The Southeast — Special Places to Shop

Although the Waterford Crystal name has long drawn shoppers to the Southeast, there are many other additional shopping opportunities — well worth a trip, too. Here are a few to help you plan your route:

The Abbey Centre, Abbey Street, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny (tel. 059-972-4238) is a treasure-trove of locally-produced art with a religious or Christian theme — using tapestry, enamel, paint, and sculpture in wood, stone, and metal. Situated directly opposite the famous Duiske Abbey, this shop has a museum-like atmosphere — it's a treat and a learning experience to browse or to buy. Open daily June-September; weekdays only during rest of year. Web site: http://cistercians.shef.ac.uk/abbeys/graiguenamanagh.php

Carraig Donn,  3 S. Main St., Wexford Town (tel. 052-912-3651), sells hand-knit and crocheted Irish fashion as well as Newbridge Silver, Waterford Crystal, Belleek China and more. Also located at 7 High St., Kilkenny City (tel. 056-772-1194). Web site: www.carraigdonn.com

Cushendale Woollen Mills, Mill Rd., Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny (tel. 059-972-4118), originally part of the 13th century Duiske Abbey foundation, these mills carry on a great tradition of woollen crafts. This small mill shop offers a range of products in Irish wool, mohair, lambswool, and Merino wool - all reflecting the soft colors of the nearby countryside. Closed Saturday afternoon & Sunday. Web site: www.cushendale.ie

Deevys, Market Slip, off High St., Kilkenny City (tel. 056-776-3906) – tucked in an old medieval passageway, this small shop stocks a wide range of wools and embroidery threads, as well as sequins, beads, spangles, buttons and more.

Duiske Glass, High St., Old Rd., Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny (tel. 059-972-4174), takes its name from a nearby river. Founded in 1974 by the O'Shea family, this company uses the traditional intaglio method of engraving to produce unique glassware. Closed Saturday afternoon & Sunday. Web site: www.duiskeglass.ie

Green’s Berry Farm, Ballinacoola, Gorey, Co. Wexford (tel. 053-942-1783). Since Wexford is known for its fresh strawberries, this farm is a prime source (in May – September), as well as for raspberries (mid-June-Sept.), blackberries, tayberries, loganberries (all in July), and gooseberries (June-July). Farm shops are located at Courtown and Tinnock. Web site: www.greensberryfarm.ie

Jenkins Lane Food & Craft Market, at the Beech Tower, off George's St., Waterford City.  For a bit of local color and unusual craft items, stop into this outdoor market.  You can also taste farmhouse cheeses, organic juice, home backed breads, crepes, pies and more.  Open Fridays and Saturdays.

Kilkenny Crystal, Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny City (tel. 056-772-5132). This the major outlet for Kilkenny's own brand of handcut and engraved Irish crystal. In addition, there is a factory outlet at Callan where the glass is produced. Web site: www.kilkennycrystal.com

Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny (tel. 056-772-2118), is housed in the coach house and stables of Kilkenny Castle. It is a treasure trove of Irish craftsmanship, presenting the best of Irish design and workmanship from over 200 studios and workshops from all over Ireland, including knits, glass, pottery, clothing, crystal, ceramics, linens, and more. Close Sunday in Jan.-April. Web site: www.kilkennydesign.com

Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny (tel. 056-772-7105) produces brightly colored earthenware made from Irish clay, decorated with traditional motifs. There is also an on-premises museum displaying antique Irish pottery known as spongeware and samples of old Irish pine. Web site: www.nicholasmosse.com

Q & S Interiors, 8 Selskar St.,Wexford Town. AlthoughWexford's long-established "wool shop" has closed, this shop sells a wide range of wools for knitting, as well as fittings for home decorating.

Selskar Design, Westgate Heritage Centre, Westgate, Wexford Town (tel. 053-914-6506), presents local Wexford crafts including art, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.

Slip Sweet Shop, Butterslip, off High St., Kilkenny City (tel. 056-779-0996) – a traditional sweet shop and confectionery located in one of the city’s oldest medieval lanes. The selection includes pear drops, chocolate satins, bulls eyes, fudge, jelly beans, chocolates, soft drinks and ice creams (including sugar-free and gluten-free snacks). Open daily. http://slipsweetshop.com

Waterford Crystal Ltd., Cork Rd., Kilbarry, Waterford (tel. 051-332500 or 051-373311) - although the factory is no longer operating, due to the economic downtown, the visitor center is still open and you can browse in the showrooms, and then purchase your favorite pieces. Web site: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

Westgate Design, 22a N. Main St., Wexford Town (tel. 053-912-3787), quality Irish souvenirs from linen, lace and leather, to local crafts, jewelry, crystal, pottery, stuffed animals, chocolates. Closed Sunday. Web site: www.westgatedesign.ie

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