Annabel Langrish is a multidisciplinary artist who is most at home when she is creating. Living in West Cork, surrounded by her beautiful garden near the sea, she draws deep inspiration from the ever-changing landscape and the richness of local wildlife. Nature is at the heart of her work, influencing both her subject matter and her intuitive, expressive style.
She works primarily in mixed media, acrylic, and collage, creating original pieces as well as selling prints. Her subjects range from atmospheric landscapes and imaginative compositions to still lifes, each infused with her distinctive sense of colour and texture.
Most recently, Annabel has been exploring laser-cut designs, expanding her creative practice into new dimensions while maintaining the organic, nature-inspired essence that defines her work.
Tell us about your retail business.
I have 3 gallery/craft shops in Kenmare, Bantry and at home in Ahakista. My name, Annabel Langrish is over the door and I mostly showcase my own work, also selected artists and makers , mainly Irish but also creatives worldwide.
When did you first open?
Ahakista in 2006, Kenmare in 2018 and Bantry in 2025
How did your retail journey begin?
Moving to West Cork in 2005 from the North West, I found the perfect property with potential for a gallery, a studio, a large garden.
I had enough of my own work I felt to open a gallery and it was , and stil is, a great success. Together with my husband, Klaus, with our combined skills, we found retail suited us and we opened several galleries – in Kinsale, Clonakilty and Schull, before finding the perfect locations for us.
What kind of products or makers do you stock?
The walls are covered in my prints and originals and laser designs. I stock a few other Irish artists whose work complements my own.
All 3 galleries have a children’s section, a few clothes, craft kits, jigsaws.I buy baba tree baskets and fans, woodwork from Coolree, Lamps and gifts from Kopper Kreation, Jewellery from Irish makers – Kaiko, Danu. Ceramics from Keiko
How do you choose the makers and products.
My galleries have a very ‘Annabel ‘ look and feel, carefully curated by me.
I care about sustainability of practice, natural products, good design, and most importantly, colour.
Why is supporting Irish makers important to your business?
We are a makers community.
Participating at shows myself is like meeting up with family. There is a wealth of talent in Ireland and of course I want to support Irish artisans.
How would you describe your store’s identity
Cheerful, original, quirky and very colourful
What do your customers love most about your in-store/online experience?
The galleries make them smile.
My amazing staff make them smile. The prices make them smile. The colours make them smile.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Made Local Retailer?
There are many retailers selling Irish crafts exclusively.
Many have adopted a cram as many makers in as you can.
I think a more successful approach is to choose from the talented pool of artisans the ones that make you smile and give them a decent display.
Less is more. Go for it!
What is your background in craft?
Primarily a painter, I studied printmaking, raku ceramics.
