Come to County Kilkenny – Ireland’s capital of craft
If you’re looking for authentic Irish craftsmanship, County Kilkenny is your go-to destination.
Nicholas Mosse, Pottery Store, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny has long been associated with design excellence in Ireland, as the home of a vibrant community of designer-makers and the renowned Kilkenny Design Centre –Ireland’s only dedicated design and craft gallery.
And with internationally recognised craftspeople working across the county, it’s no wonder that the region has been designated a World Crafts Council Craft City and Region, one of only five regions to achieve this prestigious status in Europe.
A trip to County Kilkenny is a delight for those who value the skills and talent of artisans working across pottery, glass, jewellery, textiles and ceramics, creating original pieces that make wonderful souvenirs.
To see at first hand the expertise of the master crafters you can follow the Made in Kilkenny Craft Trail which lists 15 studios and shops across the county, many of which offer the chance to see the makers at work.
A tour of Cushendale Woolen Mill demonstrates how raw fleece is transformed into luxurious wool products, while at Jerpoint Glass Studio you can witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. And at Nicholas Mosse Pottery, the potters demonstrate the 20-step process required to create each beautifully handcrafted piece.
Jerpoint Glass Studio, Co Kilkenny
If you fancy trying your hand at pottery or jewellery making there are plenty of opportunities. The Happy Pottery in Kilkenny city offers short relaxing sessions where you paint, glaze and fire a piece of pre-made ceramic.
Or to learn the ancient art of wax casting, head to the workshops run by jewellery makers Eimear Vize or Friederike Grace, where you will learn how to carve a ring in a special jewellery-making wax, which will later be cast into silver.
And for those who just want to browse the craft wares to find the perfect purchase, the Kilkenny Design Centre, opposite medieval Kilkenny Castle, is the best place to start. The retail outlet stocks an unrivalled selection of Irish handcrafted gifts sourced from Ireland’s most eminent designers.
After working up an appetite perusing beautiful Irish crafts, explore Kilkenny’s strong artisanal food scene and discover locally produced goods at a farmers’ market where you can sample the fare before you buy. The city is also the home of popular Irish beer Smithwick’s ale. Discover its story at the entertaining Smithwick’s Experience, where you can learn about the history of brewing which dates back to the thirteenth century.
Market, Kilkenny City, Co Kilkenny.
Besides being Ireland’s craft capital, Kilkenny is also steeped in history and a visit should include taking a guided tour of the Medieval Mile which runs through the centre of the city linking the thirteenth-century St Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny’s Anglo-Norman castle. The Medieval Mile tour is a fascinating trip through cobblestoned streets that tells the history of the city over 800 years including tales of witches, magic and all manner of skulduggery.