Calling on a tradition of Celtic design that goes back to the Irish crosses and beyond, craftspeople throughout Ireland are creating contemporary designs with an Irish twist in everything from woodturning to jewellery. And many makers have opened their doors to visitors! Don't miss your chance to include that very special craft experience while on holiday in Ireland.
There are so many studios and workshops all over Ireland where you can see skilled artisans at work: ceramicists and jewellers, fabric artists and furniture designers, quilters and basket makers, all producing unique pieces and future collectibles, using natural native materials.
In Connemara, Joe Hogan makes baskets from willows grown at Loch na Fooey. Visitors to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise should make a point of stopping at Celtic Roots Studio in Ballinahown where handcrafted sculptures are made from bog oak that is over 5,000 years old. Nicholas Mosse’s pottery celebrates the simplicity of Irish spongeware, while each piece in Louis Mulcahy’s workshop on the spectacularly beautiful Dingle peninsula is made by hand.
Craft Trails
There are certain areas around the country where the craft tradition is particularly strong, and visitors can now avail of one of the many craft trails that have appeared over the last few years:
Made in Kilkenny A craft trail of 26 artisan makers located all within stones throw of the home of the Irish craft tradition.
West Cork Craft & Design Guild. 21 craftmakers situated in the stunning surrounds of West Cork, also known as a foodie and sailing paradise!
Leitrim Design House. Follow this craft trail through the drumlins and lakes of County Leitrim.
Made in Sligo. Whether you're into jewellery, ceramics or furniture, find it all here in Yeats Country.
South Wexford Craft Network. Take a trip around the sunny South East to see some fine craft on offer.
Visitors should also make a stop at one of the many galleries who showcase the wealth of local craft in their areas, such as:
Louth Craftmark at Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda, bringing the rich variety of craft in the wee county to the public.
Ceardlann Spiddal Craft & Design Centre, Galway. Come and visit the 10 craft makers who design, create and sell their work here on the premises.
The Kerry Craft Trails (1MB PDF). The coastal county of Kerry has always had a very strong craft tradition. Now visitors can get closer to the creative side of Kerry by taking one of the three new Kerry Craft Trails.
For more information on craft in Ireland and for listings of makers who offer courses, please visit the website of the Crafts Council of Ireland.