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Kilkenny Handwrought Silver
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Kilkenny Handwrought Silver

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Kilkenny Handwrought Silver
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24 reviews
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24 reviews
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Spisak
Novi, MI268 contributions
Most memorable part of our trip to Ireland!
Jan 2023 • Couples
I wanted to purchase a special piece of jewelry for our first trip to Ireland. I had seen reviews for Desmond Byrne and his silver shop in Kilkenny and knew I had to meet him. The Kilkenny Handwrought Silver shop is located across the street from the castle in the Kilkenny Design Center. My husband and I were delighted to meet Desmond. He was such a wonderful, kind man and talented artist. He taught us all about silver and explained how he creates his beautiful silver pieces. He would have created a custom ring for me but as we only had one day I chose a ring he had made a few months ago. It had a Book of Kells pattern. It is beautiful! I would highly recommend visiting Desmond on your next trip to Kilkenny!
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lynn h
Saint Louis, MO56 contributions
Des is a gem!
Mar 2020 • Family
Please, please go see Desmond if you are looking for a unique piece of silver jewelry. So much more rewarding to buy from a true artisan who loves his craft and enjoys sharing the details of his works with you. You will not de disappointed and you will feel good about supporting a local artisan rather than a company that mass produces pieces.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ligita N
Mountmellick, Ireland4 contributions
Wedding rings
Feb 2020 • Couples
Desmond is a fantastic person and a silversmith. He made my and my husband a beautiful and unique wedding rings we all designed together. He took his precious time to do it. When we go to kilkenny we always make some time to go and visit him. Thank you so Desmond and we are looking forward to come back and get my eternity ring designed for my 5year anniversary. Thank you from all of my heart xx
Written January 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bradbeauvais
Morgantown, WV1 contribution
Fantastic Shop and Even Better Businessman
Jul 2017 • Family
We recently visited Ireland and I just happened to find Desmond's shop tucked in the back corner of Castle Yard. I found something I liked (men's Celtic ring) but he didn't have the correct size on hand. I left my contact information and (no kidding) the ring arrived a couple of days after we got back to the United States. I hadn't paid a cent. Of course I've since rendered payment...but this is the way I wish business was conducted. Desmond is a first class, old world craftsman. Don't miss him on your visit to Kilkenny.
Written July 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggieroni
New York City, NY14 contributions
Fabulous shop with unique designs
Sep 2013 • Couples
We were visiting from California and looking for rings. We saw the same things in all of the shops in Dublin and they all screamed tourist! On a day trip to Kilkenny we discovered Des's charming shop located in the castle's renovated stables and were instantly charmed by Des and his amazing hand-crafted original designs. He is a true artist and a kind and thoughtful person who helped us choose the perfect rings. They depict the Book of Kells in an intricate design. He hand signed a vard of authenticity and insisted on giving us the lovely box and packaging even though we wore the rings out of the shop. Skip the castle (it's been renovated big time) and visit Des and the other wonderful crafts people in the Kilkenny design center.
Written October 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanMarie3
Indianapolis, IN39 contributions
Delightful shopping experience
Oct 2016 • Couples
Based on other reviews and sought out the shop. The silversmith, Des, was a delight. He has an array of items, both traditional and contemporary. He said that current preference is for traditional items. But we preferred the unusual contemporary items from the Kilkenny Design School. We were on the verge of purchasing a ring and he told us to explore the other stores to make sure that it was the one we wanted. We did a little alternate shopping but quickly came back an purchased it. He is a skilled craftsman and worth seeking out.
Written November 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony S
Derry, UK49 contributions
Master at Work
Mar 2016 • Couples
a master of his craft and one of the worlds true gentlemen. Every time we visit Kilkenny, we make a point of calling in to Des. over the years we have bought a few unique handmade items, and every time we receive quality craftsmanship and excellent prices. if you want something that is truly a one off, call next time you are in town.
Written September 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
esamlen
Port Saint Lucie, FL295 contributions
Hidden Gem Behind the KilKenny Design Centre
Jun 2016 • Family
My daughter really wanted a necklace accompanied by a Celtic pendant but everywhere we looked there was the same mass produced pendants and necklaces. I looked on TA and found this wonderful hidden gem.

The owner and master silver smith (gold smith as well) Desmond A Byrne was just so informative and helpful. We explained what we were looking for and he had a piece that was originally an earring but he only had one of them. It was too light for a pendant so he reworked to so it was more than twice the weight. My daughter loved it, it was exactly what she wanted. And the added bonus is that she got to meet the silver smith who made it, we also took pictures with him and now the piece has more meaning to her. What more can you ask for!

His prices are very reasonable as well. A lot of what is sold elsewhere is not silver but his is silver or gold. As others have said you can tell that he loves what he is doing and he is not a pushy salesman, which is quite refreshing.
Written August 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mum-and-Poppy
Arab, AL43 contributions
Hidden away across from the Castle
Sep 2015 • Couples
We wandered in out of curiosity and wound up staying and talking for an hour or so!
Very nice folks and really interesting jewelry designs. Could have stayed and talked all day.
Written November 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brendadee
Dublin12 contributions
Craftsman At Work
Mar 2013 • Couples
Des Byrne's Silversmith shop is in the grounds of the Kilkenny Design Centre, Kilkenny. The shop is tucked away in the courtyard so make sure you look for him. He makes all his handwrought silver in his workshop which is on the premises and he is certainly 'one of a kind'. Such a lovely man. I purchased a kilkenny design ring which Des downsized right in front of my eyes. I walked away feeling special as so much care and effort went into getting my ring to fit just right! Groups of people came into the shop without purchasing anything and he was still happy to talk and give them a quick lesson about his craftsmanship. He has jewellery that is affordable, plus the added bonus that he only sells from his shop so you are buying a unique piece. We will be back again for sure when next in Kilkenny.
Written March 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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