Oíche & Lá
Oíche & Lá — The Dance of Night and Day in Irish Woodcraft
In the heart of Offaly, beneath skies that turn from silver dawn to deep indigo night, we craft the Oíche & Lá Boards — “Night & Day” in Irish — a celebration of contrast, balance, and the quiet rhythm of the natural world.
Each board begins its journey long before it ever reaches the workshop. We hand-select native Irish ash from local storm-felled trees, trees that have stood for decades, sometimes more than a century, shaping the landscape and sheltering life around them. When nature eventually reclaims them through wind or storm, we give their wood a new purpose — to live on through the craft of human hands.
Ash has deep roots in Irish heritage. Once prized for its strength and flexibility, it was used to make hurls, walking sticks, and tool handles, items that carried the spirit of resilience and practicality through generations. In our hands, it takes on a new form — one that still honours those same values of endurance, integrity, and beauty.
A Balance of Light and Shadow
Each pair of Oíche & Lá Boards mirrors the eternal rhythm of night and day — Oíche, finished in deep, velvety charcoal-black, and Lá, left natural to reveal the golden warmth of Irish ash grain. Together, they capture the essence of harmony: opposites that belong together.
The boards are shaped entirely by hand, without templates or CNC machines. Every curve, bevel, and grain line is guided by touch and intuition — a dialogue between craftsperson and timber. This process ensures that no two sets will ever be the same; each bears its own fingerprint, its own rhythm, its own soul.
Finished with Rubio Monocoat oil, an eco-friendly, food-safe finish that protects the wood while enhancing its natural grain, the boards are as practical as they are beautiful. Whether used for serving, chopping, or simply displayed as a centrepiece, they bring warmth, texture, and heritage to any table.
From the Land, For the Home
Every Oíche & Lá Board carries a piece of Ireland — not just in the wood, but in the story. It’s a story of patience, as trees grow slowly in Irish soil; of resilience, as they withstand wind and weather; and of respect, as we craft them into something lasting and meaningful.
They’re made to be used, to host meals and memories — from festive gatherings to quiet breakfasts. Over time, the surface will soften, deepen, and record the traces of life shared around it — becoming, like the trees themselves once were, part of a living story.
A Gift of Craft and Connection
This Christmas, the Oíche & Lá Boards make a truly meaningful gift — a union of craft, nature, and Irish tradition. Each pair embodies balance, renewal, and beauty — a reminder that even in the darkest night, there is light waiting to return.
Handmade in Offaly. Rooted in Ireland. Crafted for life.