W

Kilkenny Irish Craft & Design Week takes place from October 3-9; pictured here are some of Kilkenny SHop's Irish designers L-R William Bunbury (Bunbury Boards), Vera Gaffney, Louis Mulcahy, Bláithín Ennis, Fiona Heany (Fee G).

WE ALL love a regular browse in the Kilkenny Shop as it really does live up to its name as the largest promoter of Irish design for more than half a century. As well as displaying absolutely amazing products instore, once a year it celebrates this dedication during Kilkenny Irish Craft & Design Week, which takes place from October 1-9.

A number of new initiatives are taking place this year, including a mentoring session for up-and-coming designers and design students, an Emerging Ceramic Design competition, in-store craft demonstrations and free vouchers.

This nationwide campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the very best of Irish design, honouring home-grown talent and the vast range created in Ireland, from pottery to crystal, handmade jewellery and fashion.

One such designer Kilkenny is highlighting is Kerry’s Louis Mulcahy. Louis designs and makes each one off piece. For multiples, such as tableware and lamp bases, he designs, makes and tests the prototypes, before handing over to his team of highly skilled assistants. Over the years he has continually refined his shapes and glazes for beauty and his clay body for durability.

This devotion to quality has gained worldwide recognition and the pottery has a special reputation for its large pots and rich, lustrous glazes. These special creations are available exclusively from his studio at Clogher strand west of Dingle.

The CEO of Kilkenny Group, Marian O’Gorman, said: “We are extremely proud to support Irish 12 months of the year, as this is what makes us unique from other retailers.”
She added: “This year we committed to growing our Irish suppliers by a further 5% over the next three years, which we have already commenced.”
For further information, times and schedules on Kilkenny Irish Craft & Design Week, visit https://www.kilkennyshop.com/ICDW-2016 and follow the Kilkenny Shop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live updates throughout the week – Promoting Irish design! #KICDW
 

 
Kilkenny Irish Craft & Design Week takes place from October 3-9; pictured here are some of Kilkenny SHop's Irish designers L-R William Bunbury (Bunbury Boards), Vera Gaffney, Louis Mulcahy, Bláithín Ennis, Fiona Heany (Fee G).