WEALTH October 25, 2026 0 Comments

How Peter Gough’s Oileán Jewellery Turns Local Inspiration Into a Global Business Powerhouse—And Why You Need to Watch This Brand Now

Ever wondered what it takes for Irish craft producers to truly shine amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? As the Everwinter Christmas Market gears up to light up the RDS, it’s not just about festive cheer—it’s about showcasing raw talent, passion, and the heartbeat of local craftsmanship. Take Peter Gough of Oileán Jewellery, for instance. This globe-trotting artisan has spent over three decades polishing his skills across Dublin, London, and the USA, all the while weaving Ireland’s rugged landscapes into one-of-a-kind bespoke pieces. For entrepreneurs like Peter, events like Everwinter aren’t just sales opportunities—they’re pivotal moments to connect, inspire, and grow in a world where the touch and feel of a product can spark lifelong relationships. So, what does it really mean to own something made in Ireland today? And how does one thrive amid soaring costs and online competition? Dive into the brilliant insights from Peter and discover how the magic behind Irish craftsmanship is very much alive and kicking this Christmas season. LEARN MORE

As Everwinter Christmas Market prepares to give Irish craft producers a major platform at the RDS, BusinessPlus.ie chats to some of the vendors who will be showcasing their products.

Oileán Jewellery designer Peter Gough travelled the world honing his craft.

Tell us about yourself and how your craft business got started?

I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of Ireland and take inspiration from the amazing landscape to create some of my collections.

My passion for jewellery originated from the early days of my career working with leading jewellery retail brands in Dublin.

Since then, I have spent over 30 years engaged in the jewellery business in Dublin, London, and the USA, where I developed my skills and techniques to produce bespoke designs.

Drawing on a wealth of work and travel experiences, I create unique pieces, combining very different techniques and metals. My inspiration is derived from the landscapes of Ireland, encompassing the beauty of the coastline and the rugged mountain ranges. This is evident in my latest collections available from Oileán Jewellery.

I am fortunate to work in an industry I love, creating designs and sharing them with my clients. Being associated with the DCCI is also particularly important to highlight the great depth in Irish design and ensuring the crafting skills are kept alive for future generations.

Why is taking part in the Everwinter Christmas fair important to your business? Is it a good opportunity to reach new customers?

My business model is focused around showcasing my designs directly to my clients. Having the opportunity to exhibit at an event like Everwinter allows existing customers and potential new customers to see, touch and feel my products in person.

I believe that when a crafter can make a connection with a customer, explain and discuss the pieces, and allow them to be physically present, it can begin a relationship which may last a lifetime.

Reaching new people through events like Everwinter is essential to grow my customer base and garner important feedback about my collections for future design projects. It is also an exciting opportunity to be part of a festive event where friends and family meet to celebrate the holiday season.

How important is it to your customers that your product is made in Ireland?

Made in Ireland is the basis of my work; I am enthusiastic about promoting Irish design. I believe my customers share this value.

In recent years, I have observed clients’ eagerness to support Irish-designed and made products. The ability to own a unique piece, be it jewellery, art, ceramic, clothing, or any other handcrafted piece, has become a goal for many, especially as we see so much duplication and mass production in the market today.

Clients have educated themselves to understand the time it takes to design and make individual pieces; therefore, they are willing to pay that little extra to realise their goal of supporting local small businesses and owning a bespoke piece.

What are the biggest challenges facing Irish craft makers and small businesses at the moment?

In my industry, the general cost of running a business has increased over the past 2 years, especially. Then add in the exponential jump in precious metal costs the challenges are sometimes daunting.

Everwinter is the ideal event for my business. I work from my studio creating my designs, my overhead is controlled, and then showcasing at large-scale productions a number of times a year is the optimal business model.

I get to see existing and new customers in one place and in a condensed period, allowing me to have the time to return to my studio and create new pieces.

I find that for small businesses, online selling has become extremely challenging. Trying to compete with larger companies is next to impossible; therefore, direct selling is the best option.

Where can people find and buy your products after the Christmas fair?

I will be in a chalet at the craft village, which will showcase the best of Irish design alongside the best festive food and beverage selection at any Christmas event.

I sell through my website oileanjewellery.com, and I am on Facebook and Instagram.

In the coming year, I am hoping to add a new collection which I have been working on for some time now. Keep a close eye on my socials and website. The best way to see my work is to visit the events I attend throughout the year.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to begin classes in wax carving. This will allow customers to create their own unique piece of jewellery under my supervision and guidance. I will then cast their handcrafted piece in sterling silver or gold for them to wear or gift to a loved one.

Most of all, the future is to keep making bespoke designs for as long as my customers want.

Burren bracelet, designed by Oileán Jewellery

Limited vendor opportunities remain for Everwinter’s Christmas Market.

If you are interested in exhibiting at Everwinter, please contact Izabela by email to [email protected] or by phone to (01) 4972020 for pricing and packages available.