New platform dedicated to selling local handmade arts and crafts launched

Irish Hands, a new platform dedicated to selling unique handmade arts, crafts, clothing and homeware from the north-west has been launched in Buncrana.

The launch was held on Friday, June 7 as part of Inishowen Innovation’s open day in support of I Love Inishowen Day, saw an impressive turnout and received an enthusiastic response.

Anne Marie McLaughlin, Innovation Manager at  Inishowen Innovation (ii), said: "We were really delighted to host the hugely successful launch event for Irish Hands. It was great to have a talented crowd of creatives here at the ii, showcasing the amazing talent we have up here to complement our incredible landscapes.“This event provided an excellent opportunity for the ii to demonstrate its commitment to providing networking, technology and practical supports to businesses in all sectors in the peninsula, and Irish Hands looks like a gamechanger for those working in the culture and tourism sectors here."

Shane Kirby, founder of Irish Hands, said: "The launch event at the ii hub was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty and brilliance of our local craftsmanship – and thanks to the help of Anne Marie and the ii team it was a great success.

“My new platform is designed to support local makers from Inishowen and the wider north-west by providing each creative with a free, customised online store to display and sell their unique products locally, nationally, and internationally – with a special emphasis on high-quality items and promoting those artisans who are bridging ancient traditions with contemporary flair!”

In pictures: Big celebrations for I Love Inishowen Day

The event celebrated the peninsula’s uniqueness, aiming to bring together tourists and locals for a day of festivities and exploration, showcasing the best of what Inishowen has to offer

The launch event served as a call to all creatives from the north-west – artists, artisans, designers, and makers – to discover how Irish Hands can help elevate their work to new heights. Attendees were inspired by the platform’s potential to bridge local traditions with a global marketplace.

Shane Kirby concluded: "I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage all creatives and makers from Inishowen and the wider north-west to check out www.irishhands.com, which goes live this week, and hopefully consider becoming part of the Irish Hands family in the future."