It was about time I went on a road-trip, so I packed up the car with lots of lovely glassware, and headed off to restock some of the lovely gift shops that stock my fused glass.

First stop was the beautiful Collective at Market Square, a spacious, gift gallery housed alongside the famous Lace Gallery in the stone-built Market Square in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, recently renovated by Monaghan County Council. The Collective is curated and manned by Catherina Donaghy, herself an accomplished rug maker. I delivered some new glass treasures to the Collective – it’s a wonderful place to find a special gift. More than 70% of the stock carried in the shop is made my Monaghan artists and craftspeople.

Onwards then to Slane, Co Meath, to visit Slane Craft Collective. This is a well established haunt for those gift-hunters in the know. It was set up about 8 years ago by a group of craftspeople, and has been thriving ever since. Pictured with me and my glass is one of the founder members Helen Anne Tully, who is the face behind Juniper Lily mixed media art. When you visit Slane Craft Collective, you will always meet one of the makers, and you can shop in the knowledge that you are buying directly from local, Irish artists and craftspeople.

Last on my one-day whistlestop tour of my corner of Ireland’s Ancient East, was a brand new gift shop, a new venture from an all-female trio, two of whom were among the founders of Slane Craft Collective. They took the bull by the horns, and instead of hibernating during the recent lockdown, they were busy preparing their new business. Castle Crafts opened its doors in Trim, Co Meath just a few weeks ago, and is a wonderful addition to this beautiful heritage town. When I visited, one of the shop’s founders, woodturner Pauline Meehan of Kierton Crafts was there with a smile. The shop is chocablock with a beautiful selection of quality, local, Irish art and craft. Wishing Pauline, Colette and Hannah the best of luck with this exciting new business.

All these retail shops, as well as myself, are part of DCCI Design and Craft Council’s #MadeLocal initiative. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue thumbprint displayed in-store and online, and shop local, to support Irish makers, designers and retailers. Every purchase you make, makes all the difference to us.