Kilkenny Design Centre is located in Kilkenny’s Castle yard, within the former coach houses and stables, adjacent to the National Craft Gallery. The medieval city of Kilkenny, is the craft capital of Ireland so it is not surprising that this delightful centre is here at the heart of Kilkenny city. The centre has been associated with luxury Irish crafts and designs for over five decades.
The beautiful buildings with their timber-beamed ceilings and stone walls beautifully compliment the goods on display. The centre has an exceptional selection of Irish handcrafted gifts, and concentrates in handcrafted works of excellent quality, items on sale here are of maximum quality, unique and stylish. They nurture and promote up and coming Irish craftspeople and their unique work. The eminent designers and craftspeople who are showcased here are highly regarded and their work is sought after worldwide.
They stock a fabulous choice of jewellery, knitwear, celtic gifts, china, crystal, pottery, glass and home accessories, in addition to amazing one off contemporary design pieces. It offers a unique shopping experience and has something to cater to all tastes and budgets, with prices ranging from inexpensive to quite costly. Visitors from outside of the EU can take advantage of exceedingly attractive tax free shopping. Worldwide shipping is also available.
Whilst here visitors can watch skilled craftspeople at work, including JMK Goldsmiths and Castle Arch Pottery.
In addition the centre is home to the award winning Anocht restaurant with menus that embrace and are inspired by the finest seasonal local produce. It has a delightful decor with its large picture windows, broad oak beam ceiling and fresh white walls as well as having lovely views of Kilkenny Castle, it offers a unique dining experience. There is also a self service foodhall and restaurant that serves fresh homemade produce from local suppliers each day, with daily specials, or perhaps enjoy an afternoon tea. Visitors can also purchase a selection of items to take away.
The design centre, the foodhall and restaurant are all open seven days a week throughout the year. Anocht opens Thursday, Friday, Saturday, bank holiday Sunday evenings only.
Kilkenny Design Centre is Ireland’s most prestigious source of exceptional Irish gifts.