Our Story

Core crafted design is a craft development and promotion retail store, founded by a voluntary board of directors, aided by the Crafts Council of Ireland with a view to facilitating local creatives to sell, exhibit, and promote their products, while also providing educational resources and mentoring to those of all ages interested in becoming involved in crafted design

Core was the first regional outlet chosen by the CCoI in a initiative to promote new craft retail outlets and it will be used as a model for other such stores throughout the country
The board of directors are all crafts people and it is their passion for craft making and determination to invigorate and empower the growth of the craft making skill in the midlands that has lead to the foundation of Core Crafted Design

The name “Core” comes from the idea of a volcanic core erupting from beneath the surface and radiating in all directions, and indeed the main thrust of Core Crafted Design is to be a central hub for all the craft making potential both dormant and active in the midlands. A central retail outlet is provided for currently active craft makers, while training and education is provided for those interested, or those whose interest is just waiting to be ignited

Products are sourced from local designers to be sold in the retail store. All products are vetted and must conform to strict standards of quality. Craft makers take their inspiration from the local landscape and mythologies

To further facilitate their vision creatives have the opportunity to exhibit their crafts in a custom designed environment allowing visitors to both view their work while also finding out more about them and what they do. Demonstration areas are also available providing them with an opportunity to work in a fitting environment to show how their product is developed and made

Craft makers are provided with other supports such as further education in their craft or business management. Courses and various induction opportunities are also available to those interested in getting involved in craftmaking, or in finding out more about such skills, and many of these courses are provided by current craft makers involved in core

Retail clients vary from local people to tourists. Many buyers tend to be corporates, those looking for gifts (wedding gifts are popular), or those purchasing something attractive to themselves. Much of the work on display serves as domestic installation or decoration and this is of interest to interior designers. Many clients are people with an interest in crafts, or they are craftsmakers themselves

The craftworks on display, being inspired by and sourced from the local area tend to appeal to those with an interest in the local area whether it be locals or emigrants with local roots, or those interested in local sites such as Clonmacnois, or the Lough Boora Parklands

Aside from the retail area other clients are those with an interest in craftmaking and/getting involved in such for themselves, and also parents of children interested in getting involved

Our main retail product appeals to those interested in buying crafts, or those interested in buying gifts, and as a result our competitors are other retailers in the Irish craft market, gift shops, and importers of imitations of original crafts. The main problem with this is that a spurious product can be manufactured quickly and cheaply whereas an original crafted piece can take a long time from conception to creation. Thus it becomes a large part of the responsibility of Core to raise awareness of the quality, truth and beauty of craft making, while also making these works more accessible to the general public

Core has been abuzz with activity since day one, including the official opening of our retail store by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen. Since then we have been visited by the Canadian Ambassador, and a number of Irish Tevelision Programmes have filmed in the store including a new TV3 production, RTE News, and Pobal