Celtic Traditions

Very organized and inveting store that sell quality products imported from Scotland. This is the real deal store if you’re looking for something authentic, no imitations here. The gentleman at the til was nice and the prices were reasonable for what they are. Lots of sweaters.

An authentically unique Vancouver place –
I’ve lamented the decline of Kitsilano over the years, especially in the Broadway area, as niche shops and folksy hangouts disappear and nail salons and ramen take up the space. .. not that I mind having my nails done, or a decent bowl of the noodles, but they’re multiplying rapidly. Black Swan Records, Yoka’s coffee … so many wonderful shops, with the personal touch of expertise and distinctive taste, have gone away…
Celtic Traditions, formerly Celtic Woolens, still stands — and the neighbourhood is all the better for it. Run by the husband and wife team of Michael and Lynn, this establishment has survived the frenzy of ‘Lord of the Dance’ faddishness by providing quality, authentic items from the isles. This is not some twee token shop of plastic Guinness magnets and ‘Irish Only’ parking signs — they carry unbelievably beautiful knits from regions of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland: knitters can delight in the patterns and styles, and true appreciators of old world drop spindles and soft wearing jumpers will find some really exquisite pieces. Michael does not carry the usual whack of oatmeal coloured Aran cardigans that are so common to shops that carry Irish clothing. These are artisan level designs that he has personally sought out from the Shetlands down to Clare in selecting the most distinctive and gorgeous designs. He also carries excellent jewellery from the great line of St Justin’s, who make amazing pieces based on artefacts found in passage tombs and so forth from pagan era Ireland and Cornwall.
Also worth noting is the top notch music school they have in the store: harp, fiddle, bodhrán, voice, concertina. .. taught by session players with real expertise in folk music. THere’s nothing else like it in Vancouver, and we’re very fortunate that they’re here.
A truly distinctive shop that deserves our patronage.