Here are three Irish glassblowers specialising in vibrant coloured glassware that will make any drinks cupboard pop

Since Saint Brigid’s Day heralded the beginning of the spring season on the old Irish Celtic calendar, spirits have been well and truly lifted. Evenings are getting longer, and that sense of winter dreariness has finally lifted as we look towards brighter days ahead.

If you’ve put hosting duties on hold after a hectic Christmas, now’s the time to reopen your social schedule and get some friends around for your next great soiree. When it comes to creating a picture-perfect tablescape, the latest interiors trend we’re loving is coloured glassware.

Whether it’s a stained glass tumbler or a bold water jug, coloured glassware adds an extra element of joy to any table setting, and when you and your guests cheer to the future, these practical works of art will catch the light and lift your spirits.

If you want to add some vibrancy to your drinks cabinet, or you want to elevate your table settings, here are three Irish glass blowing companies that specialise in creating exciting collectables and pieces of art that you can reach for on the daily.

JERPOINT GLASS STUDIO

Based in the heart of Kilkenny since 1979, Jerpoint Glass Studio pride themselves on authenticity, craftsmanship, and giving life to molten glass. The home of the magic of mouth-blown, hand-made and hand-finished glassware, this family-run glassblowing studio has grown from humble beginnings in a country farmhouse, Jerpoint has become known across the globe for its honest form and use of colour inspired by well-observed Irish landscapes.

Every piece of glassware in the Jerpoint range is designed and crafted in their Kilkenny studio, and their ‘vivid’ collection is very aptly named. This fun and quirky set of drinking glasses and pourer are designed with everyday use in mind. The clean, simple shape and pure, vivid tones are a reflection of quality craftsmanship and excellence in design.

THE IRISH HANDMADE GLASS COMPANY

A labour of love began after the closure of the Waterford Crystal factories in Ireland in 2009, The Irish Handmade Glass Company was formed by a team of master craftspeople in the heart of Waterford city. Aiming to keep the age-old craft and tradition of glass blowing alive in new and exciting ways, this studio creates works of art that are surprisingly affordable.

The Irish Handmade Glass Company’s use of colour and cutting makes every piece unique, and visitors to their studio can watch designs come to life before their very eyes. Their Claddagh collection is a personal favourite, and serves as an exquisite testament to all things Irish. Pouring your guests some top shelf whiskey from a Claddagh carafe will earn you major hosting points.

HELEN HANCOCK GLASS

The first glass artist to infuse human breast milk within molten hot glass, Helen Hancock’s hyper detailed collections include hand-blown baubles, rings, paperweights, vases, pendants and glassware infused with breast milk, ashes, placenta, baby teeth, and umbilical cord. Putting over twenty years of glass making skills to good use, Helen combines her passion for birth and feeding with making glass, which has been one of the greatest discoveries for so many people.

Making glass for families who have dealt with great loss and trauma, Helen’s commissioned pieces offer something physical to have to keep those special people and memories alive in the everyday. Also creating art that is functional, Helen also sells bespoke glasses that you can mix and match, and enjoy the soul-lifting colours as you sip.