Local Gift Guide for Black Friday & Christmas 2023

Hello friends.

It's Black Friday tomorrow and Christmas is closing in fast, and at this stage you're likely fatigued from all the Black Friday sale ads. I get it. It's overwhelming. While Amazon & co will do their utmost to get your money this Christmas, it is vital that we support local businesses.

I think it's fair to say I have never felt stronger about the importance of supporting local artists and makers. Living in Ballybunion there's a small community and an even smaller one of creatives and makers in the area. Ballybunion Community Market was great during the summer months pulling in local makers and those from further afield, and the Christmas edition of the market is coming up on December 10th at St. Joseph's Secondary School, Ballybunion. It's a change of venue from the Community Centre due to works ongoing at the centre, but we'll have a great time and I hope to see you there.

Today I want to share a collection of great local and nearby makers, artists, and producers. Each of these create work and products that I love and will make the perfect gift this holiday season. Buying their work keeps the money local and benefits the local communities we have, and this is a huge part in supporting the arts and sustainable producers and businesses.

Eat & Drink

Simply Devine Preserves (@simplydevinepreserves)

Locally made jams, chutneys, honey and more from Emily Devine of Simply Devine Preserves (. All delicious. All local. Emily co-run's Beach Hive on Main Street Ballybunion. You can pick up these delicious offerings to give as tasty gifts from the shop on Main Street, and Emily has a list of stockists on her website here: https://simplydevinepreserves.wordpress.com/about/

Allie's Coffee Shop (@alliescoffeeshop)

The best cup of coffee you will get in North Kerry, and a range of delicious treats to go with it. Allie's on Charles St., Listowel is my favourite spot to go for a coffee and a chat. Serving West Cork Coffee roasters coffee it's a must if you’re in the town. Allie offers gift vouchers, which are a great idea to treat a friend or loved one over the Christmas. Stop in for a catch up and enjoy yourself.

The Old Barracks Coffee Roasters (@oldbarrackscoffeeroasters)

I'll be honest, this one is a smidge further afield in terms of location, but as someone who has been travelling up & down from Dublin & Limerick a lot this place is a godsend. They have two locations – one at the old sawmills on the Dock Road, and their main roastery out in Birdhill (3 mins from exit 27 on the M7). Not only do they sell delicious coffee, they have coffee beans for home, coffee machines, and a whole pile more coffee related goodness for you to pick up. At their store in Birdhill they sell carefully curated wine and other bits, as well as baked treats. Go on, indulge for yourself, or give the gift to a coffee lover in your life. You can see more at their website here: https://www.theoldbarracks.ie/

The Marine Ballybunion (@themarinehotelballybunion)

If you've visited Ballybunion in recent years chances are you've indulged in a treat or coffee from the Marine. Based near the beach, The Hatch has grown dramatically and now offers an array of delicious treats, pastries, sandwiches, coffees and more. It's a great spot to have a get together this Christmas and they offer vouchers which can be redeemed at the Hatch. A perfect little stocking filler!

Teach de Broc (@teachdebroc)

Teach de Broc is my favourite place to eat in Ballybunion. The food is fantastic, the service is sublime, and the experience is one unmatched in the area. It's a boutique golf hotel nestled alongside the rolling dunes of Ballybunion golf course, and you can be guaranteed a great experience. They offer gift vouchers, perfect for the food lover in your life. Pop in and get one and enjoy a night out over the holidays.

Learn more at https://www.ballybuniongolf.com

Crafted

Kamana Candle (@kamana_candle)

Kamana Candle produce a range of beautifully fragranced candles, each named after and inspired by a love of music. From Wake Me Up, to La Vie En Rose, and my favourites Harvest Moon and Rebel Rebel, these candles are premium, locally made and hand poured, and will leave your home smelling fantastic! You can order them from Ciara online at KamanaCandle.com

Wild Atlantic Clay (@wild_atlantic_clay)

A perfect gift for those in your life who love natural tones and materials. Wild Atlantic Clay has a gorgeous collection and is a fan favourite at the community market. You can order on Etsy or contact her directly. https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/WildAtlanticClay

Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wild_atlantic_clay

Delia O'Donoghue Ceramics (@deliaodonoghue)

Delia's work is stunning. From mugs to bowls and much more, Delia's work is a beautiful gift for a loved one this holiday season. Inspired by the beauty in nature around her, Delia's work is crafted with love and care, and is of the highest quality. You can order from Delia online here https://deliaodonoghueceramics.com/

Art & Photography

Ciaraíoch (@ciaraioch)

Ciaraíoch is an Irish artist whose work is both humorous and impactful. Ciara's has given her talents to important social causes and historical topics, books, campaigns, and more, and her work is genuinely brilliant. You can own Ciara's work by buying a print and in doing this you'll be supporting her in continuing to do her work. Beyond that, Ciara has always been kind and open to sharing advice and perspectives on making her way as an artist, and I've learned a lot along the way.

You can buy a print at ciaraioch.com

PJ Rankin (@rankinlandscapephotography)

I first met PJ at a music society meeting during my time at I.T.Tralee (now MTU Tralee), and we connected in more recent years through Instagram. PJ's work is beautiful and captures the spectacular landscapes of Ireland's coastline and beyond. I'm a big fan and I think you will be too. While PJ isn't based in Ballybunion, he has work from Kerry and it's well worth checking out. You can order one of his prints at pjrankin.com

Jerry Lane Photography

Okay, okay, shameless self plug. I know. If you're here it's because you already know my work. I have recently re-released my complete card collection alongside standard photo prints in affordable setups, my 2024 calendar, and my Fine Art Collection Series 001, which is my favourite shots produced using archival papers, inks, and striking framing options. You can shop my collection of prints etc here: jerrylanephotography.com

Grá Photography (@gra_photography_)

Local photographer Gráinne Toomey captures light and life around Ballybunion. I've had the privilege to shoot alongside her at a few events now and to call her a friend. You can support her work at graphotography.ie or if you're in Ballybunion you can pop into her local crafts shop, Beach Hive, on Main Street.

Pixies Kingdom (@pixies_kingdom)

The dynamic duo! Mairead and Mike (Pixie) O'Gorman capture content around Ireland. Recently Pixie launched his first ever collection of canvas prints and there's a number of stunning shots in there. You can check them out and order them through their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/PixiesKingdom/

Dominika Piekarska Art (@dominikapiekarska.artist)

I worked with Dominika around 4-5 years ago in a shop in Killarney, and to say she has been through a journey of growth as an artist since then is a complete understatement. Her work is ethereal and oh so beautiful. She has an exhibition coming up at St. John's in Listowel on the 2nd of December and shares images of her work over on Instagram. Contact her if you're interested in picking up her work, it is stunning.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dominikapiekarska.artist

Wrapping things up…

I hope you found some value in the suggestions above. Please feel free to drop a comment below and add your own suggestions for locally based businesses & artists needing your support this year.

Happy shopping!

— Jerry