Bespoke Craft Collective

Our Story

MADE in Kilkenny is a multidisciplinary craft group organised and run by its members on a voluntary basis with the mission to promote Kilkenny County as the premier destination in Ireland for authentic handmade Irish crafts of exceptional quality.

16

Years

1

County

29

Makers

9

Craft Disciplines

Elevating Craftsmanship

Kilkenny has long had the reputation for being a centre of creativity, and the MADE in Kilkenny collective has actively contributed to this perception over the last decade. The group has striven to bring together the considerable wealth of craft talent found in Kilkenny to a wider audience, to foster excellence in craftsmanship, and to promote the economy and tourism of the county.

Our Story

Over the Years

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2007
Founded

MADE in Kilkenny was formed after some makers from the county completed a year long evening marketing course run by the County Enterprise Board (now LEO) in conjunction with CCoI (now DCCoI).

They felt there was a need for a more structured craft group. So with the support and some facilitation by the County Enterprise Board a structure was put in place and full time professional makers in the county were approached and MADE in Kilkenny was formed

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2009

Trail Kilkenny

When the Kilkenny Leader Project started their ‘Trail Kilkenny’ project, MADE fitted in under their craft initiative with the publication of a map and website.

MADE launched their trail brochure at their exhibition in Butler House during the Kilkenny Arts Festival.

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2017

10 year anniversary

Ten years on, the members of MADE in Kilkenny include a diverse collection of makers. The steady behind the scenes work of all of them, past and present has created a collective with a solid identity and a strong brand name that represents the best in craft.

Perhaps unexpectedly, the results of the activities of the collective has also enriched the cultural fabric of Kilkenny. The once fledgling pop-up shop and exhibition are now firmly established annual events anticipated by many, and the Craft Trail has become a popular activity with locals and tourists alike.

A 10 year anniversary catalogue was produced to celebrate this milestone and also to showcase the vibrant and abundant craft scene of Kilkenny.

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2021

World Crafts Council City and Region of Craft Designation

In 2021, Kilkenny was designated as World Crafts Council City and Region of Craft—one of only five designations in Europe.