IMAGE On Tour: Where to shop in Connemara

Rosie Johnson and Sadhbh O’Gorman run Provenance Interiors in Clifden. “We are inspired by the beauty of Connemara; the palette for the new shop is inspired by the colours and textures we see around us every day. We wanted the shop to reflect our love of where we live.”

Rosie first opened the shop in the summer of 2020 selling Irish linen, wool cushions and her bespoke footstools and ottomans upholstered in vintage grain sacking, before teaming up with fellow trained interior designer Sadhbh, pictured here.

Today, Rosie runs the retail and soft furnishings side of the business while Sadhbh manages the building consultation and project design end of the business.

Local makers

“We are passionate about Irish design – inspired not only by the landscape on our doorstep but also by the talented craftspeople we meet and work with,” says Sadhbh.

One such maker is Colin Snow, a metal worker and an artist in his own right, who creates bespoke curtain poles and brackets for Provenance (based on a design Rosie and Sadhbh saw in a photograph of an old Irish cottage).

Paddy O’Malley is another local craftsman they work with. He works with polished concrete to create unique stone tabletops, countertops or bathroom surfaces, which he flecks with shells, stones and seaglass, found locally.

“We love to offer our clients this kind of unique bespoke interior product, locally made. It adds a layer and a depth of atmosphere you can’t buy off the peg,” says Sadhbh.

Creative melting pot

The pair, Rosie originally from Dublin and Sadhbh from Galway, both admit they were always “looking for an excuse to move permanently to Connemara”.

“It’s such a wonderful place to live all year round. It has an easy friendliness during the summer season and is a true melting pot of creative thinkers and makers. It’s also a very gentle place to live; people here are the kindest in the world.”

To learn more about Provenance Interiors and view their online portfolio, visit provenance-interior.ie.

6 more great places to shop, from local expert Cliodhna Prendergast

1. Roundstone Ceramics, where you will find Seamus Laffan working the wheel in his shop making beautifully textured ceramics which look as good on tables in Michelin-starred restaurants as in homes across Connemara.

2. Joyce’s Craft Shop is a fascinating stop on the N59 for authentic craft, books, art and ceramics as well as Connemara marble. 

3. The Whistlestop in Clifden is perfect for nicely chosen homeware, jewellery, cards and more, and it’s great for gifts.

4. Rowan Beg was newly opened in Clifden. Nicola McGuinness creates smartly presented candles with essences evoking the scents of Connemara, along with some pieces of furniture and ceramics.

5. Millar’s has plenty of elegant country clothing and is a long-established stalwart in Clifden town. 

6. Ohh By Gum in the Station House Courtyard, stocks well-chosen ethically produced clothing and gifts; stop at Steam next door for lunch post-shopping. 

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Photography by Cliodhna Prendergast.