About Me
Hi, I’m Emma Walsh — a basket weaver living in the west of Ireland, right in the heart of Connemara. I first fell in love with basketry while learning from the wonderful Ciara Hogan, and what started as a curiosity quickly became a full-blown passion (some might say obsession!).
These days, I grow my own willow here on the land, which means I’m involved in every step of the process — from planting and harvesting to soaking, sorting, and weaving. It’s messy, seasonal, satisfying work — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Every basket I make is shaped by hand, the weather, and whatever music or birdsong is playing in the background. I love creating pieces that are both beautiful and useful — baskets to be lived with, not just looked at.
Whether you’re after a sturdy turf basket, a decorative piece, or some homegrown willow to try your own hand at weaving, you’re very welcome here at Connemara Willow.
Willow Cuttings
Willow Cutting is NOW OPEN Nov 2025 for Feb 2026.
All orders will be posted out the straight away. !!!!
Fun Fact’s
Not all willow is the same. There are over 400 species of willow! Basket makers often grow specific varieties for colour, strength, or length.
Willow is a speed demon!
It grows incredibly fast — some varieties can shoot up over 2 meters in a single year. That’s why it’s often called a “renewable superstar.”
It loves wet feet.
Willow thrives in damp, boggy ground — perfect for Connemara! In fact, it helps improve soil and prevent erosion.
Nature’s painkiller.
Willow bark contains salicin, a natural chemical that inspired the invention of aspirin. People used to chew the bark for headaches!
It changes colour as it dries.
Fresh willow can be green, red, yellow, even purple — but as it dries, the colour deepens and softens, giving each basket its own unique tones.
It’s a VIP at the bee buffet.
Willow catkins are one of the first food sources for bees in spring. Basically, it throws a pollen party before anyone else is awake.
It soaks before it weaves.
Dried willow rods are soaked for several hours (or even days) to make them pliable again. It’s like a spa day before they become a basket!
