Fanad Lighthouse has teamed up with Donegal designer Fiona Herbst to create an original and exclusive collection of jewellery featuring the iconic landmark.
The collection uses colour and form to celebrate a world-famous landmark in a contemporary style.
The handcrafted collection is launching on fanadlighthouse.com this weekend, in time for #BuyDonegalWeekend, and would make the perfect gift for any person who has a special place in their heart for Donegal or Fanad.
“Fanad Lighthouse is regarded as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world” says Milford designer Fiona Herbst, “so when they approached me to develop a range of jewellery based on the lighthouse it was such a unique challenge. Every time I go to Fanad Lighthouse I see something new, something different, something beautiful. I have tried to translate this experience into each piece of jewellery – every single piece is individually made by hand and then hand-painted, so no two pieces are the same.”
The collection also ties in with the Design & Crafts Council Ireland #MadeLocal campaign, supporting Irish designers and craftspeople.
“It’s part of our ethos here to support local crafts”, says Rosie Nic Cionnaith, marketing officer at Fanad Lighthouse.
“We stock a range of beautiful, unique products from local and county-wide producers, with an emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly products. We have a number of unique wooden products from Carraig na Rón, a business on our doorstep. We have locally handwoven willow baskets, handwoven tweed scarves, soaps and candles made in Donegal, textiles from designer Michelle Doherty, local artwork, cards, prints, photography and more. It’s fantastic that BuyDonegalWeekend is celebrating Donegal makers and retailers, as there are so many stunning products being made in the county.
“It’s really lovely to see the jewellery range coming to fruition – it’s something we had been planning with Fiona over a period of time and to see the final pieces is exciting. They will make wonderful souvenirs for visitors to the lighthouse and great gifts for any Donegal woman or any of the Donegal diaspora overseas. It’s also a little bit of a positive story for us, after all the challenges the tourism industry has faced this year.”
Rosie added: “There has been a drive recently for people to shop local, support local. Campaigns like BuyDonegalWeekend and the Design and Crafts Council’s ‘Made Local’ campaign are raising awareness of the need to support local stores and makers, especially in the run up to Christmas this year when many will need an extra boost to stay afloat.”
The range will be available from today in Fanad Lighthouse’s online store www.fanadlighthouse.com/online-shop. There is also a click and collect by arrangement option available for locals, and the team look forward to reopening the craft shop at the lighthouse when restrictions allow.
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