Cronin’s Forge, just outside Durrus on the Sheep’s Head peninsula, already has an international reputation for its range of hand-crafted decorative and practical wrought iron products.
The family business is run by Carmel Cronin and her son Brian, a fourth-generation blacksmith. Brian’s craftsmanship is evident in fluid modern pieces inspired both by Celtic tradition, and by the landscape around the forge which overlooks Dunmanus Bay.
Cronin’s Forge craftwork has always been available for sale in the showroom alongside the forge, but now a handful of talented West Cork artists have their wares on display too at the new Cronin’s Forge craft shop which has been opened to coincide with the launch of the Wild Atlantic Way.
For months, Carmel Cronin and her team have been working with the exceptionally-gifted crafters in West Cork, looking to identify pieces that would compliment items in the forge’s own collection. The items chosen to feature in the shop demonstrate the same attention to design and workmanship that the Cronins themselves dedicate to their own pieces.
In the refurbished shop, you’ll find Mairi Stone’s exquisitely-textured porcelain inspired by nature’s organic forms and structures, alongside glasswork from Trish Goodbody, and a range of cushions and soft furnishings that perfectly compliment the ironwork on display.
The expansion of the craft shop demonstrates the strength and depth of the local craft scene, and in fact Carmel Cronin has commissioned a ‘Cronin’s Forge’ mug from Helen Ennis at nearby Dunbeacon Pottery to mark the launch of the new venture.
‘There’s such a wonderful craft scene, here on the Sheep’s Head peninsula. and in West Cork more generally,’ says Carmel. ‘And, as more visitors head our way to see our dramatic coastline, we’re hoping they’ll enjoy discovering some of the craft pieces our landscape inspires.’
The Forge’s shop, just outside Durrus on the Sheep’s Head peninsula is now open 7 days a week. 10am – 5pm (Mon-Friday), 12-4 (Saturday & Sunday). Find out more at https://livingthesheepsheadway.com/cronins-forge
Contact: Carmel Cronin: 087 231 4258 or Siobhán Burke 086 303 0991
