Protected: These are the Irish-Made accessory brands you need to know about

If you're on the lookout for something special for yourself or as a gift, these pieces, from handbags to headbands, are from some of the best Irish-made accessories labels in Ireland As we approach the summer, lots of us are opting to treat ourselves. If you have a summer weddin g or occasion coming up, or want to find something special for a loved one's birthday or big day, today we're taking a look back at some of the previous winners and runners-up in the Accessories Category of the Irish Made Awards .

We are thrilled to welcome back Blarney Woollen Mills to the Irish Made Awards 2025, proudly supported by Circle Club, as our Accessories Category sponsor. Celebrating 50 years in business, this iconic Irish family brand continues to redefine Irish heritage through timeless collections for men, women, home, and giftware. The company is synonymous with beautiful heritage-inspired collections, created by Irish makers and designers, that are a joy to gift to loved ones, and will stand the test of time. Their wool is 100% natural and renewable, with products manufactured in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

To mark their 50th year, they’ve taken a significant step by bringing Aran production back on-site, launching the Blarney Aran Experience—a working tour that brings visitors into the heart of the craft. Irish Made is in their DNA, making this partnership a natural fit.

Here’s what they had to say about being involved with the Irish Made Awards again this year:

“Every day, we welcome visitors from all over the world to Blarney, and it fills us with pride to showcase the very best that Ireland has to offer - our heritage, our creativity, and our people. The Irish Made Awards align so naturally with who we are and these awards give us the privilege of discovering incredible Irish talent - some emerging, some established - and we’re honoured to help shine a light on their beautiful creations”

Have you got an accessories business based here in Ireland? Be sure to enter the Irish Made Awards now! Deadline is midnight on 27 May 2025. For details on how to enter, see the Awards page, and FAQs here.

Meet the past accessories winners and runners-up of the Irish Made Awards: [caption id="attachment_34810" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Photo: August Night[/caption] August Night: The Accessories winner of the 2024 Irish Made Awards was August Night - a mesmerizing collection of exquisite bags and accessories, crafted by designer Caoimhe Grant. Known for their unique details and timeless style, each piece reflects an ever-evolving artistry that effortlessly stands out.

[caption id="attachment_33227" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Pic: Instagram/iamlaurakinsella[/caption] Laura Kinsella Designs: The 2023 Accessories winner was Laura Kinsella who creates exquisitely abstract headpieces and accessories by traditional and innovative technique in her Dublin studio. The award-winning milliner’s accessory label has a contemporary aesthetic combined with a delicacy and finesse that focuses on craftsmanship.

Aisling Kavanagh: The 2022 winner of the Irish Made Awards Accessories category was Aisling Kavanagh who makes bespoke Irish handmade accessories. Many of her pieces are made collaboratively, integrating family heirlooms or cut-offs from wedding gowns, to give a personal connection to the pieces that wouldn’t be possible any other way.

Úna Burke: The 2021 winner was Úna Burke , which boasts an incredible collection of leather accessories from bracelets to handbags. With a large international following, her pieces have appeared in film and been worn by leading performers, - even Lady Gaga is a fan! Each piece has an average of 25 different production stages and the prices of these accessories range from €50 for a bracelet to €1500 for a handbag.

Aoife Mullane Design: Our 2020 Irish Made Award winner was Aoife Mullane Design, who grew up right by the sea and thanks to nature’s ever changing colours and patterns for the inspiration for her fabric designs. After graduating in printed textiles from NCAD, Aoife now creates a variety of accessories as well as her signature interiors items. Check out the luxury gold crackle velvet scrunchie below.

Aoife Harrison Design: Our 2019 Irish Made Awards winner is Aoife Harrison Design , a Dublin-based milliner who has been creating bespoke hats since 2008. Her eye-catching designs are crafted only from the most sumptuous fabrics, lending her palette of muted earth tones and jewel colours the most opulent of effects. Shop this one-of-a-kind feather hat for your next special occasion.

Highly commended (Runners-up) Michelle Kearns Design: The runner up in the 2024 Accessories Category was Michelle Kearns Designs. The innovative designer started her millinery business in 2015 and one year later moved to her studio in Tuam, Co Galway. There, she has built an impressive offering including a hire collection, pieces for sale and unique custom designs for special occasions. Everything is hand made by herself from the initial sketch to the final stitch!

Liadain Aiken Knitwear x Talú Design: The 2023 runner up in this category was a collaboration between two very impressive brands. Sustainably made in Ireland using colourful merino wool from Donegal Yarns, Liadain Aiken Knitwear is a modern take on traditional, handcrafted Irish knitwear. Born out of a passion for colour, a love of all things design and a heritage in textiles, Talú is a company that helps slow fashion lovers keep their clothes for longer while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the earth. The collaboration involved products knitted in natural ecru that were then infused with colourful natural dyes.

McWilliam Bags: Just pipped to the post in the 2022 awards was McWilliam Bags who pride themselves on making durable and highly functional bags. Each McWilliam bag is handmade, to the same exacting standards, near Crosshaven, Co. Cork. Wherever you see a McWilliam bag, you’re looking at a bag that’s earned its distinctive stripes.

AURA Éire Bridalwear: The 2021 runner-up was AURA Éire Bridalwear , a luxury Irish brand creating modern accessories for the contemporary bride. Each piece is handmade by the designer, using a fabric base then mixed materials such as embroidery, feathers, and beads. The result is a gorgeously unique bridal accessory. Pieces in the collection range from €95 to €700.

Holden Leather Goods: Holden Leather Goods pride themselves on their uncompromising commitment to quality and design which earned them an international reputation. The Irish Made Award 2020 runner-up is one of the longest established leather goods brands, celebrating over 30 years of craftsmanship in Dingle.

Emily Jean Atelier: Another 2020 Irish Made Award runner-up was the premium headwear designer, founder and creative director Emily Jean O Byrne. Established in 2007, the business built up a reputation for high end, individual and bespoke designs. Emily has over ten years of experience in hat styling, and guiding clients through every aspect of their appearance for special occasions.

Stable of Ireland : Stable of Ireland was our 2019 runner-up for The Irish Made Awards. Founded in 2015 by Francis Duff and Sonia Reynolds to present the very best of Irish style and traditions to like-minded people who value quality craft and the time it takes to create something special.