Caitríona Redmond: Why it's important to buy Irish and shop local when you can

Shopping local is better for our communities, economy, and the planet

Caitríona Redmond: "Buying imported food might be cheaper when you get to the till, but it has been quite the journey to get there."

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025 - 01:00

Caitríona Redmond is an Irish writer who covers food, budgeting and consumer issues, focusing on affordable living for families.

March is a month synonymous with celebrating all things Irish. Especially today, St Patrick’s Day — a national holiday full of pride and heritage.

Donald Trump recently signed a proclamation declaring March as Irish-American Heritage Month; we have parades nationally and internationally; plus we celebrate Seachtain Na Gaeilge. It can feel that early March is held in anticipation, building towards March 17, with a rapid anti-climatic swoop on the 18th when we all return to work or school, and the celebrations pass for another year.