Irish Dresden will host a Christmas shopping event in Dromcollogher this weekend

INTERNATIONALLY known Irish Dresden, a ceramic manufacturer, based in Dromcollogher has relaunched with a new website.

The company has also announced details of a Christmas event this weekend in collaboration with Adare Cottage. Irish Dresden ceased production after 61 years in May 2023.

Adare native Kristian Schnittger-Saar who is the grandson of the late founder of the business, Johanna Saar, is an investor in Irish Dresden and says he is excited about the new relaunch as they’ve received a “positive reaction” to the news.

“It’s great as well that there are supports available from Limerick County Council, from West Limerick Resources, Fáilte Ireland to support these types of projects and of course LEO as well with the business expansion grant which we applied for and we were successful in getting,” adds Kristian.

“I think without that support it would be very difficult to make the progress that we’ve made in such a short time. Kristian says it made sense for the business to go online as it provides a “more direct route to the market.” It also enables customers to provide feedback and direction on what they like.

They will hold a Christmas shopping event at the Irish Dresden factory in Dromcollogher, in partnership with Adare Cottage, from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1 from 10am to 6pm.

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“It’s the first time we’re doing it with Adare Cottage and so what we hope is that in combining the two businesses (it) gives us a broader selection of products,” explains Kristian.

“I’m excited about it because I think the factory is a fantastic venue for that type of event. There’s plenty of parking there. We’re going to do complimentary gift wrapping for people so it’s a kind of a one stop shop and we’re looking forward to seeing people coming out, seeing Irish Dresden again.”

Kristian’s aunt, managing director Sabina Saar ran the business on her own for a period and was going to sell but Kristian felt this was a shame and decided to invest in Irish Dresden.

“With the passing of my grandmother, Johanna Saar, in April 2021 my aunt Sabina and myself decided we would work together to continue our family’s legacy which all began in Germany in 1907!”

Kristian grew up in Ireland but his grandparents were from Germany and moved to Ireland in the 1960s. “Germany was devastated and my grandparents rebuilt the business over here… Was it not for the fact we moved to Ireland, we probably wouldn’t be in business,” he said.