For design things to see and do, The Dock in County Leitrim houses three galleries, Leitrim Design House and retail store, and it will be well worth a trip to The Wave, a 20m-long sculpture at the Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork, one of Ireland's most spectacular coastal areas. Alternatively, head to the Craft Village in the walled city of Derry~Londonderry, which is a great place to find ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass and prints by local designer-makers.
For a spot of retail therapy the Irish Design Shop in Dublin is a great call for those interested in homeware, illustrations and textiles by Irish designer-makers – it was one of the first independent stores to champion Irish design and craft in the city. Equally, Kilkenny Design Centre offers an unrivalled selection of handcrafted gifts and remains the county’s most prestigious source of Irish gifts of exceptional quality.
With the hand-crafted prized over anything else, new trends in culinary experiences around the island ensure that design also permeates Irish food and drink. Super-chic spots to investigate include Industry & Co, a lifestyle store and eatery in Dublin, and Freight, located in five converted shipping containers in C.S. Lewis Square in east Belfast. Or on the Wild Atlantic Way, try the Lignum restaurant in Bullaun, County Galway. It’s full of beautiful stone-walled, barn-style architecture with a high black ceiling and wooden beams.
Interior design at its best can also be seen at Dead Centre Brewing in the heart of Athlone, County Westmeath. This fabulous new craft brewery, full bar and pizza kitchen has a balcony overlooking the mystical River Shannon.
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