Discover the magic: New digital arts and crafts kiosk launches in Inishowen

A new chapter in showcasing Inishowen’s rich artistic and creative offering begins this April with the official launch of an innovative digital arts & crafts kiosk and signage installation at the Go Visit Inishowen tourism office in Buncrana.

Developed by Irish Hands, a Carndonagh-based digital start-up, this pioneering project offers visitors a unique and interactive way to explore the peninsula’s vibrant arts and crafts scene – both online and in person at the tourism office in Buncrana. The official launch will take place at 11am on April 17, marking what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind initiative in Ireland.

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The new kiosk, alongside a striking digital display installed in the tourism office window, allows visitors to discover local artisans, book immersive, hands-on craft experiences across Inishowen, and purchase handcrafted products. From pottery making to weaving, painting, and much more, the platform connects people directly with the makers behind each craft.

Founded by Shane Kirby, Irish Hands – www.irishhands.com – was created to celebrate, preserve, and promote the cultural heritage of Inishowen and the wider North West through a modern digital approach. By combining storytelling, e-commerce, and experiential tourism, the platform empowers local artisans while offering visitors meaningful and authentic cultural experiences.

Speaking ahead of the official launch of the new digital kiosk and signage, Shane Kirby, Founder of Irish Hands, said: “This project is all about connecting people with the real makers of Inishowen and the North West. We have an incredible wealth of creative talent here, and this digital kiosk, alongside our online platform, allows us to showcase it in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and future-focused. It’s about keeping our timeless arts and craftmaking traditions alive while embracing the opportunities that digital innovation brings.”

Irish Hands launch event at the Inishowen Innovation Hub in Buncrana June 2024

The initiative has been delivered in partnership with Go Visit Inishowen, further strengthening the peninsula’s offering in the growing experiential tourism market.

Niall McCaughan, Manager of Go Visit Inishowen, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Shane Kirby from Irish Hands on this groundbreaking project. Arts & crafts are a vital part of our tourism identity, and this new digital kiosk and signage display help us present that offering in a fresh and engaging way. Visitors are increasingly seeking authentic ‘experiences’, and this platform allows us to connect them directly with the people and stories behind Inishowen’s rich heritage of creative making.”

The project has been supported through the ST3ER (Scaling Twin Transition in Tourism by harnessing the Experience Economy for greater Resilience) project (partly funded by the European Union), which promotes digital innovation and sustainable tourism across Europe. Irish Hands is one of several Irish SMEs participating in the initiative, supported by the Irish partners in the project, WestBIC and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The project is also supported by partners in Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Slovenia.

Eunan Cunningham, Regional Manager of WestBIC, said: “Irish Hands is a powerful example of how digital innovation can support local communities and cultural heritage. Through the ST3ER project, we aim to help businesses like this embrace technology in a way that is both sustainable and impactful. This new digital kiosk and booking system for arts & craft experiences demonstrates how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand to shape the future of tourism.”

The installation also highlights the collaborative effort behind the project, with contributions from local creatives – including an artist / sculptor, web developer and a videographer based locally – further reinforcing the depth of creative talent across Inishowen.

Irish participants of the EU ST3ER project Lisbon in January 2026_including WesBIC Regional Manager Eunan Cunningham right, and Shane Kirby, Founder of Irish Hands, third from right

Book your craft experiences online at www.irishhands.com or at the digital kiosk in the Go Visit Inishowen office, open daily in Buncrana. The digital window display will also showcase the peninsula’s creative offering from morning through to evening. Whether you’re a visitor, a local, or simply curious, discover more about the wonderful stories, skills, and creativity that makes Inishowen truly unique.