HURLEYS, Waterford Crystal and uilleann pipes are among the Irish products that will soon be protected by the EU.
A report issued by the European Commission has identified more than 800 items across the continent that it plans to protect – 16 of which are in Ireland.
The EU has decided to extend existing geographical indication protection to items other than food and drink – so these well-known Irish items will join the Waterford blaa and Clonakilty black pudding on the list.
Essentially, this means that reproductions of anything on the list will be considered counterfeit.
Uilleann pipes will also be protected.Hurleys and Irish crystal will now have to carry a geographical indication - a name or sign referring to the place of origin, ensuring it was made with traditional skills and local culture.
One other Irish product managed to make it on to the list of British objects too - Irish lace from the North of Ireland will now also be protected by the EU.
While that is the North’s only contribution to the list, there are 16 in the Republic.
Here is the list in full
Borris lace
Donegal tweed. Picture: Peter Christian