Wealth of Artistic Talent in Donegal - Local Hands

Local Hands is a co-operative style fusion of Artists and Craftspeople. Based in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, they work together to showcase, support and sell their work and to promote the wealth of artistic talent in the surrounding region. The emphasis is on high quality unique and authentic Irish art and craft which is locally produced in the North West of Ireland.

The Local Hands shop is located on Main Street, Ballyshannon and is also used as a studio space so visitors can meet the artists themselves and see them at work. They cover a wide range of disciplines including Woodturning, Crochet, Silversmithing, Blacksmithing, Glass blowing, Pottery making, Felt making, Jewellery, Soap making, Stone Carving, Painting and Illustration.

The artists and crafters joined forces in a cooperative way to share costs and time… a good way to promote the work, launch a start-up business, re-open vacant premises and provide an attraction for local and visitor alike. Initially it was decided to open as a “Pop Up” shop but after Season 1 the benefits of the project became clear and it was decided to remain open on an ongoing basis.

So, whether you are looking for a unique quality crafted gift for friend or family, or a “wee treat” for yourself, they’re sure you will discover something that’s just right at the Local Hands studio shop in Ballyshannon or on their new website.

Many of their gifts can be shipped worldwide… just contact the artist for details. 

Check our website www.govisitdonegal.com for more details.

The Allingham Festival 2014 in Ballyshannon officially opened

Based in Ballyshannon, the Allingham Festival is a celebration of the life and works of one of our town’s most famous ancestor writer and poet William Allingham and his wife the artist Helen Allingham. Each year sees their memory celebrated with events and workshops that inspire others in their own achievements in the arts.

William Allingham ((1824 –89) an Irishman of letters and a widely published poet was a native of Ballyshannon and married to the celebrated English artist Helen Allingham. His ashes were returned to Ireland after his death in 1889 and buried at St Anne’s Church, Ballyshannon. The Festival celebrates the Allingham artistic legacy in Ballyshannon. This revival is one of many community projects trying to kick-start economic activity building on the unique historical and cultural identity of the town.

Last night, The 2014 Allingham Festival was officially opened by Minister Joe McHugh, the Keynote Speech by Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, the showcase presentation by Ms Neishaw Ali, President of the Toronto-based firm that creates special effects for GAME OF THRONES, the concert by Keith Mannion and SlowPlaceLikeHome and more.

WONDER OF WORDS will take place on the Saturday evening featuring Theo Dorgan, Donal Ryan, Paul

Lynch, the Poetry Divas, and a special tribute to Ballyshannon’s Cecil Stephens. Readers and writers may also be interested in the Saturday seminars with Donal Ryan and Paul Lynch, as well as the cutting-edge workshop on Digital Marketing for Writers and Artists. Residents of the North West would usually need to travel to Dublin for events like these which is why the Allingham Festival is bringing them to Ballyshannon.

Visit our website for more details