Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate, whether you’re Irish or not.

While I do have some Irish tableware, surprisingly, I hadn’t acquired any teacups over the years. So, just as I did for Christmas, I ventured into the eBay universe and found two, slightly used teacups and saucers with the Shamrock design for a terrific price. They are in beautiful condition!

All of my Irish pieces are from the iconic Belleek Pottery, located in the quaint village of Belleek in Co. Fermanagh, Ireland on the banks of the River Erne. They’ve been around for over 160 years.

My cake stand, plate, and teapot are from the Belleek Claddagh Tableware collection, featuring the iconic Claddagh motif. The Claddagh motif represents love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). It is a traditional Irish symbol often used in jewelry, particularly in Claddagh rings.

And now, my two new teacups and saucers are from the Belleek Shamrock Tableware collection, with its basketweave design, first created in the 1880s. The pattern is based on the weave used in wickerwork baskets. The design also cleverly uses the stems of the shamrocks to shape features like the handles and details of the cups and saucers. The stems/handles are extremely delicate and beautifully shaped.

The tea of choice was an Irish Breakfast tea gifted to me last year. It’s from a small spice/tea company, Teas by Milly, in New York. The tea is a blend of Chester and Assam teas. I’m not sure what “Chester” means, so I have reached out to the owner to find out. The bold and malty blend was a nice contrast to the extra sweet cake I served.

My sweet treat was a homemade Guinness Chocolate Cake from my online friend Jean from Delightful Repast. This decadent and fantastically moist cake was very easy to make and a hit with the hubby. The cake was topped with buttercream frosting, edible, sugared shamrock candies and the most adorable Irish Garden Gnome I’ve ever seen! 

We will also enjoy some Guinness and perhaps a wee dram of whisky. My husband has already enjoyed a corned beef and cabbage dinner, although what the Irish considered corned beef and cabbage, is far removed from what we as American’s know it to be today. It’s not really an Irish thing.

Sláinte (an Irish toast to your health) Learn how to pronounce it.

“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” 

– Irish Blessing