Would you believe that in Ireland, slipping into your slippers is almost as culturally engrained as enjoying your first cup of Barry’s Tea? Pop round to any Irish home and you’re just as likely to be greeted by a smiling host in their cosiest pair of slippers as by the smell of a fresh scone. Forget the old idea that slippers are only for granddads or lazy Sundays—around the Emerald Isle, they’re the unofficial uniform for comfort lovers, quirky personalities, and, yes, even a handful of celebrities. But who is really famous for wearing slippers? The answers may surprise you, and you’ll find yourself eyeing your own battered pair in a new light by the end.

Slippers in Irish Homes: More Than Just Footwear

Slippers have woven themselves into the fabric of Irish daily life in ways outsiders might find endearingly odd. It isn’t just about keeping your toes toasty—though, let’s be honest, with a winter that can last half the year in Donegal, that counts for a lot. The real magic is cultural. In many Irish homes, there’s an unspoken rule: shoes off at the door, slippers on. It’s a gesture of hospitality and homey respect, one that never goes out of fashion. From a young age, Irish people are encouraged to have a 'pair by the fire' ready to swap into after a rainy walk or a chilly GAA training session. Ask around Dublin or Cork, and you’ll hear names like Dunnes Stores, Penneys, and O’Neills—these brands are practically slipper royalty, making soft soles in every style from tartan to fake fur.

If you’ve visited friends or family in Ireland, maybe you’ve noticed the guest basket at the door, stocked with slippers in every imaginable size. This isn’t some marketing trick, either. It goes back to the belief that the simple act of sliding your feet into slippers is an invitation to relax, chat, and stay a bit longer. Nanna might even scold you for not wearing yours and threaten you with a cold if you walk on tiles barefoot. According to consumer stats from Bord Bia in 2024, almost 70% of Irish households have a dedicated space for slippers and indoor footwear—a staggering figure when compared to European neighbours.

There’s also a fascinating link between slipper culture and Irish weather. Rain falls an average of 225 days a year along the west coast, and even city dwellers know better than to trek muddy boots across Mammy’s fresh kitchen floor tiles. The slipper is both peace offering and practicality, born from a love for clean homes and cozy rituals. That’s why you’ll spot locals in places like Galway or Sligo popping into the shop in fleece-lined mules, a habit passed down and lovingly maintained.

Famous Slipper Wearers: Irish Icons and their Slip-On Style

If you think slipper fandom stops at the granny next door, think again. Irish celebrities have never been shy when it comes to championing the cozy cause—sometimes making headlines doing so. Michael D. Higgins, for example, is not only the beloved President of Ireland, but has also become something of an icon for his love of comfort, often seen at informal occasions in his favourite simple slippers. During the lockdowns of 2020, a photo of Higgins plodding around Áras an Uachtaráin in sheep’s wool slippers went viral. It led to a short-lived craze: the 'Higgins Slipper' sold out in shops like Kilkenny Design within days. Genuinely, it was a reminder that famous or not, every Irish soul craves a little comfort at home.

It’s not just politicians either. Musicians like Hozier, who grew up in Bray, have posted candid Instagram snaps lounging in what looked like classic brown moccasin slippers. Their relaxed, creative vibe felt instantly relatable to Irish fans. Comedians such as Dara Ó Briain have openly confessed on Irish radio how he writes his best sets from the comfort of a battered old pair, and he even joked about slippers being the unofficial uniform for the stand-up circuit outside Dublin.

TV personalities are also fans. Ryan Tubridy, for years the face of 'The Late Late Show', did several behind-the-scenes call-ins during storms from his home in Dalkey—keen-eyed viewers instantly spotted his blue tartan slippers in the background. You know a trend is real when presenters wear them while prepping for RTÉ shows. In fact, there’s a running joke in Irish media that you can’t really call yourself a veteran broadcaster until you’ve hosted something wearing slippers under the table.

Iconic Slipper Brands and Irish-Made Styles

Ask a local where to buy slippers in Ireland, and the choices range from practical to pure luxury. The classics are everywhere: Penneys in Dublin stocks piles of fluffy, affordable slippers perfect for stocking fillers. Dunnes Stores, with their family-friendly approach, often offer limited seasonal collections—think shamrock-printed slippers for Paddy’s Day or reindeer in December. But there’s a thriving Irish artisan scene too. West Cork’s Slippers.ie produces handmade sheepskin slippers, beloved for their all-weather durability. Their sales soared after being featured on 'Nationwide', especially with the growing appetite for local Irish products post-Brexit.

Not to forget Galway-based Aran Woollen Mills, which makes some of the comfiest knitted slippers this side of the River Corrib. Their intricate patterns nod to traditional Aran jumpers, marrying old-school craft with proper toes-to-heels comfort. Many of these small Irish businesses had a banner year in 2024, as more locals shopped online and sent slippers to relatives stuck abroad. A survey run by IrishCentral in 2025 found that nearly 35% of expats listed ‘slippers from home’ among their most-missed items from Ireland—proof that a simple pair really tugs at the heartstrings.

Irish slipper culture also pays homage to sustainability. With a huge push on eco-friendly products, recycled and ethically-produced slippers are now easy to find. Brands like Glerups (originally Danish, but now extremely popular in Ireland) source wool sustainably and have teamed up with local Irish wool suppliers. The rise of 'slow fashion' has made people more conscious of buying something that lasts, not just for today’s fire but for winters ahead. If you’re hoping to support a home-grown business or spoil someone, keep an eye out for weekend pop-up craft fairs at the National Museums, Temple Bar markets, or even the Kilkenny Shop’s Christmas events where the slipper selection multiplies like rabbits.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Slipper in Ireland’s Unique Climate

It’s all fun and games until the heating bill hits you in January. Anyone living through a proper Irish winter (or ‘soft’ July) will know that slippers aren’t just for style—they’re your best defence against cold feet and even worse moods. Here’s what to keep in mind next time you’re slipper shopping, whether that’s online from a small Irish maker or thumbing through the racks at Penneys.

• Material matters: Wool and sheepskin top the list for most Irish residents. Not only do they insulate against chilly floors, but they wick away moisture if you get caught dashing outside. Synthetic fleeces are grand too if you want something animal-friendly and light for summer months.
• Support and sole:
• If you fancy a ramble into the garden or up to the local shop, look for slippers with a non-slip sole. Nothing ruins a comfy moment like a wet patch or a tumble.
• Fit and comfort: Don’t be tempted by an oversized slipper, no matter how cute those bunny ears are. Snug but not tight keeps you both warm and safe.
• Style for all seasons: Open-backed mules are handy for popping in and out, but if you’re in a draughty old house, a full slipper boot that hugs your ankles will keep the cold at bay.
• Mind the brand: Buying Irish-made slippers isn’t just patriotic, it’s practical. You know they’re built for this weather, from soggy hallways to freezing sitting rooms.
• For gifting: Slippers are a classic present, especially at Christmas or for someone moving into a new home. Many shops offer gift wrapping, but you can personalise it by picking up slippers in their favourite county GAA colours, adding a cheeky card, or even tucking in a sachet of turf-smelling potpourri for the ultimate Irish touch.

Irish people might groan about becoming ‘auld ones’ for loving their slippers, but the evidence says otherwise. A 2024 YouGov poll showed that three in five folks under 35 in Ireland own at least two pairs—for bedroom and downstairs. Turns out, comfort has no age limit. If you’re a tourist settling into your hotel in Kerry or an expat missing home, slipping into a pair of classic Irish slippers is like a hug for your whole day. So whether it’s the slippers Ireland has made famous, or the quirky souls who wear them, it’s clear the humble slipper will never go out of style here.