Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Donegal's crafters and makers are the heartbeat of the county's thriving creative economy, bringing to life a diverse range of products inspired by the rugged beauty and vibrant culture of the region. From artisanal foods to world-class textiles, these local businesses embody the essence of Donegal’s unique identity.
As part of the annual #BuyDonegal initiative, these talented creators are taking center stage, showcasing their handcrafted wares to both local and global audiences. The campaign, which encourages people to "shop local" during the festive season, not only highlights Donegal’s economic potential but also fosters a strong sense of community pride.
Kokodesigns
Based in Ramelton, County Donegal, Ireland, Karen O’Kane is a talented silk and textile artist who’s vibrant, hand-painted silk creations bring a touch of Donegal’s natural beauty to life. Her unique lampshades come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, each piece a one of a kind work of art, blending luxury with functionality.
Karen’s passion is to create distinctive lighting pieces and soft furnishings that are entirely unique, no two are the same. She also offers bespoke designs tailored to your specific needs, whether for your home, interior designers, trade clients, or commercial projects.
Visit the Kokodesigns studio, where a small retail gallery showcases her stunning collections. The studio also hosts workshops in silk painting and lampshade design, suitable for small groups of absolute beginners or experienced artists eager to explore their creativity.
Donegal Copper Craft
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Neil discovered a new passion: copper art. What started as a hobby in his family home has blossomed into a vibrant, creative business right here in Donegal.
At Donegal Copper Craft, Neil crafts handcrafted copper artwork for all occasions whether celebrating retirements, weddings, sports clubs, or family crests. He’s had the privilege of creating bespoke pieces for Liverpool FC and several well-known public figures, each one made with care, precision, and meaning.
Today, Neil also offers hands-on copper workshops across Ireland, giving people of all ages the opportunity to create their own unique piece of copper art. Click here to view his work
Jacinta Callaghan Art
From a young age, Jacinta was always interested in hands on creative pursuits. She loved knitting, sewing, crocheting, painting, sketching, decorating, and experimenting with hairdressing. Her dream was to become a hairdresser, often imagining her mother’s hair as a canvas spending hours cutting, curling, and styling it, much to her mother’s amusement.
Jacinta’s love of art and creativity blossomed early. Her teacher’s kindness and support helped her develop her artistic skills and fostered a sense of self-belief and confidence in her abilities. This passion for all things artistic remained with her, inspiring her to pursue careers in both hairdressing and art.
At just 20 years old, Jacinta took a natural step and founded her own hairdressing business. Having trained at Peter Mark in Dublin and gained valuable experience at Jon Paul in Derry, she opened Jacinta’s Hairdressers in 1980 on Pump Street, Kerrykeel a charming seaside village in County Donegal. Celebrating over 40 years in business, Jacinta decided to expand her creative pursuits by establishing Jacinta Callaghan Art Gallery within the same premises, blending her two passions into one inspiring space.
As an artist, Jacinta loves to paint landscapes, flowers, and animals, with a particular fondness for landscapes and nature scenes. Her favorite motifs include local landmarks such as Fanad Lighthouse and Ballymastocker Bay. She has continued to develop her painting skills over the years and has sold numerous artworks internationally, including in Ireland, America, and New Zealand. Jacinta works in various media, including oils, acrylics, and watercolors, with a current preference for oil paints.
Some of her artworks are displayed in her Kerrykeel salon and on her website. All her art and merchandise can be shipped worldwide. She also accepts bespoke art commissions, especially featuring scenic locations around her home county of Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Laveesha
Laveesha is an Irish jewelry and art brand founded by Louise Breslin in 2013. Renowned for its distinctive designs, the brand combines contemporary aesthetics with bold, statement-making styles. Created for individuals who refuse to blend in, each piece is crafted to empower, inspire, and elevate confidence. Explore a stunning collection of earrings, necklaces, headpieces, and bracelets that define personality and leave an unmistakable impression.
In addition to jewelry, discover ocean-inspired resin art handcrafted in Ireland by artist Louise Breslin. Each one-of-a-kind piece captures the beauty and power of the Atlantic Ocean, featuring swirling blues, vibrant turquoises, and frothy whites that mirror the movement of the sea. Inspired by the dramatic Donegal coastline and created using non-toxic, food-safe materials, these functional artworks are perfect as unique Irish gifts or timeless statement pieces for your home. Bring the ocean’s energy and elegance into your space with Laveesha’s handcrafted coastal resin art
