Arts and Crafts
Nicholas Mosse Factory
Nicholas Mosse is one of Kilkenny’s – and Ireland’s – best known craftspeople. Nicholas Mosse pottery is made in an ancient mill on the River Nore in the magnificent village of Bennettsbridge.
Visitors can watch the skilled potters and decorators at work as the signature pieces of patterned pottery are created using techniques that date back to the 18th Century. There is an on-site shop, which sells beautiful homewares along with the full range of pottery and factory seconds. A highlight is the café, offering stunning views of the River Nore or in the outside seating area overlooking the River. (13 kms)
Moth to the Flame
Established by Larry Kinsella in 1999, Moth to a Flame make a range of distinctive handmade candles beside the river in Bennettsbridge. See lots of different candles in production in the workshop and buy your favourites in the studio shop. (13 kms)
Jerpoint Glass
For almost 40 years, glass designers at Jerpoint Glass have created a unique collection of handmade glassware from their craft studio near the village of Stonyford, where you can see one of Ireland’s only glassblowing studio where traditional handcraft techniques that are almost 2,000 years old are still used.
Alongside a small team of master glass-blowers, the Leadbetter family have built Jerpoint into an internationally recognised and iconic brand, where the glassware could be spotted in movies such as the Harry Potter series and the popular BBC TV series Poldark. (24 kms)
The Craft Yard at Castlecomer Discovery Park
It is little surprise that visitors to the yard are forever in awe of the quality Irish craft on show here. Some of Ireland’s most innovative craftspeople are based here and they all craft on site. From potters to ceramicists and jewellers, each studio shop offers an opportunity to meet the maker in what is a refreshing and eye opening experience that will delight any craft enthusiast. You can also enjoy a visit to the Café on site. (24 kms)
The National Design & Craft Gallery
The National Design & Craft Gallery is the only dedicated design and craft gallery in the country and Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design can be found opposite Kilkenny Castle. There are ongoing exhibitions, events and education programmes and they all play a critical role in building an understanding of craft and material culture in Ireland. The gallery exhibits Irish and international designers, artists and makers who push boundaries in their engagement with the making process. It inspires appreciation, creativity and innovation through its exhibition and education programmes. (20 kms)
Rudolf Heltzel
An icon of Irish craft and design Rudolf Heltzel was one of the finest designers worldwide, he was originally from Berlin, Germany. In 1968 he opened Rudolf Heltzel working as an independent designer and maker of high-end jewellery and holloware with a studio in Kilkenny, where his son Christopher and his co-workers and apprentices still work today. (20 kms)
Cushendale Woollen Mills
The Cushen family have been making high quality textiles from the fleece of Irish sheep at their mill in Graignamanagh, since the late 1700s. This family run business takes pride in preserving the skills of the textile trade. Their expertise produces beautiful natural-fibre textiles in mohair, Irish wool & lambswool. A pre-booked guided tour gives you the rare opportunity to see traditional craft skills in action, the magic of turning Irish sheep’s’ fleece into a quality finished product. You can also view the full range of Cushendale products in their adjacent mill shop. (26 kms)
Note: Distance shown is from Killure Cottages.
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