Riverdale is a beautiful residential neighborhood nestled on the Hudson River only 11 miles north of Times Square, the perfect distance for many to be able to enjoy the hustle and bustle of New York City with the calm of a pretty suburb. It’s here in this neighborhood you will find Mary-Anne’s Irish Gift Shop.
Mary-Anne, a former Rose of Tralee, is in her 29th year of running the business this year. As a destination store, Mary-Anne has always felt that it was important to have a well-stocked shop with a large selection of the finest Irish design to make it a worthwhile journey from anywhere in the tri-state area. What also makes this shop unique is not only the handmade Irish crafts but also that Mary-Anne’s Shop is attached to her parents’ traditional Irish Bar and restaurant. You can step right into the bar and order one of NYC’s best pints of creamy Guinness and delicious Irish coffee, making you feel like you are in Ireland.
Mary-Anne spent her childhood in Ireland, and her love of the landscape, its people, heritage and craftsmanship took hold of her and never left. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she knew exactly what she wanted to do: gather crafts from some of the finest artisans the Emerald Isle has to offer and showcase them in NYC. She has always loved textiles, and this is plain to be see when you walk inside and see bursts of color everywhere. When speaking to Mary-Anne, you can see her eyes light up when she tells you about the different weavers, knitters and other Irish artists she represents. “Every piece has a story, and I just love sharing them with my customers. I love being able to give these extremely talented artisans a platform to be able to sell their designs here in New York City.”
This is truly a one stop shopping haven. You can find something for everyone here, whether it be a little baby Aran sweater, blanket, or a men’s traditional tweed cap, ladies’ cape, handwoven scarf, handcrafted jewelry and much more. Another thing that makes Mary-Anne’s shop unique is her ability to personalize for you on the spot, from etched crystal for a presentation piece, a baby bank with gold lettering, or hand lettered wedding blessing on a piece of Belleek China, to name a few.
“I love creating an experience for everyone who steps into my shop whether it be educating him or her about the crafts I stock, connecting them with other people in my shop or just letting them enjoy the feeling of having stepped into Ireland for a brief moment in New York City. Now that doesn’t happen just anywhere, so please do stop in for a visit.”
5694 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, New York 10471
