ARTISAN IRELAND MADE WITH LOVE

A twist of yarn. A wheel of clay. A furnace of flames. Ireland’s artisan traditions run deep. Elemental and vibrant, each unique thread weaves together a tapestry of makers and doers, dreamers and creatives. From soft wool to smooth leather, fired earth to sparkling crystal, amber whiskey to smoked salmon, raw elements are coaxed and crafted on the Emerald Isle, revealing an ingrained desire to create beautiful things...

Anation of storytellers, Ireland is a place where you don’t have to look too far to find someone willing to share the secrets of their art. Around the country artisans and designers warmly welcome visitors to their workshops and ateliers, studios and smokehouses, happy to reveal the intricacies of their crafts and share their expertise. From town centres to small villages,

Ireland's finest makers and traditions abound, and Dream Escape can arrange exclusive private visits, offering an intimate behind-the-scenes experience.

If you’re drawn to beautiful things, you’ll find pleasure in the purity of Irish linen and tweed. County Donegal has long been a centre for weaving, with talented weavers like Eddie Doherty creating an inspiring place to learn about the county’s illustrious tweed tradition, right in front of your eyes. From the shearing of sheep to the manufacture of the woven cloth, a visit will reveal the secrets of their prized product. Close by, at Magee of Donegal, a heritage brand since 1866, Dream Escape can also arrange a private visit to this fifth-generation Irish family business to unearth the story of its exceptional handwoven tweed. “Established by John Magee in a small draper's shop in Donegal, this hard-wearing coarse fabric was handwoven by part-time local fishermen and farmers as the perfect fabric for the damp and cold weather,” says Rosy Temple, CEO of Magee Clothing. “A far cry from the luxurious cloths being produced today, our weaving mill in Donegal, on the banks of the River Eske, is still the beating heart of everything we do at Magee. We are proud to support a tradition of weaving and manufacturing textiles in the northwest of Ireland, bringing a contemporary edge to an ageold craft.”

Why not enjoy a bespoke fitting with a made-to-measure suit or snap up a cosy herringbone woollen throw, woven in colours that will remind you of Donegal’s rugged beauty long after your holiday has ended. Further along the Wild Atlantic Way, a stop off at The Burren in County Clare will reveal Ireland’s oldest perfumery. Here, amid the dramatic lunar landscape of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find Sadie Chowen and her team at The Burren Perfumery making natural and organic perfumes, soaps, candles and skincare products. The air is fragrant with her wonderful herb garden and fresh baking in the little tea room, but it’s the scent of wildflowers and rare botanicals that make these handmade Irish products so special. Welcoming visitors all year round, each season has its own unique appeal, Chowen explains. “We draw inspiration from the flora and beauty of The Burren landscape and thrive on sharing our knowledge of how we make our handmade products here at The Burren Perfumery.”

And it’s here, in The Burren, that you can come to learn the secrets of one of Ireland’s most celebrated delicacies: smoked salmon. You’re bound to have spotted Burren Smokehouse salmon on menus on your travels, and The Burren Smokehouse’s visitor centre will reveal the time-honoured techniques and craft of this ancient smoking tradition. Let Dream Escape introduce you to the innovative Curtin family behind this celebrated product, which they ship globally. Naturally, there are delicious samples to enjoy, and a shop filled with smoked delights to take away.

Irish smoked salmon is most often paired with another Irish classic, soda bread or brown bread, with a private baking session a fun way to learn about this delicious and ubiquitous staple. “One of the best things about visiting Ireland is enjoying the artisanal culinary experiences on offer,” enthuses Rosie Peattie, Dream Escape Client Relationship Manager and Blue Badge Guide. “Soda bread is uniquely Irish, with recipes passed down through generations. Participating in a private soda-bread-making experience is great fun and quite a revelation. It is surprisingly easy to make and delicious to eat thereafter with creamy Kerrygold butter!”

Further south, Kerry’s rugged scenery is a constant muse for creatives, its wild terrain and maritime mood attracting and inspiring artists and artisans from all over the world. It’s here that a stalwart of Ireland’s craft scene, potter Louis Mulcahy, made his home in 1975, setting up a pottery studio on the most westerly tip of Europe. Dubbed ‘the godfather of Irish craft’ by the Craft Council of Ireland, Louis Mulcahy's cups and plates are ubiquitous and chances are that you will drink or eat from them while holidaying here. A private Dream Escape visit to his studio and shop near Clogher Strand, west of Dingle, will reveal a collection of richly coloured tableware and lamps that celebrate the natural palette of this dramatic terrain. Further along Slea Head – on one of Ireland’s most photographed road trips – you’ll find Holden Leather Workshop, owned by Conor Holden, one of Ireland’s most eminent leatherworkers. Designing and creating luxury leather goods here since 1989, Conor has a workshop where Dream Escape can arrange immersive visits.

Here Conor and his wife Claire work with Italian leather to create exquisite handbags, briefcases, purses and wallets. Let them monogram your favourite piece, leaving you with a beautiful one-off custom purchase embossed with your initials. On the Dingle Peninsula, goldsmith Brian de Staic is also a neighbour, having started his jewellery business here in 1981. Ireland’s leading goldsmith, his intricate Celtic designs combine his mastery with the age-old traditions of the Celts. Fashioned by hand in Irish hallmarked silver and gold, the pieces can be viewed when visiting his workshop in town. Nearby, talented weaver Lisbeth Mulcahy can be found crafting her whimsical woven creations at Siopa na bhFíodóirí, her beautiful Dingle shop housed in a listed building dating back to c1850. Retaining most of its original features, including original counters and shelving, it's a favourite with Dream Escape clients.

Danish national and wife of potter Louis Mulcahy, Lisbeth draws inspiration from her remarkable Kerry surroundings:

“Especially my woven tapestries and designs for the wall hangings,” she shares, revealing that ancient weaving patterns are used to create her scarves, stoles and throws. Come and meet her among the traditional looms and shelves of custom-dyed yarn, and be prepared to leave laden down with her kaleidoscopic masterpieces.

Across the four regions of Ireland, you’ll find artists and artisans proud of their crafts and ready to welcome you into their worlds, even if only for a fleeting moment. By special arrangement, we can take you to the creators of crystal glass and chocolate, to boutique distilleries and smallhold farmers making the creamiest cow-to-cone ice cream or buffalo mozzarella. From stills of single malt whiskey to bolts of soft tweed and colourful hand-blown glass, an intimate behind-the-scenes experience will forever connect you to Ireland’s creative heart.

An 800-year-old stronghold that’s long been a byword for excellence, Ashford Castle is an historic Irish hotel tucked between counties Mayo and Galway. Expect opulent accommodation, exemplary service and exquisite food at this world-class property.

The wonderful 350-acre estate offers the very best of outdoor fun, from lakeside walks to horse riding, golf and fishing, zip-lining and all kinds of classic country pursuits, as well as many unique artisan craft experiences.

Superb golf, an outstanding spa and stellar accommodation make a stay at Adare Manor in County Limerick extra special. Plush interiors include wood panelling, fanciful stucco and free-standing baths, with spectacular views from the leaded windows. Book a Signature Suite and you’ll have a butler on hand 24 hours a day too. Michelin-star dining is on the menu at the hotel’s Oak Room and the picture-postcard village of Adare is at the top of the sweeping driveway.

In the heart of the Burren, at the bottom of the twisting Corkscrew Hill, you’ll find Gregans Castle, a beacon of Irish hospitality. Despite the name, it’s a wonderful countryhouse hotel majoring in creature comforts and the warmest hospitality from Simon Haden and his superb team. With stylish boho interiors, seriously delicious Irish cooking, and an atmospheric little bar with roaring fire and board games, you may never want to leave this cosy Clare hideaway.

With views towards Grafton Street, The Westbury Hotel is a capital classic at the heart of Dublin. Check into one of their newly upgraded bedrooms, all art-deco glamour and modern comforts, and enjoy afternoon tea – an institution here – or cocktails in the chic Sidecar Bar, a favourite of stylish Dubliners. On the doorstep of Dublin’s Creative Quarter, The Westbury is next door to The Westbury Mall, with its premium collection of Irish-made goods, from jewellery, wool and linen to custom leather gloves by Paula Rowan (glove maker to the stars), and one of our favourite artisan stores, Stable of Ireland.

A captivating Irish castle that is still a family home, Glin Castle is a unique historic property. Home for 800 years to the FitzGerald family, hereditary Knights of Glin, this fairytale Gothic confection sits proudly in 400 wooded acres on the banks of the River Shannon. Available to hire exclusively for private rental accommodation and events, the castle can be exclusively accessed via Dream Escape for a selection of activities, from rough shooting and fishing to an Irish-whiskey-tasting evening in the hall with traditional Irish music.

Sarah Butler, Marketing Executive “One of the remarkable features of Ireland is the way the natural landscapes and resources have allowed generations of artisans and producers to flourish and thrive. It is wonderful to experience these unique places and learn about the history and heritage of Ireland through these special people. Personal favourites of mine are The Burren Perfumery and Skelligs Chocolate.”

⬥ sarah@dreamescape.co.uk

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