All About Ireland's Kerry Crafted Glass
Kerry Crafted Glass handmade glassware is famed in Ireland and around the world for the beautiful craftsmanship from an Irish blown glass company founded by a master craftsman in Ireland more than 20 years ago.
With easy online access available through Made-in-Ireland gift companies like Creative Irish Gifts, it's now easier to begin your collection of Kerry glass.
More than 1 million people each year visit the shops and attractions of Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. This ancient Irish city is home to the three beautiful Lakes of Killarney, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range (with some of Ireland's highest peaks) and six-centuries Ross Castle.
Visitors have dozens of popular tourist sites to discover in this city in southwestern Ireland. It's also the home of Kerry Crafted Glass.
Located in Ireland's County Kerry town of Killarney, Kerry Crafted Glass is the handiwork of master craftsman Terence MacSweeney. He is no stranger to the craft, having started blowing glass in 1979 as well as training with well-known artisans and companies, including Langham Glass, before opening his business in 1998.
History and Craftsmanship
Today, he and his wife Helen along with their three daughters Niamh, Ruth, and Meabh, oversee this family business, a venue that is open to visitors who wish to see and learn about the ancient art of glass blowing.
Each piece of Kerry Crafted Glass is made onsite. They are not only blown by mouth, but also shaped by hand. The process begins with recycled glass pieces being melted in the company's furnace.
These burn at an astonishing 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. From there, the glass is gathered onto the blowing iron and blown. Color is added at this time. More glass can be added to achieve the desired size or thickness.
Next, the artisan moves to the bench to begin forming the shape of the piece. The entire process is hands-on-much like creating a work of art on canvas or a sculpture.
Kerry Glass Keepsakes
Candlesticks, urns, vases, bowls, lamps and mirrors are just a few of the pieces that are created in this unique studio. Inspiration for both shape and palette often comes from the company's location.
The studio is situated near the Lakes of Killarney in Killarney National Park and MacGillycuddy's Reeks on Ireland's Iverach Peninsula.
Creative Irish Gifts is proud to carry pieces from Kerry Crafted Glass, as well as Ireland's other famed glassware and pottery makers. We sell Belleek porcelain table ware and figurines, Galway crystal and other famous-name keepsakes and collectibles.
To learn more about the company, visit KerryCraftedGlass.com.