The Southeast — Special Places to Shop

Without a doubt, most visitors come to the Southeast to buy Waterford Crystal at the source of its production — the Waterford Crystal Factory in Waterford City, even though the beautiful hand-cut glassware is on sale throughout Ireland — and the price is standardized throughout the country.

Once in the Southeast, however, you'll soon discover there are many other additional shopping opportunities — all are 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.

Carrig 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.

Cushendale Woollen Mills, High St., Old 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Waterford Crystal Ltd., Cork Rd., Kilbarry, Waterford (tel. 051-332500 or 051-373311) is the home of the famous factory that produces Waterford mouth-blown and hand-cut crystal. Take a tour to watch the craftsmen at work, browse in the showrooms, and then purchase your favorite pieces. This is the Southeast's leading shopping attraction, drawing over a quarter-million visitors annually from all over the world.

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.

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