Father’s Day can be a tricky one.

Most dads have reached that stage in life where they insist they don’t want anything, but we know they’re secretly hoping someone has put at least a little bit of thought into it.

Happily, the days of novelty mugs and emergency socks are long behind us. Irish dads today are a varied bunch — some are happiest on a golf course, others in the garden, at the barbecue, halfway up a mountain, or simply sitting down with a decent coffee and a few minutes of peace.

So whether you’re buying for a gadget lover, a foodie, a bookworm or the dad who already seems to own everything, we’ve rounded up some Father’s Day gifts that he’ll actually enjoy — and might even thank you for on June 21st.

For the coffee-and-bookshop dad

Spend some time choosing a beautifully bound notebook, a fancy pen, a quirky book or a bestseller from Vibes & Scribes on Lavitt’s Quay. Pair it with speciality coffee beans from a local roaster (hit Cork Coffee Roasters – grab a bag of Morning Growler), and you’ve got an effortlessly lovely gift.

You can also order coffee from top-notch Cork companies like West Cork Coffee and Stone Valley Roasters online and browse beautiful handmade notebooks and diaries from Cork City-based Badly Made Books here.

For the dad who enjoys a cocktail

Buy him a voucher for a Cork food tour or an experience, such as Rebel City Distillery’s Gin and Cheese Tasting. They’ll guide him through a tasting of Maharani Gin paired with a curated selection of high-quality local artisan cheeses, with Spanish gildas and extra bites designed to bring out the best in every flavour. Grab a ticket for yourself, too, and enjoy it together.

The Rebel City Distillery’s Gin and Cheese Tasting is on the first Wednesday of every month, 6.30pm. €35 per person. 

For the car-obsessed dad 

One of those clever gifts that keeps on giving, Irish company Max Benjamin’s “Dodici” Car Fragrance is a premium-but-practical pressie that brings a touch of luxury to everyday driving.

Inspired by the idyllic landscapes of Italy, this gorgeous citrus and herbal scent will greet him with a blast of Mediterranean summer every time he opens the car door. A bargain at €20, the Dodici Car fragrance Set comes with a dispenser and four refills, each refill lasting 30 days.

Buy it: €20 at maxbenjamin.com and in select stores nationwide.

For the foodie dad

A bottle of small-batch Irish hot sauce is always a winner. For a true chilli lover, you could collect a bottle or two from Cork Chilli Company (On the Pig’s Back, Douglas and Mr Bells at the English Market), and another from Brazen Chilli (Bakestone on Perry Street and most SuperValu stores).

A hamper of Cork-produced cheeses, chutneys, and charcuterie is an easy one to put together. Hit the English Market and choose his favourites, adding olives and pickles and smoked cheese from the Real Olive Company and extra bits and bobs from The Roughty Foodie.

For the garden-and-fire dad

A stylish fire pit, Japanese pruning shears, or a BBQ accessory? The Pavilion Garden Centre in Ballygarvan stocks barbecue and outdoor-living gifts that feel a bit more special than standard gardening gear. Treat him to a Bluetooth meat thermometer or a pizza stone, or make his day with special specimen plant or an architectural tree.

A voucher could do the trick, too, and it can also be used for lunch in the Glasshouse Restaurant.

 

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For the pure Cork dad

Niamh McCarthy’s fun prints are guaranteed to bring back nostalgic memories of Cork childhoods and special days. You can browse her designs and illustrations of Tanora bottles, 99s, pints of Beamish and Barry’s Tea via Yellow Lion Studio or pick up a print at the Nano Nagle Place gift shop on Douglas Street, Cork City.