For fashion and homeware gifts with a difference, look no further than the talented makers of Monaghan. There is something for all tastes across various price points made right here in the county, from hand-made scarves and fused glass ornaments, to personalised family coats of arms, to tableware and hand-carved furniture.
Liz Christy is inspired by artists and writers, including our very own Patrick Kavanagh; her generously sized hand-woven scarves for men and women are made from a blend of Donegal tweed wool and fine cotton, ensuring each and every piece exudes luxury and elegance. From €100.
Perfect for adding a pop of colour to any outfit, designs for Louise Loughman’s beautiful hand-painted silk scarves and shawls (from €65) are based upon Celtic myths and dream-like local landscapes.
Both Liz and Louise have created specially commissioned pieces for the new Kavanagh Collection, inspired by the work of the great Inniskeen poet. Pop into the Patrick Kavanagh Centre or buy online here.
Dorinda McCormack‘s timeless hand-woven handbags and purses are the perfect Monaghan gift, crafted with love in Newbliss. We love her dinky little Lios Darach acorn pins, made from acorn caps and hand-woven inserts.
Emyvale-based Dernacoo Crafts specialises in handcrafted wooden gifts, including elm chopping boards and cheese boards, as well as larger items, such as coffee tables and mirrors. Each piece is made by hand and completely unique. Christmas gifts from their current range also include novelty gin and prosecco boards.
The Happy Chandler‘s gorgeous candles, presented in a glass jar and in packaging made from 100% recycled paper and card, are naturally fragranced with the purest of botanicals and essential oils. Festive fragrances include Fir Tree, Nutmeg & Plum and Christmas Tree. The made-in-Monaghan gift range includes Individual candles and diffusors, as well as gift sets.
The Bugleweed Range from Busy Bee Ceramics in Glaslough is the newest addition to Brenda McGinn’s hand-thrown, hand-turned collection, and includes this white earthenware cup (€25), hand-painted with a distinctive bugleweed design.
Clones Lace and Carrickmacross Lace make perfect heirloom gifts. Irish heritage crafts that are quite different in style, with Clones Lace more reminiscent of crochet, but both unique to Monaghan. Choose from small pieces perfect for framing, to show-stopping table centrepieces and dainty coasters.
Grace Brennan adds a touch of magic to each piece of fused glass she handmakes in her Mullyash studio. Or so it seems, when you see her exquisite King’s Forge Glass ornaments, sun catchers, vases and candle holders up close. Prices start from €20 for hanging heart sun catchers.
For the ultimate in personalised Irish Christmas gifts, look no further than Painted Clans’ family coats of arms. With a lead-time of 2-3 weeks for each hand-painted and framed piece, it may be too late to order one for this Christmas, but why not plan ahead for 2022 or order a gift voucher instead.
Contemporary clay patchwork vases, plant pots and lamp bases by Glaslough-based Joe Mallon, Art of Clay will add a touch of colour to any home.
MK Woodcrafts‘ stunning hand-carved mirrors, side tables and benches, can be viewed at Mark’s Glaslough studio (by appointment) or see a small selection at Collective at Market Square, Carrickmacross.
To browse these and more items in person, pop into Collective at Market Square in Carrickmacross and the Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre in Clones. Both carry a wide selection of made in Monaghan gifts.