Ballyshannon business Local Hands celebrates the big 10 

Local Hands is an Arts and Crafts Gift Shop in Ballyshannon. They showcase over 20 artists' work locally produced in the Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo region.

Their emphasis is on stocking high-quality unique Irish art and craft and promoting the wealth of artistic talent in the North-West of Ireland. They are an artist founded and run collective supporting and promoting each other's work.

Their shop has a large collection of wonderful crafts including paintings, wood carvings, handblown glass, ceramics, jewellery, handmade soap, knitwear, tweed, cards, felt, batik scarves, posters and crochet.

This collective of artists and crafters in the South Donegal region came about when a few of the local arty folk who had hit upon hard times, came up with the idea of using a vacant shop unit to create, showcase and sell some of their craft and artwork.

A crew of five, Barry Britton, Barry Sweeny, Teresa Maguire, Aoife Britton and McGonigle Glass were the first gang to take the plunge.

A plan was hatched, a shop unit on Main Street, Ballyshannon was identified, a name was agreed, and Local Hands was born.

With some practical support from the Regeneration Group and a budget of €200 from the then Town Council, some used furniture from various skips and garages, a lot of heart and a small bit of fanfare, the doors opened in May 2013. 

Visitors were intrigued by the fine collection of quality, locally made crafts, art and gifts. The shop and studio grabbed the attention of many people.

Other artists were attracted and an artistic community evolved, collaborating, encouraging and promoting each other.

Hobbies became small businesses, skills developed, and very talented individuals came “out of the woodwork” producing knitwear, jewellery, glass blowing, ceramics, stone and wood carving, painting, turning, weaving, felting, whittling, and much more. …. 

What was initially set up as a “pop-up” shop, became a more permanent feature of Ballyshannon’s business and tourist landscape. Many great artists and crafters have been involved as members and guests and the shop currently hosts the work of 25 different people. Current members are Jim McIntyre, Paula Cooke, Barry Britton, Rita Nic Fhoinghaile, Francey Cassidy, Lisa Hughes, Rossa Byrne and Barry Sweeny. 

To celebrate the 10th birthday party, Local Hands is hosting a day of creative activity today, Saturday, May 27 from 12 noon to 6pm.

This includes: 

12 noon - Art Class on the street facilitated by Barry S and Jim Mc. (indoors if the weather is bad) Free class but limited spaces.  

2pm - Wood carving and turning demonstration (and chat) with the artists Jim and Francey 

3pm -  Music by some local musicians 

3pm - Blowing out the Candles 

4pm - 6pm - Pizzas and Burgers and more music 

So, join in the fun, draw a picture, sing a song, browse some crafty gifts, drink tae and eat buns... and best of all they will have 20% discount on everything purchased in store on the day. 

Local Hands would sincerely link to thank you, our customers and friends, for your support over the last 10 years, both in-store and online.  

Follow them on Facebook, and Instagram and check out their website www.localhands.ie.