House of Lir brings Ireland's finest makers to historic Kildare castle

The project is the vision of American businesswoman Erica Cashman Shevlin, whose background spans marketing, fashion, jewellery, travel and property. | Supplied

placeholder image — The project is the vision of American businesswoman Erica Cashman Shevlin, whose background spans marketing, fashion, jewellery, travel and property. | Supplied

Located at the historic Kilkea Castle, House of Lir is much more than a traditional shop

A unique new retail destination celebrating Irish craftsmanship has opened in south Kildare, bringing together some of the country's finest artisans, designers and food producers under one roof.

Located at the historic Kilkea Castle , House of Lir is much more than a traditional shop.

The venture aims to reconnect shoppers with handmade products and the stories, landscapes and traditions behind them, offering an alternative to mass-produced online retail.

The House of Lir Collective showcases makers from across Ireland, spanning fashion, textiles, pottery, food, skincare, crystal and homeware.

Visitors can browse everything from handcrafted bags made from upcycled sailcloth by Mamukko and artisan chocolates from Koko Kinsale to the renowned hand-cut crystal of Criostal na Rinne.

Traditional crafts feature strongly, with basket maker Joe Hogan, fashion designer Cleo Prickett and Donegal Natural Soap among those represented.

The collection also includes Hanna Hats, Cushendale woollen textiles, Dolmen Pottery, Rathbornes 1488 candles, Oriel Magnesium, Ferguson's Irish Linen and a range of artisan food producers.

The project is the vision of American businesswoman Erica Cashman Shevlin, whose background spans marketing, fashion, jewellery, travel and property.

Located at the historic Kilkea Castle, House of Lir is much more than a traditional shop. | Supplied

She believes shoppers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences after years of online purchasing.

"These makers take great pride in what they do," she said. "They try to be the best and avoid cutting corners. Everything takes time and these makers have respect for nature also.

“They want to use locally sourced ingredients and materials rather than cheap imports from China."

While acknowledging the dominance of online shopping, Ms Cashman Shevlin believes there remains a strong appetite for discovering locally made products in person.

"We're not going to stop Amazon from ruling the world. But I want to reintroduce storytelling into the retail experience. People still want to shop in person and they are coming back to local crafts," she said.

Among the best-known makers featured is Galway basket maker Joe Hogan, whose work has earned international recognition.

Working with willow grown on his own land since 1978, Hogan has become one of Ireland's foremost traditional basket makers.

Also featured is Cushendale, the family-run Kilkenny textile business with more than 250 years of weaving heritage. The company produces high-quality blankets, throws and scarves using traditional methods and sustainably sourced natural fibres.

The House of Lir has already attracted significant attention since its recent launch, with celebrities and invited guests attending the opening.

It is expected to become another attraction for visitors to Kilkea Castle and Golf Resort and the wider south Kildare region, offering an opportunity to discover the craftsmanship, heritage and creativity that continue to define Ireland's artisan sector.

Watch the Mini Documentary: House of Lir Presents | Joe Hogan: A Life Shaped by Willow

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