Aisling McElwain Ceramics

27/02/2026

A huge thank you to and editor for another beautiful issue. I am so delighted to see my work on the cover; what a fantastic surprise!
This piece was inspired by poet Frances Moore for our group exhibition last summer and was also part of the Ceramics Ireland Clay Works exhibition in the Botanic Gardens in August.

Looking at these pages, I’m struck by a lovely coincidence: a mention of the wonderful Mary Gallagher. It took me right back to the day when I was living in Wexford and I called into her gallery full of enthusiasm after spending a week doing a pottery course in Kinsale. She spent time with me going through the gallery, shared her private collection with me and told me about the summer pottery course in Grennan Mill and the Pottery Skills course, both in Thomastown. Doing that summer course lead me to the Pottery Skills course which lead me to ...well, here! 🙏Feeling very grateful! 

18/02/2026

Decorating cups this week to get them back up on the website while listening to songs about sunshine. We can dream right! 🌞
Let me know which cup colour you prefer best and I'll make more of them.

13/07/2025

Ceramics Ireland Annual Members Exhibition is being held at the wonderful this year, open now until the 27th July. I'm delighted to have 2 pieces selected and showing there. And they're surrounded by many amazing pieces of ceramic art!
Make sure to call in before it closes
Open daily from 10am -5pm (and only until 1pm on the 27th)

21/06/2025

For the last few months I've been working quietly with a group of fabulous women on a poetry and art exhibition, called Afterwords. Each artist has taken one of local poet, Frances Moore's , poems and have use it as inspiration for their exhibition pieces.
With the support of our enthusiastic curator we're finally ready to open and show it to the public!
The official opening is this evening at 7pm and will be opened by local author Niamh Mulvey. It will be open daily from 11am -5pm until 1st July in The Teahouses on Bateman Quay, Kilkenny.
More photos to follow

Thanks to , and the for the useof the space.

Thanks also to .christiane for her 3d printing and problem solving skills!

29/07/2024

Big announcement! I've some full day classes on the pottery wheel coming up soon. One day beginners classes on the 31st August and 1st September and one day Improvers classes on the 14th and 15th September.

I've also availability on the weekend of the 10th and 11th August, which is the same weekend as the Kilkenny Potters Market (11th and 12th August) but I've a feeling I've left it too late to advertise. However, if you are interested in a class that weekend, so that you can double up on your pottery exposure, send me a DM and I'll see what I can do.

Classes run from 10am to 4pm with only 4 spaces per class. Price €110 per day . Head over to www.aislingmcelwain.com/classes for more info

Thanks 😊

13/09/2023

Come see Aisling's work on show at the MADE IN KILKENNY/MADE LOCAL: A celebration of excellence in craft exhibition, in the National Craft & Design Gallery until 28th October.
Can't make it to the NCDG? Find out more about our members work and inspiration below
"Aisling’s work is inspired by her background in geography and geology and from the texture of the clay itself. The vessels are understated in form. Layers of dark grey ceramic slip are carefully brushed onto each piece to create a subtle striated texture. She leaves the slate grey surface unglazed to enhance the texture of the clay in contrast to the soft smoothness of the muted grey-green jade-like glaze."
Photos Rory Moore
Aisling McElwain Ceramics

16/02/2023

Lots of new classes coming up in Clay Rooms Kilkenny
Tomorrow, try out the Adult and Child Throwing Taster and handbuilding classes or leave the kids at home on Saturday and make a Cake Stand.

Starting on the week of the 27th February we've handbuilding classes on Monday evenings and Friday mornings.

And new to this term is a Teens Handbuilding/sculpture course on Friday afternoons from 2.30 - 4.30pm.

To see all the classes coming up, check out www.clayroomskilkenny.ie/book-classes

02/09/2022

The .italia market is officially open!

05/08/2022

28/05/2022

It's the end of May and I'm still wearing a winter coat at Thursdays Farmers Market! Hopefully this weekends sun will stay around a little longer 🤞

28/03/2022

It feels like ages since I had a full day throwing on the wheel and my back is definitely feeling it. Actually it HAS been ages! Its been a busy few months. As you've probably seen in my stories myself and .liselott
and have opened up a new ceramics teaching studio in Kilkenny City called Clay Rooms Kilkenny , which has taken up a lot of my time over the last few months, which is great but it's also great to get back into the rhythm and routine of making again.
Anyway, join us over at if you're looking for some lessons on the pottery wheel or learn the techniques of handbuilding.
I'm off to do some pilates to undo the damage done today! 🥴