The Final Draft > The Best of Kilkenny’s Design and Arts and Crafts Shops
The Best of Kilkenny’s Design and Arts and Crafts Shops
The Best of Kilkenny’s Design and Arts and Crafts Shops
What’s On in Kilkenny
Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Kilkenny is a treasure trove of creativity and craftsmanship. Kilkenny has always had design in its DNA, and the arts, crafts, and design scene has burgeoned since the Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW) first opened its doors in 1963, in the stable yard opposite Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny’s excellence in design and craft is of such high calibre that it has been designated as a World Crafts Council Craft City and Region, one of only five European locations to hold the prestigious title. And of course, on top of all that, it's the place where Smithwick’s was created!
Today, Kilkenny is home to a fantastic array of creative businesses from all over the world, and it hosts the headquarters of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland. In 2011, the National Design & Craft Gallery opened to become Ireland’s primary hub for design and craft. Best of all, if you’re visiting Kilkenny, you couldn’t ask for a better selection of shops and centres where you can find beautiful, high-quality things to put on your body, in your home, or to gift to your loved ones. Here are five that you won’t want to miss.
Kilkenny Design Centre
The Kilkenny Design Workshops, as they were established in 1963 by the Irish government, are no longer there, but what remains is the marvellous Kilkenny Design Centre. Kilkenny Design has grown so much since the 60s, with stores open all over Ireland, but the store here in Kilkenny is its original home. A true showcase for the best of Irish craftsmanship, Kilkenny Design offers high-quality textiles, jewellery, pottery and ceramics, books, art prints, beauty and bath products, homeware, and much more. Quality really is the name of the game here, and you’ll only find excellent, elegant products from Ireland’s most talented designers. With everything from soft handwoven throws made from the finest Irish wool to incredible Irish organic cosmetics and wellness products, Kilkenny Design is a must-see for finding fantastic gifts and souvenirs.
Nicholas Mosse Pottery
Just a short drive away from Kilkenny City in Bennettsbridge, Nicholas Mosse Pottery is a beautiful workshop and shop set in a charming old mill. Mosse has been making pottery for four decades, and with his wife Susan’s artistic direction, they have developed a beautiful brand and a style that draws its inspiration from the hedgerows and wildflowers of the local area. The pottery is made with love and made for loved ones to share meals together. The patterns are applied to the pieces by hand, using the age-old ‘cut sponge’ tradition, which dates back to the 18th century. The decorators working at the workshop individually sponge dab Susan’s beautiful patterns onto each piece of pottery, as part of a 20-step process that each and every piece of Nicholas Mosse undergoes in its fully hand-crafted production. Visitors to the mill can watch the artisans at work as well as browse an extensive collection of plates, bowls, mugs, and more.
Cushendale Woollen Mills
The Cushendale family have been crafting their top-quality Irish textiles for six whole generations now in beautiful Graighnamanagh on the River Barrow in County Kilkenny. The Cushendale Woollen Mills story began in the 1700s and is something of a hidden gem, despite being just a 30-minute drive from the city. The family-run mill has always focused on craft, quality, colour, and cosiness, creating beautiful and luxurious scarves, throws, blankets, and more. Every item is dyed, spun, and woven on-site from locally sourced materials, and you can do a tour of the mill to see the process first-hand before picking up some beautiful, cosy pieces in the showroom!
Jerpoint Glass Studio
A short 20-minute drive from Kilkenny City will bring you to Jerpoint Glass Studio, a family-run glass-blowing studio set in a converted Dutch barn that’s been crafting stunning, colourful glasswork since 1979. Jerpoint creations are known for their distinctive palette of vibrant colours and their intricate designs, and they produce a beautiful range of items from all kinds of drinkware to homeware and even garden decorations. If you visit the studios, you can watch the master glass blowers in action and witness the magic and skill of glass blowing, gaining a real appreciation for the artistry in each piece.
Rudolf Heltzel Jewellery
Rudolf Heltzel has been crafting truly exquisite jewellery in Kilkenny since the 1960s when the Irish Export Board invited him to Ireland to set up a workshop at the Kilkenny Design Workshops that had recently been established. The workshop specialises in unique and elegant gold and silver pieces, finely crafted and often adorned with rare gemstones. The designs are contemporary and clean, distinctive to Heltzel’s style and brand. The store is full of stunning pieces, but you won’t be able to simply wander in off the street, so if you’d like to visit and take a look around, you can make an appointment in advance on the website.
What is Kilkenny Ireland known for?
Kilkenny is rich in history, arts and crafts, and culture. Not only is Kilkenny famous for having a pint or participating in beer tasting and visiting Kilkenny’s well-known brewery, but the marble city also offers an abundance of best attractions in Kilkenny that cannot be missed.