MyIrelandBox is a monthly subscription box that sends you a selection of unique Irish gifts, crafts, housewares, or beauty products straight from Ireland.
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
About MyIrelandBox
The Subscription Box: MyIrelandBox
The Cost: $45.00 a month + $10.50 shipping. Save with 3 or 6-month subscriptions.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get a bonus gift in your first 3- or 6-month subscription box! No coupon needed - just use this link.
Products: Irish-made gifts, crafts, housewares, and beauty products
Ships to: US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and Taiwan
MyIrelandBox July 2018 Review
This box comes with a lot of literature. Rather than a traditional short info sheet, this box contains a full letter from the creators of MyIrelandBox with a lot of information and insight on why each particular item was chosen. This month's theme centers around the Blasket Islands, which are islands off the coast of Ireland in Kerry. The islands are unpopulated now, but before the government moved out the residents due to the declining population and harsh nature of life on the Islands it was a place steeped with a rich culture.
A pamphlet showing what you’ll see in the Blasket Islands if you went and toured it today was also included.
Bog Buddies Real Irish Turf Stack - Retail Value $11.61 USD (€10.00)
This right here is premium quality Irish dirt from a bog in the heart of Ireland. Turf like this was extremely important to life on the Blasket Islands as it was used for heat, cooking, and light and Islanders only had a seasons supply at a time to rely on. At the encouragement of the box instructions I light one piece of the turf, and once the flame caught it started to slowly smolder similar to an incense stick. I thought the smell was pretty similar to an American campfire without the wood scent, and overall it was actually quite pleasant to experience my own little Irish fire in the heart of Louisiana.
Feadog Tin Whistle, Retail Value $6.91 USD (€5.95)
This tin whistle is a key instrument in traditional Irish music! When I was in elementary school I took an elective to learn how to play the recorder, and according to MyIrelandBox Irish, schoolchildren similarly take lessons on this whistle! MyIrelandBox also included a link to a recommended Youtube video so I too can learn how to play this traditional Irish whistle.
Twenty Years a Growing by Maurice O’Sullivan, Retail Value $9.95
Since the focus of this month's box is on the Blasket Islands it should be no surprise that a book was included whose author grew up on the Islands! This was originally written in Gaelic and later translated into English, and it is filled with stories of Irish traditions, culture, and folklore. I thought this was an interesting read about an island I previously never knew existed! From Amazon:
In telling the story of his youth, Maurice O'Sullivan uses a style derived from the folk tales he learned from his grandfather and sharpened by his own lively imagination. Though he wrote simply for his own pleasure and for the entertainment of his friends--without any thought of a wider audience--O'Sullivan now enjoys a devoted following of readers who appreciate what E.M Forster praised as the "gaiety and magic" of this book.
Music and Song From The Blasket Islands by Claddagh Records – Retail Value $9.99
I haven’t gotten an actual CD in a loooong time—everything is digital now! The only cd player I actually own is in my truck, so I listened to this on my way to work. I haven't listened to the full CD, but I enjoyed the fast-paced fiddle and whistle that dominated the songs. These songs were created by the people who lived on the Blasket Islands, which means these songs have been around for more than a few generations!
The Blaskets Booklet by Padraig Ua Maoileoin
This booklet is written in both Gaelic and English and it contains a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Blasket Islands. This booklet is also peppered throughout with photos- this book really is a step back into history.
Verdict: This was an interesting first box from MyIrelandBox - I certainly wasn’t expecting to see dirt when I opened up the box! Overall, though, I did think this was a fun way to learn about the Blasket Islands. My only complaint is I wish there was an additional item in the box—the box costs $55.50 ($45 a month plus $10.50) and I estimate receiving $38.46 worth of products not including the booklet. I think an additional item would have rounded out the box well.
To Wrap Up:
Can you get this box if you sign up today? If you sign up today you will get the August box, which is “Old Irish Farm” themed.
Coupon - Get a bonus gift in your first 3- or 6-month subscription box! No code required.
Value Breakdown: This box costs $45 + $10.50 shipping, which means that each of the 5 items in the box has an average cost of $11.10.
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