26 Sept 2017

What you should know about the Gaolhouse Craft fair in Carlow


Dolmen Pottery
     Gaolhouse Craft Fair at Carlow Shopping Centre take place every first Saturday of each month. Centre is located right in the town centre next to the Potato Market where Farmer's Market take place. Each one of us can have a different reasons why we like to visit craft fairs, for example, inspiration, atmosphere, to buy craft, engage with makers, commission a personalized piece, look out for gift ideas and the list could go on.
But probably the following three could be the most common reasons for most of us and that's what exactly Gaolhouse Craft fair has to offer.

Valg Studio

     In my opinion one of the best things about the Gaolhouse Craft Fair is a nice mix of different crafts on display. Usually there are about 20 stands including pottery, home baking, handmade jewellery, hand-woven textiles, pebble art, handmade cards, cosmetics, wood-turning, fairy houses, mosaic art, printmaking and art originals, knitted and crochet accessories and much more. Unique handmade designs and quality.

Sweet Creations

Ilona Jurgena & Nic's Preserves

Fairy Dwellings
Crafting Mammy

     Very important part of any craft fair is atmosphere. I must say the Gaolhouse Craft Fair is one of the loveliest fairs I have taken part and here is why. It's held in a beautiful historical building that once was a Jail House but nowadays is transformed into the shopping centre. It is not a huge multi-store shopping centre but lovely spacious building with glass roof that means plenty of good light (important for me when displaying small items like jewellery), great that none needs to worry if it's raining or windy. There is a nice cafe in the middle of the centre where you can have a lunch or coffee with friends.

     Another important reason in my opinion is that at least once in a month we all get to meet, talk, show our new products, gain feedback, simply have a good time and go home inspired. By 10am all crafters have set up their stands and ready to welcome customers, then at 5pm everyone is getting ready to pack up and looking forward to put their feet up. By coming to a craft fair you are helping local artists and craftspeople.

Thank you to my lovely customer Aileen for allowing me to share this lovely image of her wearing Valg Studio pendant.

Bubble Heaven

Woolly Goods

NicAngels Candles

The Turning Wizard & The Spiral Goddess

The regular stand holders at craft fair include: Dolmen Pottery, Sweet Creations, NicAngels Candles, Bubble Heaven, Ilona Jurgena, Valg Studio, Corina Fitzgibbon Art, Nic's Preserves, Crafting Mammy, Fairy Dwellings, Nicola's Embroidery, The Spiral Goddess, The Turning Wizard, Wooly Goods, Julie's Pebble Pictures and many more.

Corina Fitzgibbon Art


Julie's Pebble Pictures


I hope you found this article about my local craft fair valuable and will visit us at suitable day in near future.

Nicola O'Shea /Nicola's Embroidery/ and Miriam Pearson /Sweet Creations/ have put in huge amount of work establishing this lovely Craft Fair. If you would like to keep updated on the Gaolhouse Craft Fair monthly activities and Christmas dates stay in touch by following Gaolhouse Craft Fair Facebook Page.


Have a beautiful Autumn,
Liga x


Valg Studio calendar for the end of year shows.


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