Our Story

Kilkenny was originally set up in 1963 by the Irish Government as Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW) in County Kilkenny, to help develop Irish craft makers, and to create sustainable design jobs in Ireland.

Following a keen interest from visitors to purchase some of the unique products and gorgeous gifts on display, they opened the first Kilkenny Shop. The Flagship store on Nassau Street, with its cafe was opened some time later in Dublin to meet the growing demand of Irish made products. The group is now under the ownership of the O’Gorman family and includes 17 shops and 5 eateries, along with a thriving online store.