belleek pottery visitor centre

As you pass through the doors of the Visitor Centre, you will be drawn to a spectacular Centrepiece, winner of the Gold medal award at the Paris Exhibition in 1890. Lining the walls of the reception, a photography collection tells the story of Belleek, and how it was established in 1857. In the museum you will find some of the oldest pieces of Belleek in existence, some dating back over 100 years. Here Crouching Venus and The Prisoner of Love - two of our most famous pieces - sit serenely behind polished glass cases.

A video presentation in the audio-visual theatre will take you through the production process before your tour begins. Then, to the chimes of the old brass bell once used to call village craftsmen to work, you will gather for the 20 minutes guided tour of the pottery.
Starting with the Casting Shop; Fettling Shops and then on to the Flowering Rooms, you will see craftsmen design, mould and shape the Parian. You will learn how the intricate strands of the basketware are woven together, using techniques passed down from generation to generation; see how tiny petals, stems and twigs are created by hand to adorn vases and pots, and discover the secret that gives Belleek Parian China its distinctive pearly glow.

Only Belleek China of the highest quality leaves the pottery. Right from the outset our founder, John Caldwell Bloomfield, insisted that there would be no seconds at Belleek. Today his standards are still maintained.

Beautiful gifts available such as:
Clocks, lamps and vases, baskets, collections, figures and special pieces.