Economuseé – spotlight on our artisans at work
There is very little that the innovators of this great land won’t turn their hand to. Apart from its reputation in linen and ships, Northern Ireland has always been a place with a love of the artisan. In recent years, with the resurgence of interest in everything local, bespoke and hand-crafted, the small producer has taken off again. There are now a plethora of économuseé across Northern Ireland and each has a story to tell about their community.
Gold from Northern Ireland’s fields
Northern Ireland’s ‘olive oil’ has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its thicker texture and deeper nutty flavour, gives Northern Irish chefs and restaurants something unique. The Broighter Gold économuseé is run by Leona and Richard Kane in Limavady and you can see how they transform the oilseed rape into a crystal clear gold.
Sustainable farming on the Causeway Coast
Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle on the Causeway Coast is not your run-of-the-mill holding. The Cole family specialise in kid-goat, free range veal and seasonal wild game. They are dedicated to sustainable farming and this has brought them to the attention of those who hand out awards. They welcome tours and encourage visitors to stop off at their farm to hear what inspired them and the reasons for their ongoing success.
Turning out a loaf or two in Ballycastle
Near enough to Broughgammon Farm are Ciara and Dara O’hArtghaile who discovered delights like sourdough loaves and tasty pastries while living in New Zealand. On their return, the couple started Ursa Minor Bakehouse, producing hand-crafted bread and other goodies. They have gone from strength to strength since but they believe in keeping it local and sustainable. Their product is exclusively available in this area of the Causeway Coast.
Smoking up a storm
Staying in Ballycastle, and everyone should at least once, Ruairidh Morrison from Scotland and Ballycastle-native Melanie Brown also met in New Zealand. Perhaps it was their connection with the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, which encompassed the North Coast of Antrim, the Scottish Islands and part of the Scottish mainland, or maybe it was their love of fish, but somehow they hooked each other. Now they are back home and have created a little salmon smokehouse kingdom of their own. Come and watch the magic happen for yourself and experience one of the great tastes of Northern Ireland.
From sorbets to sundaes in Ballymena
The Creamery Can at Dundermot Farm was launched as an Économusée in December 2019 for their artisan ice cream business. Located on a working family farm with a coffee shop and of course, the ice cream workshop, the Creamery Can welcome between ten and thirty visitors to see how they produce their delicious ice creams and sorbets. They’ll even be asked to lend a hand and at the end of it all you’ll get to taste the best Sundae in any week.
Creativity on canvas near The Gobbins
In 2018, artist Audrey Kyle converted an old stone barn on her Islandmagee farmhouse near The Gobbins into her studio and gallery. She now invites visitors by appointment to see how she works. Many of her paintings are influenced by local tales, inspired by the dramatic seaside surroundings, the Gobbins and its legends, local wildlife, all of which lend a magical quality to her work.
From Innovation to Creation in Glenarm
For three decades, Steensons Jewellers have been hand crafting their distinctive jewellery in the picturesque village of Glenarm, the first of the Glens of Antrim, along the famous Causeway Coastal Route. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the Goldsmiths at work and learn about the art of jewellery making, the rich historical design heritage, the origins of gemstones, the link to the hit TV series Game of Thrones and more.
Forged in Fire
Known locally as 'The Tenth Glen', Glenravel is home to Hot Milk Forge - a blacksmithing and bladesmithing school. Following years of travelling and working abroad Eamon Higgins, a renowned artist and blacksmith returned to his family’s farm to establish the forge in 2003. At Hot Milk Forge, blacksmiths weld with fire, not electricity. Imagine making your own fire side set, wrought iron gate, gifts for your partner, sculpture…. the list goes on.
There is magic and dedication in all of Northern Ireland’s Econonmuseés but above all else, there is a unique and warm welcome awaiting those that stop by to say hello.
