On bright Clifden days, the sun shines through Connemara Blue’s doors, creating cascades of colour filtering through the vibrant glass fixtures adorning the store-front windows. Greens, yellows, reds, and blues create a kaleidoscope of light across the shop. Their walls are filled with handmade glass gifts, all designed and produced in house by the Crow family; Ben and his daughter Tash, with design help from wife and mother, Pauline. Together, this family expertly crafts fine artisanal glass gifts. Their art has quickly become a beloved hallmark of Clifden, making it a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Since 2010, Connemara Blue’s stunning glass work has been sought after not only in Galway, but around the entire world. Inspired by the overwhelming beauty of Connemara, their designs truly encompass the stunning and gentle scenes of the west. Being struck by the fantastic colour of Connemara’s lakes and skies, they felt Connemara Blue was the perfect name for their business. The glass and material they use to create designs emulate the iconic landscape of the west. Even the more abstract pieces are reflective of the ruggedly beautiful terrain.
Through working with such a fragile material, Tash, Ben, and Pauline have become masters of their craft. Glass is incredibly temperamental and often unforgiving. In order to achieve these brilliant end-products, much care and consideration needs to be taken into account throughout the process. Expertly cut, and then carefully assembled into the desired designs, the material is quickly transformed into a story.
When in the kiln, the glass fuses with itself and produces something close to magic. Lines become soft and meld together creating the fabulous products we see today. Whether the design is of the awe-inspiring Atlantic Ocean accompanied by Galway Hookers, or four little white birds perched on a wire surrounded by a beautiful aquamarine transparent base glass, their products are made with expert care and dedication.
For their keepsake collection, Tash has been experimenting with design processes to produce glass goodies that are quirky, happy, and unique. Her current favourite small gift designs include the vibrant canary yellow ‘Robbie’ Bee decoration, and the fun phenomenon that has become known as ‘Scooter’ the penguin. Scooter is currently having an amazing time travelling around the world and his progress is being captured in the #scootergoesglobal competition on social media. “The gifts have really taken off,” said Tash. Other decorations like the “iconic and cheeky” Connemara Sheep are flying off the shelves.
There are more exciting, upcoming adventures for Connemara Blue. They will soon be moving from the famous Pink House on the Square, their home for the last 11 years, into a larger production location, a purpose-built workshop studio space just out of town. Their new retail premises will still be in Clifden, just around the corner in Main Street. Have no fear – it will still be known as ‘The Pink Shop’!
Next time you’re in Clifden, be sure to wander around their stunning shop and experience the West of Ireland in a whole new way!
To learn more about Connemara Blue and to see more of their products, find their website here!
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