Wired Irish Crafts: A rising name in eco-friendly candles, based in Kilkenny!

Tracy and Douglas Higgins, a passionate husband and wife team, embarked on a mission in 2021 to revolutionize the world of candles.

Their company, Wired Irish Crafts, aimed to address the common issues encountered with traditional candles while promoting eco-friendliness through the use of sustainable and reusable containers, all under a zero waste policy.

Starting humbly at their kitchen table, the Higgins' poured their creativity and dedication into crafting candles that would eliminate problems like sooting, candle tunnelling, and evaporating fragrances.

For the first year and a half, they meticulously made candles from their home in Kilkenny, showcasing their products at crafting markets across Ireland.

Their journey began at Mountain View Markets, where every Sunday, they proudly presented their one-of-a-kind candles.

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The opportunity to participate in Yulefest over the last two Christmas seasons proved to be a blessing for the couple, allowing them to showcase their range of soy candles right at their own doorstep.

During this time, the company experienced rapid growth, even catching the attention of RTE's Nationwide TV show, which featured them twice.

These appearances further bolstered their reputation and introduced their exceptional candles to a wider audience.

In January of this year, Wired Irish Crafts achieved a significant milestone by securing a studio in the Castle Yard, becoming their new home.

It not only provides visitors and customers with a first-hand experience of artisan candle making but also serves as a platform to exhibit their extensive range of fragrances and sustainable vessels.

In addition, the studio offers in-house candle workshops, sharing the knowledge and techniques that make Wired Irish Crafts stand out.

Tracy dedicates her days to creating and perfecting their range within the candle studio, while Douglas takes the brand on the road, attending unique craft fairs nationwide, supporting resellers, and hosting candle workshops alongside Tracy.

Nestled in the Castle Yard, just behind the Kilkenny Design Centre and opposite Kilkenny Castle, the studio enjoys a picturesque location.

Surrounded by other remarkable local design and craft businesses, Wired Irish Crafts feels a warm sense of belonging within the community.

Among the highlights of their product line are the Coconut Shell Bowls.

These bowls offer customers a unique experience, and Wired Irish Crafts goes the extra mile by providing a repour service once the candle has finished burning.

Sourced from the Ben Tre region in Southern Vietnam, known for its high-quality coconuts, the coconut shell bowls are hand-carved by skilled local craftsmen to create stunning patterns.

By utilizing these bowls, Wired Irish Crafts not only supports the local farmers by providing them with a secondary income but also prevents the unnecessary burning of coconut shells and trees.

Customers who return with their empty coconut shell are delighted to witness the transformation of the shell's color, as the natural coconut oil released during the candle's burn cycle gradually darkens the shell.

Alternatively, customers can keep the shell and repurpose it at home, embracing sustainability in their own way.

Wired Irish Crafts currently offers over ten fragranced soy candles, available in their signature sustainable hand-carved genuine coconut bowls or bamboo bowls, as well as container pots.

All their fragrances are ethically sourced from around the world, ensuring a vegan-friendly product. Each candle carries a unique name and a captivating story behind it, making the experience of choosing a scent all the more special.

The Monkey Business candle, in particular, evokes great reactions from customers and event attendees.

This yellow, sweet-smelling candle is a blend of nine fruits commonly consumed by monkeys, mixed together in a vegan-friendly oil.

Many mistake it for a banana-scented candle, but its complexity goes far beyond that.

For those eager to explore the world of candle making, Wired Irish Crafts now offers candle workshops at their studio.

Participants are warmly welcomed with a complimentary glass of Prosecco and guided through the process of creating their own soy candles and wax melts.

The workshop provides all the necessary materials, and safety is prioritized with the provision of personal protective equipment.

Each attendee can take pride in crafting a 220g soy candle and two 30g wax melts, which they can collect after a week of curing.

Private bookings and group settings are also available, ensuring an enjoyable and educational experience for all participants.

Workshop bookings can be made via their website or on Eventbrite. Alternatively, drop into Tracy and she will book you in directly.

June & July Dates:

10th & 24th June – 3.30 – 5.30pm

8th & 15th July – 3.30 – 5.30pm

Wired Irish Crafts continues to expand their offerings, with exciting new fragrances on the horizon.

The company's dedication to sustainable practices, their commitment to quality, and their passion for creating exceptional candles have earned them a loyal customer base.

Their studio in the Castle Yard stands as a testament to their success, a place where visitors and customers from around the world can witness their artistry firsthand.

As Tracy and Douglas Higgins share their love for candle making, Wired Irish Crafts illuminates the path towards a greener and more enchanting future.

Address and Opening Hours: Unit 3B, Castle Yard, Kilkenny (Directly behind Kilkenny Design Centre and opposite Kilkenny Castle), Mon to Saturday (10am – 5pm), Sunday (Closed).

Insta:@wiredirishcrafts / Facebook:@wiredirishcrafts