Shop FrontFurniture and home accessories aren't something most people would think about buying over the Internet. But don't dismiss a two-month old website called eastofboston.com (despite the name it's based in Co Cork).

It was set up by John and Barbara O'Mahony, second generation Irish who moved from Boston five years ago. "There's nothing twee about these crafts," says John O'Mahony. "We've tried to gather together the best Irish design in a way no store has been able to before."

On the site you'll find some familiar names, such as Eric Pearce, and some you might not have heard of, such as Joseph Walsh. It doesn't replace actually seeing the goods "in the flesh" but it could be a very handy way to send a particularly Irish present to someone overseas.

www.eastofboston.com