To some, Irish design can conjure images of ye-olde kitchen dressers and wood-wormed rocking chairs. But the Irish furniture and home accessories industry is at its best, combining superb craftsmanship, award-winning design and quality home-grown materials, all with a modern pulse. What better time to rediscover some of the best-in-class Irish makers who can furnish our interiors? 

The Art Of Glass

You spent 30 minutes picking out the perfect wine for the weekend, then serve it in a sub-standard glass? The right glass will make any drink better, whether it’s Bordeaux white or an Italian lager. Prepare to make some space on your cocktail tray for Eamonn Terry’s Criostal na Rinne hand-cut crystal glassware. We didn’t think it was possible to get excited about crystal, again, until we spotted these. Terry, based in the Waterford Gaeltacht of An Rinn, started his career in Waterford Crystal where he rose to the level of master craftsman glasscutter. He set up the now family-run workshop in 1987. The Tonn wine glasses are incredible but our absolute favourite is the Cló collection which features elegant linear cuts inspired by the markings of ogham script, the early Irish alphabet. Prices start at €85; www.criostal.com.

Design Of The Times

Marrying elegance and functionality can be a difficult task for any designer, but it’s a relationship that Dublin-based design collaborative Elements of Action has mastered. The team design bespoke furniture and accessories with clever details and push the boundaries of design to create dramatic contemporary works with deep roots in the local landscape, materials and traditional techniques. All of their work is handmade in Ireland and marries local woods with various stones and metals. We love this occasional, steel-framed armchair with leather strap detail at the back. Cushions come in white, pink or blue linen. www.elementsofaction.net.

Shine A Light

Founded by design director Mike Treanor in 2009, the team at Mullan Lighting design and manufacturer bespoke lighting for homes, businesses and large-scale hotel fit outs, all showcasing the finest Irish craftsmanship. Based in north Monaghan, Treanor relies on a team of about 60 who all share his love of well-designed lighting and attention to detail. Aside from stocking some striking brass table lamps like the handmade Turku table lamp (pictured, €380), Mullan’s also showcases stand-out collections like the extra-special Oxford collection (brass or antique silver wall, table and floor lamps as well as a chandelier), a distinctive contemporary collection constructed from a multitude of brass sleeves that intersect with, and protrude through, a matte black steel ring that cast interesting shadows and light patterns. www.mullanlighting.com