GIVEN the number of specialist shops which now exist, it's wonderful to find an outlet which is still entices with a whole range of delights. That's the distinguishing characteristic of potter Stephen Pearce's appropriately named Emporium which stands in the centre of Shanagarry village in east Cork. You'll find plenty of examples of Mr Pearce's own work, of course (and best of all, this is a chance to pick up some seconds at greatly reduced prices). But more than that, there's a wealth of other treasures on sale, as well as a cafe in which to recover after exploring this cavern of temptation.
Top of the list of Must Buys comes the wonderful glassware made by Simon Pearce, another member of the same family who emigrated to the United States but is still fondly remembered by those of us who bought his work while he still lived here. This is the only shop in Ireland selling Simon Pearce glass and in addition the Emporium offers enchanting wooden children's toys from around the world, table linens dyed specially for the shop in India and the wonderful Neal's Yard range of products for bath, hair and aromatherapy.
Jewellery comes from an enormous range of countries including Afghanistan, Mali and Kenya, Indonesia, Thailand and China as well as Ireland and there are also silk chiffon scarves by Veronique Didi and woven lengths in wool, chenille and linen from Helena Ruuth. Add weather vanes, pewter tableware, chrome kitchen goods, Ciaran Forbes's wooden bowls and wrought iron candle holders and you understand why this shop could only be called an emporium.