This Christmas GALWAYnow are making supporting local easy. We are passionate about showcasing the talent and hard work from businesses that are right on your doorstep. From Irish fashion and design to getaways and top beauty brands, we have put together our Ultimate Gifting and Shop Local Guides to inspire your festive purchases! Today, we are shining a spotlight on local art, craft and design featuring stunning paintings, personalised ornaments and unique gift ideas for your loved ones this Christmas.
Cuckoo Craft and Design
Cuckoo craft and design are a mother and daughter run gift shop in the beautiful seaside town of Kinvara. Sourcing unique and bespoke products from Irish Artists and designers, the shop gives a nod to Irish nostalgia blended with a contemporary style. Whether you are looking for unique blankets, textiles, soaps, candles, jewellery or accessories, Cuckoo Craft and Design stock a broad range of thoughtful gift ideas. Known for its fabulous window displays, Cuckoo craft and design has become a destination shop with customers from all over Ireland visiting this treasure trove for a unique Irish gift.
Main St, Dungory West, Kinvarra, 087 190 1407, cuckoodesign.shop
Sallyann Beirne
Contemporary painter, Sallann Beirne paints from her studio nestled in the idyllic countryside of East Galway, near Loughrea. A professional member of Visual Artist Ireland (VAI), her work has been widely exhibited throughout Ireland and is held in many private collections nationally and worldwide. Sallyann is a qualified teacher and runs workshops and teaches painting from her Studio throughout the year (which could make the perfect gift idea for the art enthusiast in your life or indeed as a treat to yourself!). Sallyann’s work is available to purchase via exhibiting galleries or her website and she also accepts commissions for those of you seeking that extra special, and unique gift idea.
Loughrea, Co. Galway, sallyannbeirne.ie
Rachel Webb Ceramics
Rachel Webb is a ceramic artist based in the West of Ireland. A graduate of Fine Art in Ceramics, she applies her knowledge and skills to create unique, contemporary pieces and sculptures. Rachel’s elegant work is hand-built & crafted in her studio in Galway City with her intention and ethos to make each and every piece a work of art in its own right. Attention to detail during each stage of the making process ensures a high end finish to her beautiful work. From her ever popular Connemara Raindrop photo holders, delicate tea light holders and impactful sculptural vases, to her seasonal Christmas ornaments, Rachel’s work represents and reflects a respect for the material and a unique sense of design & craftsmanship.
Lorraine Fletcher
Wildlife Artist Lorraine Fletcher, creates vivid and fabulously striking contemporary art from her studio in Galway. Her elegant wildlife-inspired pieces are original and unique artworks composed with acrylic on canvas, some of which are then embellished with gold and copper leaf. Why not gift someone special with a modern, nature-inspired artwork or choose from a wide range of limited edition prints and giftware? Explore Lorraine’s designs of majestic foxes, owls, stags and add an element of nature to your home or to a loved one this Christmas.
0871941941, lorrainefletcherartstudio.com
Cotton On
Cotton On online store specialises in personalised embroidered Gifts creating lasting memories. Owner Maura Glynn has spent over 27 years creating personalised embroidery gifts before taking on ownership of Cotton on from previous proprietor Ann Mellotte. Her store is now solely online with an extensive range of gift ideas for birthdays, christenings, corporate, baby gifts and more. Cotton.ie have a wonderful range of personalised Christmas gifts for you to choose from including stockings, blankets and Christmas bundle gift sets. Customers are advised to get their orders in early for this busy season so as to avoid disappointment!
087 453 3727, cottonon.ie
Connemara Blue
Founded in 2010 by established glass artist Ben Crow and with a strong focus on contemporary design, Connemara Blue create unique, kiln fused glass art pieces inspired by the beautiful Connemara landscape. The team are passionate about creating art to suit all budgets and craft all of their stunning pieces lovingly by hand in their Clifden based workshop. There are a wide variety of gift ideas available such as wall art, framed art, vases, clocks and decorations, perfect for the design and craft enthusiasts in your life. As well as their own glass pieces, Connemara Blue also offer a bespoke design service and international shipping with items available both online and instore.
The Pink House, Market Square, Clifden, (095) 30782, connemarablue.ie
Beadin’ Deadly
Were you one of the many people bitten by the sea swimming bug this year or do you know someone who was?! This may be the perfect gift for them or anyone that’s been brave enough to take the leap at Blackrock this year. This beautiful piece is handmade by Sandy Cuffe using fuse beads. A graphic designer, Sandy takes inspiration from many different aspects of life but pop culture and typography are her biggest influences. Many other unique pieces of art such as coasters, key rings, earrings and pins are also available and her charming work can be found at the Umbrella Eile Market, in Woodquay on Sundays.
Umbrella Eile Market, Woodquay, Sundays 11am – 5pm.
Adrienne M Finnerty
Contemporary Abstract Artist Adrienne M Finnerty aspires to create uplifting works of joy which enrich both the eye & the soul. Adrienne’s work is strikingly individualistic, rich in colour, texture & form and evokes deep emotion. Her painting style is intuitive, abstract and informed by her positive outlook on life. Inspired by the sea & the rugged beauty of the Connemara landscape Adrienne paints daily in her Eden Cottage Studio in An Spidéal. She also exhibits internationally, recently showing in Paris, USA, Athens, Italy & Germany with upcoming shows in India & Australia. You can find her work in local Galway stores such as 2 Wild Geese or Get Furnished or through her Instagram page.
Eden Cottage Studio, Spiddal, 087 6338053
Carol Kelly Artwork
Carol Kelly is a professional Irish Artist/Enamelist from the west of Ireland creating bespoke handcrafted personalised gifts made from recycled copper, engraved and fired with enamel glass. Her unique technique allows her to create unique and vibrant decorate eye catching pieces that are fade resistant. These pieces have the power to enhance one’s mood and capture unique life events like weddings, birthdays, newborn babies, thank you gifts and more. Her range of products include wall art, unique jewellery and large abstract paintings and each piece can be personalized with your own message making them a perfect Christmas gift.
0879041904, carolkellyartwork.ie
Surname Crest
Surnamecrest.com are best known for their personalised hand-crafted plaques, prints and framed ceramics decorated with family crests (coat-of-arms). These decorative pieces are a popular choice among those who are searching for a thoughtful wedding, anniversary or family name gift. The latest creations are a range of thoughtful and fun ceramic ornaments for family and friends. They can be personalised with names and dates and are made with the greatest of care and attention. These Christmas ornaments come with a free gift card and envelope, all presented in an attractive Christmas themed jute burlap gift-bag. Full of colour and packed with love and affection, these gifts keep on giving year after year.
Main street, Eyrecourt, (0)91 565 990, surnamecrest.com
2 Wild Geese
2 Wild Geese is an emporium of Irish Art and Design located on Cross Street in the Heart of Galway city. Perfect for gifts and home design, it offers a diverse range of products and gift ideas such as original art, prints, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, candles, wooden products and bags. Passionate about supporting local and Irish designers and makers, everything in the store is designed and made in Ireland with the majority being produced locally in the west of Ireland.
13 Cross Street Upper, Kirwan’s Ln, Galway, (091) 339 196, 2wildgeese.ie
