Newbridge puts a new shine on visitor attractions
Newbridge Silverware, whose jewellery range includes a line designed by Amy Huberman (pictured), has invested €300,000 in its visitor facilities.
Samantha McCaughren NEWBRIDGE Silverware is aiming to increase visitor numbers by 100,000 a year with the launch of a new factory tour and museum expansion this June. This is in addition to the 350,000 visitors it attracts annually.
It follows an investment of more than €300,000 in improving its tourism offering, and the company expects to create 10 additional jobs.
For the first time, the factory will be open to the public who will be able to see first-hand the craft of creating sterling silver and silver-plated tableware as well as the many jewellery and gift items which Newbridge Silverware produces.
As well as the addition of the factory tour, its Museum of Style Icons has been extended as part of the investment to create a new exhibition space for visiting attractions. The extension will allow space for an additional 40 garments, as well as other exhibits including notable photographs, sketches and jewellery.
The new space will launch with a visiting exhibition entitled, ‘LBD, The Little Black Dress’ which includes couture designs from designers including Chanel, Dior, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and others. The Kildare-based lifestyle company has been making sterling and silver-plated tableware at its Newbridge factory since 1934 when it was known as The Newbridge Cutlery Co. A few months ago, Newbridge Silverware completely renovated and redesigned its on-site restaurant.
Marie Brennan, communications manager at Newbridge Silverware, said; “Research coming from Failte Ireland shows that the international visitor has a huge appetite for indigenous Irish products and traditional Irish craft.”
The business has been working closely with the tourism body.