Fantasy Festival at Expo Idaho, and the activities of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Idaho. By stocking goods for these events, All Things Irish helps sustain the broader Celtic heritage movement across the state.
7. A Testament to North Idaho's Pioneer Irish History
The store's success is rooted in the history of Irish immigration to the region. While many Irish immigrants in the 1800s couldn't afford to travel far west, some did settle in Idaho, taking part in the Gold Rush and the Civil War. Figures like James Gleeson, born in Wexford, Ireland, who came to America in 1856, exemplify this pioneer spirit. All Things Irish honors this legacy by providing a permanent, accessible connection to the homeland for descendants of those early settlers.
Products That Define the Irish Experience in Coeur d'Alene
The extensive product line at All Things Irish is what truly sets it apart, offering more than just seasonal St. Patrick's Day trinkets. The owners have cultivated relationships to ensure a steady supply of high-demand and niche Irish goods.
Authentic Irish Apparel and Textiles
- Aran Sweaters: Genuine wool sweaters featuring traditional cable knit patterns.
- Tweed Caps and Hats: Classic Irish headwear, often imported from Donegal.
- Irish Linen: High-quality textiles including handkerchiefs and tablecloths.
Gifts and Home Goods
- Belleek Pottery: Fine Parian china known for its delicate, translucent quality.
- Waterford Crystal: Renowned glassware imported directly from Ireland.
- Irish Scented Candles and Soaps: Items featuring popular Irish fragrances.
- Celtic Crosses: Religious and decorative items symbolizing Irish Christianity.
Irish Food and Confectionery
A small but vital selection of imported foodstuffs connects patrons directly to the tastes of Ireland. These often include popular items like Tayto Crisps, Cadbury's chocolate (the Irish variety), and specific teas, which are often difficult to find elsewhere in the region. This attention to detail transforms the shop into a nostalgic experience for those who have visited or lived in Ireland.
The Future of Celtic Culture in Idaho
The continued success of All Things Irish, as evidenced by its inclusion in current regional guides and its participation in local events like the Downtown Coeur d'Alene Association's "Elf On The Shelf" promotions, suggests a bright future for Irish and Celtic culture in North Idaho. The store acts as a reliable gathering point, a place where the 181,872 Idahoans of Irish heritage can connect with their roots. Whether you are searching for a meaningful Claddagh Ring, a cozy Aran Sweater, or simply a taste of home, All Things Irish remains the essential, authentic link to the Emerald Isle in the heart of the Gem State.
Detail Author:
- Name : Bartholome Bradtke
- Username : demetrius91
- Email : tillman.eunice@nitzsche.com
- Birthdate : 1999-08-20
- Address : 26504 Graham Brooks Leonelport, RI 16993
- Phone : +1 (551) 625-7949
- Company : Rempel, Lueilwitz and Runolfsson
- Job : Welder
- Bio : Voluptas illo vel magnam nihil quia cumque. Vel alias nisi qui repudiandae molestiae natus. Quas rerum animi recusandae saepe vel.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/craig6058
- username : craig6058
- bio : Odio commodi eius dolorem porro omnis voluptas.
- followers : 5747
- following : 211
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/corwin1984
- username : corwin1984
- bio : Laboriosam culpa sed enim dolorem autem autem voluptate. Ea minima non laboriosam non asperiores.
- followers : 2557
- following : 1057
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/craig4412
- username : craig4412
- bio : Repellendus dolorum iusto voluptatem rem. Enim et est voluptas dignissimos.
- followers : 5873
- following : 2993
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@craig3683
- username : craig3683
- bio : Dolores cupiditate et aut sed voluptates et ut.
- followers : 5275
- following : 951
