Celtic Roots Studio, situated in the craft village of Ballinahown, County Westmeath, combines a workshop and gallery space with an interpretative centre and display of historic artefacts made from bogwood. This natural material was formed from trees that became engulfed in Irish bogs thousands of years ago and preserved in the low oxygen atmosphere of the peat. Now, discarded bogwood is reclaimed by Celtic Roots Studio and slowly dried out over two years before it is carved and polished into contemporary sculpture and jewellery. The pieces are designed by Helen Conneely, made in the workshop. She makes personalised jewellery engraved with a message that connects the wearer with the 5,000 year history of the wood.

Visit: www.celtic-roots.com