Gift Shop Celebrates Irish Heritage for St. Patrick's Day [Photos]

The upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 17 is special for Ashley E. Rooney for various reasons, but even more special because she now has a shop full of Irish gifts and crafts she can showcase. 

Rooney is the owner of Celtic Aer Gift Shop, which she opened in October 2010 in Mohegan Lake. Her father Patrick, who was born in Fermanagh County in Ireland, has owned the property which houses the shop for the last 20 years. 

"It felt right opening an Irish gift shop," said Rooney, who had always dreamed of being a business owner.

Throughout the store she plays soft and traditional Irish music to showcase her heritage. 

As an Irish-import shop owner, Rooney said she strives to carry a selection of the items coming out of Ireland including Aran sweaters, Irish pottery, Celtic jewelry, tweed hats. When she cannot source directly from Ireland, she said she looks for items made in the United States.

Customers can also purchase jams, biscuits and teas imported from Ireland, as well as a variety of items to help them celebrate St. Patrick's Day and wave the Irish flag at a parade. 

"What it comes down to for me, [St. Patrick's Day] is celebrating my heritage that links back to a country 40 shades of green, full of the happiest and friendliest people in the world," Rooney said. "And eating as much Irish soda bread as I can handle."

For more information on Celtic Aer Gift Shop, check out their website, like them on Facebook, and find them on Pinterest. 

The Celtic Aer Gift Shop is located at 1451 Strawberry Road in Mohegan Lake. It's open every day this week from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information call (914) 526-3361.

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