The Best Craft Shops In County Cork

Philip Pearse opened Shanagarry Pottery in 1953 in his own home. More than 60 years later, the brand is still going strong, his legacy being continued and furthered by his son Stephen. Now running both Shanagarry Pottery and his own enterprise, Stephen Pearce Pottery, Stephen Pearce is one of Ireland’s most successful craftspeople. Using clay dug from the banks of the nearby Blackwater River in Youghal, he and his team of artisans create earthenware that is in demand across the world. Shanagarry Pottery is open to visit seven days a week, with a tea room open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. While in the area, also visit the Ballymaloe Shop, which stocks wool blankets, kitchen and dining textiles and a range of other craft items.

Cork city’s independent Lavit Gallery was established over 50 years ago by a group of artists eager to bring their work and that of others to the people of Cork. Today, the gallery showcases hundreds of artists and craftspeople. Their craft collection promotes pieces by artists working in Ireland such as Sligo-based woodturner Matt Jones and ceramicist Andrew Ludick, whose studio is in Kilkenny. The extensive range at The Lavit also covers glasswork, wall art, clay sculpture, prints and more.

Mamukko in Kinsale is the brainchild of two Hungarian brothers, Levente and Attila Magyar. This multi-award winning sustainable venture utilises pieces of sails and life rafts to create beautiful, limited edition bags, wallets, wash bags and even furniture. From a blue holdall crafted from canvas to a round footstool made of mylar sail and brown upholstery leather, this is the place to go for something truly unique, sustainable and beautifully made.

This award-winning store lies between Clonakilty and Skibbereen in the village of Connonagh, in a building that was once a provender’s mill. Calling itself ‘an oasis of unusual-ness’, this charming shop run by a couple called Tom and Claire won an Irish Times Best Craft/Gift Shop award for 2016. It is also listed in Sally and John McKenna’s Bridgestone Guide 2016 of the best places to eat, stay and shop. Offering everything from ceramics to leather fly-swatters, from kitchenware to lighting and furniture, this place has it all.

This West Cork-based outfit focuses on hand-made work by local craftspeople, with members including Sharon Rose Designer Knitwear, woodcraft artist Richard Henderson and Mairi Stone ceramics. Trading from The Morris Gallery on Townsend St in Skibbereen, West Cork Crafts is co-operatively run, and their stock changes three times a year. Incorporating crochet, textiles, silver jewellery and photography, to name just a few, this impressive collection proudly displays what makers in West Cork can do.

The Craft Shop in Bantry has been around for over 40 years, stocking high-quality handmade Irish craft. Dealing in leather items, jewellery, woodturning, pottery, textiles, candles, metalwork and more, this shop is truly worth the venture into the west. (Of course, the spectacular scenery doesn’t hurt either.) Owner Christine does a monthly round-up of her favourite items from the store on the website. Current selections include funky felt lights by West Cork felt maker Helen Stringer, a trifold iron candleholder by Paddy McCormack and a ‘healing pot’ by Geoffrey Healy.

And finally, if you’re more of a doer than a shopper, Cork Art Supplies in the city centre has everything you could ever need to create your own crafts and be on your way to being featured in one of the shops above. Stocking the items needed for model making and sculpture, painting and drawing, and most other artistic pursuits, it has oil paints and pastels, pens and markers, spray paint, as well as every kind of brush and canvas. This treasure trove of creative merchandise is a mecca for those who love to make.