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Our Holden Workshop on the Wild Atlantic Way
Holden Leathergoods was established by Conor Holden in 1989. Today, we are the longest established leather goods brand both designed and made in Ireland – we celebrate 30 years in Dingle this year!
Conor with his wife Claire and their team of artisans, design and make the highly desirable luxury bags and accessories in their workshop on the shores of Dingle harbour. An uncompromising commitment to quality and design have earned us an international reputation and clientele, with customers returning year after year to seek out new designs and leathers.
Visitors are encouraged to call out to the workshop and studio shop for a truly unique experience. Well signposted off the Slea Head drive on the Wild Atlantic Way, approximately 2 miles from Dingle, the workshop is open all year.
The Holden Workshop is situated in a beautiful old schoolhouse on the shores of Dingle Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Way. In 1989 we opened our first workshop in a small unit in a craft village in Dingle. We quickly acquired a reputation for quality, with customers returning time and time again to seek out new designs. With the growth of the business, the original premises were too small and so in March 1993 we moved the workshop to its current location.
An Seanscoil (The Old Schoolhouse) was built in 1931 for the purpose of educating the children of the families working the former estate of Lord Ventry ( whose imposing residence 'next door' now houses Colaiste Ide' Irish language boarding school for girls ). The school served the local children for more than 30 years, before taking on a new role as a local community hall, and then as a 'Gaelscoil', for children from other parts of the country to learn Irish and immerse themselves in the language and culture of the Dingle Gaeltacht.
The uniqueness of this location presents visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to see the team of craftspeople create our renowned luxury bag and accessories. After a drive along the tree- lined avenue, visitors can meet the makers, Tashi our newest addition to the Holden team and sip a freshly brewed coffee all while browsing the handmade goods in our studio shop. Toilets and picnic facilities add to an all-round memorable experience - a trip never to be forgotten. The workshop ( open all year) is off the beaten track, but it is well signposted and drive takes you through unspoilt countryside and woodland. Directions: Leaving Dingle for the 'Slea Head' drive, travel approximately 3km then turn left off the main road and follow the signs.