I opened The Craft Shop in Bantry in 1974 with a simple idea: to create a space for truly well-made things. Over 50 years later, the shop is still here, still evolving, and still proudly showcasing the work of many of the original craftspeople we began with all those years ago.

From the beginning, I was drawn to craftsmanship that balances art, functionality and beauty. The crafts in the shop are thoughtful, skillfully made objects with integrity, the kind of work that becomes part of your daily life and grows more meaningful with time. There is nothing else quite like it.

Alongside the crafts, footwear has always been a natural extension of what we do. I have long been interested in good quality, comfortable, natural foot-shaped shoes; footwear that feels as good as it looks. That passion has led us to stock handmade shoes, the largest selection of Birkenstock, and now Blundstone boots. They sit very happily alongside the crafts, practical, beautiful, honest things and they suit the spirit of West Cork and the wonderful customers we are lucky to welcome through our doors.

In recent years, my daughter Colleen has joined me in the shop. She brings fresh eyes, discovering new artisans and adding her own style, while honoring the values that have shaped The Craft Shop from the start.

We love welcoming people into our shop in Bantry, to browse, to handle and enjoy these beautiful pieces. There is great pleasure in seeing someone respond to the work we’ve carefully selected.

And if you can’t make it to Bantry, we hope our website gives you a genuine sense of the shop and the crafts we have. We carefully wrap and post each piece, wherever in the world you may be.

Christine Nicholas