Founded by landowner John Caldwell Bloomfield in 1857 to provide employment for his tenants in the wake of the Irish Potato Famine, Belleek Pottery has grown to become a highly sought after international name.
The classic fine white and cream china pieces are often made in a basket weave design and decorated with green shamrocks and harps. And more contemporary pieces have reignited interest among a new generation, with their clean lines and minimalist designs.
Many devotees from around the globe come here to pay homage to Belleek's craftsmanship, and pick up new pieces to enhance their collections. And everyone can marvel at the hand-made 28" tall International Centre Piece on display in the foyer. The work encompasses a large vase resting on three Irish Wolfhounds, and is exquisitely decorated with flowers and Irish Harps. It was awarded a Gold Medal at the 1900 Paris Exhibition and is Belleek's oldest and most prestigious creation.
Guided 30min tours take you through the pottery process from moulding to flower making, kiln firing to decorating. And you can also chat with the craftspeople involved in this meticulous process. A Showroom, Museum, Tea Room and 20min multi-lingual film complete your visitor and retail experience. Find it a little over two hours drive from Belfast.
Comments