Come to County Kilkenny – Ireland’s capital of craft
Medieval Kilkenny city has long been associated with design excellence in Ireland hosting a vibrant community of designer-makers and home to the renowned Kilkenny Design Centre and Ireland’s only dedicated design and craft gallery.
And with internationally recognized 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 recognition in Europe.
A trip to County Kilkenny is a delight for those who value the skills and talent of artisans working across pottery, glass, jewelry, 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 beautiful handcrafted piece.
If you fancy trying your hand at pottery or jewelry 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 jewelry makers Eimear Vize or Friederike Grace. Here you will learn how to carve a ring in a special jewelry-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 outlet stocks an unrivalled selection of Irish handcrafted gifts sourced from Ireland’s most eminent craftspeople and designers.
Kilkenny also has a strong artisanal food scene and a great way to discover locally produced goods is at a farmers’ market where you can sample the fare before you buy. The city is also famous as the home of Smithwick’s ale and at the entertaining Smithwick’s Experience you can discover the history of the brew which dates back to the thirteenth century.
Besides being Ireland’s craft capital, Kilkenny is also steeped in history and a visit to city should include taking a guided tour of the Medieval Mile which runs through the center of the city linking the thirteenth-century St Canice’s Cathedral and the 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.
Are You Interested in Bringing Your Group to Ireland?
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