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Irish Handmade Crafts

Historians date the Carndonagh high cross to the seventh century, making it one of the oldest of its type in Ireland. This early Christian relic is a red sandstone slab cut out in the shape of a cross, and engraved with a rich, low relief that mixes Celtic artwork and Christian iconography. The west face is completely covered with a Celtic interlacing, while the east face depicts a crucifixion scene. Quite surprisingly, the crucifixion scene is placed on the shaft of the cross rather than its head. Typical of Irish crosses, Jesus is not depicted as suffering or defeated, but rather erect and triumphant. Two small, separate pillars frame the cross, decorated with various characters, such as David with his harp and a large warrior believed to be Goliath. Today, the cross and its pillars are a National Monument of Ireland and can be visited freely in Carndonagh, Inishowen.

Saint Patrick's High Cross, Carndonagh. Wall mount.

THE FAERIE ISLEFaerie trees and forts can be found abundantly scattered across the hillsides and fields of Ireland, functioning as sites of both fear and reverence. Farmers will work around Faerie trees rather than cut them down, and even modern infrastructure and roads have been rerouted so as not to incur the wrath of the Wee Folk. Here, the Fae are surrounded by their magik Faerie Ring, encircled by protective waters, and hidden from sight beneath their beloved Hawthorn tree. A tiny bridge affords them passage to the greater world, as their intricate pathway curves upward around the hillside to the safety of their fortress within. Their little kingdom is protected by glass, shielding them from the Mortal Realm.This sculpted/handcrafted piece is created with natural Donegal ceramic clay and features an intricate Faerie tree constructed by hand from selected sprigs of Donegal windbrush, sourced from the summits of the Urris Hills at Leenankeel. Each tree contains a genuine sprig of Hawthorn for authenticity. "If you see a fairy ring, in a field of grass. Very lightly step around, tiptoe as you pass!"*THESE PIECES REQUIRE APPROX 7 DAYS TO CREATE PRIOR TO SHIPMENT

Faerie Isle (in cloche jar)

These beautiful, highly authentic Ogham stones are created from scratch in ceramic clay and can be personalised with the name or words of your choice. They come presented in a crystal clear glass cloche set upon a dark wood base.
Dimensions - 17cm high, 15ch wide at base.
Please allow approx 4-6 days due to curing/drying processes.

Personalised Ogham Standing Stones (in cloche jar)

Dimensions - 4.5" high, 3" wide.
Plaster/acrylics
 
The Sheela na gig, which translates as Julia of the Breasts', is believed to represent the surviving Pagan Goddess, interrelated with fertility and protection against evil. Some theories propose that these carvings were the work of unruly sculptors paying homage to 'The Old Ways' in a time when Christianity was firmly taking hold. These enigmatic grotesques have been found throughout Western Europe, though the greatest number have been discovered in Ireland. They are often found over doorways, in order to convey safe passage within. Some academics believe the exaggerated vulva represents the Primordial Gate between life and non-life in this respect. This representation is based on the artefact discovered at Cloran, Westmeath, in 1859. It is believed to have been carved in the 12th Century and now resides among the Witt Collection at the British Museum in London.

Sheela na Gig (Sile na gcioch), Co. Wicklow

Handcrafted, highly detailed recreation of Newgrange Passage Tomb. Measures 6″ across, 2.5″ high. Totally unique and a fantastic centrepiece!

Newgrange Passage Tomb, Knowth, Co. Meath

Handcrafted replica of the iconic Bishop’s Gate in Derry City, measuring 9″ in length and 4″ in height. This is a striking piece with incredible detailed stonework that is wonderfully dynamic under light! This makes a fantastic talking piece in any environment and is a completely unique creation. Bishop’s Gate was one of the four original entrances to the city. The current gate was erected in 1789 in commemoration of the 1689 siege. It was built in the style of a triumphal arch to celebrate the centenary of the ‘Shutting of the Gates’. The gate is constructed from buff ashlar sandstone and has a central semi-circular-arched vehicular opening flanked by two flat-arched pedestrian passages. The architect was H.A. Baker, with the sculpted head keystones representing the River Foyle (external) and the River Boyne (internal) designed by Edward Smyth, who had sculptured the thirteen riverine heads on the Dublin Custom House in c.1784. On either side of the gate are steps giving access to the City Walls. The gate was commandeered by the British Army during ‘The Troubles’ and has since become a major tourist attraction in peace time.

Handcrafted Bishops Gate, Derry Walls, Derry City

Handcrafted plasterwork Grianan of Aileach with St Patrick’s Well on the Hill.
Dimensions approx 5″ length, 3″ high. 3 dimensional piece, able to be displayed in 360 degrees!

More a representation than my usual replication approach to heritage, I thought this fun little piece would make a delightful talking point on any table, or even a beautiful bookstop. This piece is based on the stunning Grianan of Aileach and the hilltop on which it sits overlooking Inch Island and the Inishowen Peninsula, with its winding ascending road, and not forgetting Saint Patrick’s Well on the hillside, site of many a wish and prayer down through the centuries. Legend has it that Saint Patrick himself blessed this well!
It would be a fair bet that this is likely the smallest Grianan anywhere, complete with stairways, levels and even the tunnels visible in the interior! I loved creating this piece and I hope that you’ll love having it your home.

Handcrafted Grianan on the Hill, Co. Donegal

The piece dimensions are: approx 3.5″ high/ 6″ across. 3 dimensional piece which can be displayed in all 360 degrees. The beautiful Kilclooney dolmen in West Donegal dates from c.3500 BC. Its impressive capstone measures 13-feet wide, 20-feet long and stands over six feet high. This makes it one of the largest and heaviest examples in Europe weighing in at over 100 tonnes! The massive capstone looks different from every angle and some say it resembles a bird taking to flight, a whale, a dolphin, and even an alligator. The lower end of the capstone is unusually supported by an extra back stone which is believed to have been built into the design to allow extra light to shine into the tomb. There is a court tomb nearby and a smaller dolmen which has partly collapsed. This area of ardara in Donegal is Ireland at its most magical. To view more pieces please visit our store at Mini Inish

Kilclooney Dolmen, Ardara, Co. Donegal

Beautifully handcrafted Beltany Stone Circle, as located in Raphoe, Co. Donegal. Handcrafted Beltany replica. Dimensions: 6″ across/ 2″ high This delightful piece features replicates of the most prominent standing stones on the site, capturing the mysticism and magical energy of the mysterious standing circle that is so sorely overlooked. I created this piece in particular to try to highlight the site and create more awareness of the less recognised heritage sites we are blessed with here in the Northwest of Ireland. Beltany Stone Circle is an impressive megalithic site located in County Donegal, in the Irish province of Ulster, and is one of Ireland’s largest stone circles. Thought to have been erected during the late Bronze Age (1400-800 BC), mystery remains as to what the ancient structure was used for, but it is believed to have been associated with religious rituals which included observations of the sun and moon. The discovery of a sculpted stone head dating to centuries after the construction of the circle suggests that this monument remained a place of ceremonial activity for hundreds of years after it was first built. The name of the site is said to have been derived from ‘Bealtaine’, the fire festival celebrated by the Celts , and known also as May Day. Traditionally, the Festival of Beltaine or Beltane was celebrated with the lighting of bonfires on the top of hills, and the movement of livestock to summer pastures. These celebrations were believed to ensure protection, as well as to guarantee a good harvest for the year. It has been suggested that the name of the site is an indication that the site’s function as a pagan ritual centre had survived in the folk memory of the local population. To view more products from our store go to Mini Inish

Handcrafted Beltany Stone Circle, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

Bring the magic of Newgrange into your own home with this beautifully sculpted plasterwork Newgrange Entrance Stone piece. This piece is particularly striking under light, given the deep carvings of the intricate spirals and wavelines. A wonderful gift for someone special or even just for yourself! Given its substantial weight, it can easily operate as a beautiful bookstop as well as an ornament! The Entrance Stone at Newgrange is regarded as one of the masterpieces of European Neolithic art. The artist who carved it used a flint or quartz point and picked out the designs. We know that the stone was carved where it still stands i.e. after it was moved into position. We are unable to translate or understand the meaning of the art or to even know if it had a meaning. However, most people believe that for those who built the monument the art had a magical or religious significance. To go inside the chamber 5000 years ago, one had to cross over the Entrance Stone. Perhaps it acted as a physical barrier or threshold between this world and the world of the spirits. To view more pieces please visit our store at Mini Inish

Newgrange Entrance Stone, Donore, Co. Meath

Handcrafted, highly detailed plasterwork An Grianan of Aileach. Looks, feels and weighs like genuine stone! Handcrafted plasterwork An Grianan sculpture, measuring approx. 8″ across, 3.5″ high. weight: 1.4kg The origins of the Grianán of Aileach fort are dated back to 1700 BC. It is linked to the Tuatha de Danann who invaded Ireland before the Celts and built stone forts on top of strategic hills. They worshipped Dagda (the Good God) and he too is associated with the origins of Aileach. It was he who ordered the building of a stone fort to act as a burial monument to his dead son. The round fort is built largely without mortar. The interior has three terraces and wooden structures were built against the terraces to provide accommodation. The outline of Bronze Age or Iron Age ramparts can be seen below the fort. Legend states that the giants of Inishowen are lying sleeping but when the sacred sword is removed they will spring to life reclaiming their ancient lands. It is thought that St Patrick visited the site in the 5th century and baptised the local chieftain, Eoghan (from whom Inis Eoghan gets its name), here. To view more pieces please visit our store at Mini Inish

An Grianan of Aileach, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

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