The word ‘craft’ is an activity such as weaving, carving, or pottery that involves making things skilfully with your hands. We have such a long and rich history of craft, here in Ireland. The most important milestone for Craft in Ireland was the emergence of the Arts and Crafts Movement which happened around 1888. This movement was a pivotal period in Ireland’s history for it’s artistic and cultural heritage. The Craft Industry here in Ireland occupies a significant place in the country’s economic and cultural production. Here is a selection of Craft attractions in Dublin that continue to grow and flourish!

This market happens every Saturday from noon to 6pm at the The Grand Social in Dublin. Here you will find an array of vintage clothes, vinyl, retro furniture, eclectic jewelry. It’s got a great vibe and it’s a fab way to nab some bargains!

The Irish Design shop is run by two jewellery makers, Clare Grennan and Laura Caffrey. They work ferociously hard in promoting the work of some of Ireland’s most exciting designer-makers. The emphasis of their stock is placed on original design and craftsmanship. They stock both established and emerging makers who are gifted craftspeople with a passion for the craft and Irish Heritage. They also hold workshops in their shop from time to time.

These guys are not just a history museum but they also show a very interesting collection of Arts and Industry artefacts. The Art & Industry Collections are run by a division that’s duty is to maintain Ireland’s heritage in the decorative arts, as well as its political, military and social history. Their upcoming events include a talk, where you can discover more about symbols of Ireland and a summer workshop which highlights the beauty of glass-making. The current exhibitions include; 21st Century Irish Craft, CAUTION! Fragile, (Irish Glass), Contemporary Collection of Design & Craft and Eileen Gray (pioneer of 20th Century design and architecture).

Industry & Co is a lifestyle orientated concept store located in the heart of Dublin’s city, where people can shop, eat, drink and relax. It started off as a small boutique store in 2010 and is now one of the largest independent design stores in Dublin. Their stock is super cool – very rustic, chic and eclectic.

These guys are just too cool but I’ll let them explain it for themselves;

“We wanted to develop a fresh approach to small-scale retail, one that told stories, brought attention to the beauty of the everyday. We wanted to explore objects of use; the simple, beautiful and sometimes nicely odd. We looked to engage with the idea of craft as a process, a production by hand or machine that created objects of integrity. Our curiosity fed endless conversations, encounters with incredible people and made every day an adventure” – Makers & Brothers, 2018

They offer a beautifully a stunning range of contemporary tableware, decorative home accessories and stationery. This shop is guaranteed to make you smile! Their stock is so quirky, colorful and so so clever!

Introducing Jam Art Factory, they are a pretty exciting shop. They sell work by Ireland’s brightest and most brilliant artists. Their shop is literally exploding with work! Their stock is very whimsical and very funny.

“Rooted in a desire to showcase the abundant and talented artists emerging in Ireland today, Jam Art Factory first opened it’s doors on Patrick Street, in the heart of Dublin’s historic Liberties in 2011” – Jam Art Factory, 2018

This is a very fascinating spot if you are interested in the history of Craft or just simply have an interest in print. It’s a very cool museum, they have a wide range of vintage print artifacts and there’s a lovely nostalgic vibe about the place. Their current exhibition is ‘Print, Protest, and The Polls: The Irish women’s suffrage campaign and the power of print media, 1908 – 1918’. It runs from the 17 May – 30 September 2018 and Admission is free of charge. Their mission is:

“To promote a greater understanding of the historical significance and the contemporary relevance of printing in Ireland by exploring its heritage, craft and technology” – National Print Museum, 2018

21 June to 17 August 2018

I’ve saved the best till last, this exhibition sounds like a craft nerd’s dream!

From its foundation in 1731 the RDS has set out to encourage and promote Irish craft and design. In 1968 the RDS established the National Competition for the Encouragement of Applied Arts in Ireland. This ambitious initiative set out to recognise and celebrate the tacit, quietly honed skill of the maker. Today the RDS Craft Awards continue to support and encourage excellence in the sphere of the handmade and have assumed a central role in the world of craft in Ireland…This exhibition explores the rich history of the RDS Craft Awards from their inception in 1968 to the present day.

By the way, this is just a list of a few craft attractions in Dublin but there are many more all over the country! There are so many small independent craft shops that sell a wide range of work by emerging and established craftspeople. They are the perfect place to buy a unique gift for someone special and you’ll also be supporting a local artist.