Hi Everyone, I hope you all had a good week. So this week I'm going to end my series on Irish craft traditions with a look at Irish pottery-most particularly Belleek Pottery. Belleek is one of our best-loved makers here at The Irish Store. A truly iconic Irish brand.

The Neolithic period (4,500 to 2,500 B.C.) gave us our first pieces of pottery. These would have been basic handmade pots with no decoration, fired in pits and bonfires. The Normans introduced the potter's wheel to Ireland in the 13th century.

Today the craft of Irish pottery is more popular than ever. Artisan potters are present in every corner of Ireland producing sought-after pieces of the highest standards.

Belleek Pottery

So let's find out a little more about the legend that is Belleek. Established in 1857,  Belleek China Pottery stands on the banks of the River Erne in County Fermanagh. In 1849, John Caldwell Bloomfield inherited his father’s estate in Belleek, Co Fermanagh. Tenants of the estate had been severely affected by the ravages of the famine so John was determined to find a way to provide his tenants with gainful employment. The land was rich in minerals and suitable for the production of pottery.

Building began in 1858 and while the first products were largely domestic, high-end Parian porcelain pieces appeared in 1863 and one of their most noteworthy customers was Queen Victoria. The prestige of the company quickly grew and the rest is history.

Since then, Belleek China Pottery has become one of Ireland’s most recognizable brands and an icon in the history of Irish pottery.  Belleek produces 100,000 pieces of pottery each year. Each piece is meticulously crafted, passing through no less than 16 pairs of hands until it reaches its final perfect form.

Lulu's Top Irish Pottery Pieces by Belleek

1. Himself & Herself Mugs with Hand Painted Shamrocks

Our best-selling Irish pottery gift is this gorgeous pair of Belleek mugs. Each mug is beautifully crafted from the finest Parian china while Belleek's signature hand-painted shamrocks adorn each mug. The words "Himself" and "Herself" appear in quintessentially Irish green. The basketweave design is classic Belleek. This design first appeared in the 1880s and remains just as popular today. The perfect gift for your favorite couple.

2. Belleek Set of 4 Shamrock Vases

This set of 4 beautifully dainty Irish pottery vases make a wonderful addition to any Belleek collection. Unmistakably Irish, they come in 4 classic designs with signature hand painted shamrocks on each.

3. Belleek Angel of Protection

Beautifully crafted, this Irish angel ornament holds a hand painted shamrock. Send some wishes of good fortune to a loved one and mark any occasion in style.

Well, that's only a tiny taster of our gorgeous selection of Belleek Irish pottery so why not start or add to your collection today.

Thanks for dropping by!

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.