Who we are
Druid Heritage Designs was founded by maker Craig Brown (that’s him in the photo with Bobby, the collie mix). From his workshop on the shores of Galway Bay, Craig handcrafts pieces from reclaimed wood and ancient Irish bog oak. When not in the workshop, he’s tending his small farm with pigs, geese, bees, and an orchard.
The inspiration behind Druid Heritage Designs is rooted in a deep respect for Irish landscapes, stories, and craftsmanship. Every piece Craig creates - whether a pen, pendant, or table - begins with wood that already carries a rich and storied past. From oak preserved in Irish bogs for thousands of years, to timbers salvaged from derelict churches, old factories, and family farms, the materials are chosen as much for their heritage as for their beauty.
Each product is a quiet act of preservation - an attempt to honour the memory of a place, a structure, a time. Craig sees his work not just as making things, but as uncovering and continuing a story - one that clients are invited to carry forward.
Druid Heritage Designs is more than a workshop - it’s a philosophy. A belief that the old can be made new again, that craftsmanship matters, and that every object should have a soul.
Every pen from Druid Heritage Designs begins with a story - sometimes from an old estate in the west of Ireland, other times from deep beneath the bog, where ancient bog oak has rested for thousands of years. We begin by carefully selecting timber that carries a sense of place and character. Once chosen, the wood is cut into pen blanks, each roughly three-quarters of an inch square and five inches long.
Next, we drill a central hole in each blank using a drill press, creating space for an inner brass tube that gives the pen structure and stability. The blank is then cut in half, forming two matched pieces - one for either end of the finished pen. Next we insert brass tubes. Before doing so, we gently scuff the tubes with sandpaper and apply an adhesive bond. The scuffing helps the adhesive gain purchase to the tube when drying. A twisting motion ensures the glue spreads evenly as the tube is pressed into place. Once inserted, the glued blanks are set aside to dry for at least thirty minutes.
After the glue has cured, we use a precision boring tool to make sure the ends of the wooden blanks are perfectly flush with the brass tubes. This step is critical - it ensures that everything fits seamlessly during turning and final assembly.
The real transformation begins at the lathe. Here, the wooden blanks are mounted and slowly shaped by hand. We carefully remove everything that doesn’t look like a pen, revealing the unique grain and form hidden within the wood. Once the desired shape is achieved, we sand each piece while it’s still on the lathe - starting with coarse grit and gradually moving to ultra-fine grit paper, using at least four different grains. This progressive sanding brings out the wood’s natural beauty and gives it a silky smooth finish.
With the shaping and sanding complete, we apply a protective finish while the pieces are still mounted, enhancing the colour and adding durability. Finally, we remove the parts from the lathe and assemble the entire pen using a pen press. The result is a unique writing instrument, handcrafted in Ireland, that carries with it the story of its origins - ready to be held, admired, and used for years to come.
How Our Pens Are Made
Testimonials
“I recently bought a bog oak pen for my wife on our 5th wedding anniversary. She loved the feel and look of it. The pen and presentation box are made with true craftsmanship.”
Sean Fagan - Dublin, Ireland
“I bought a bog oak pen and have been very impressed with the workmanship of the product. An excellent choice of gift if you are looking for something authentic and unique with a Celtic twist.”
Paul Fahy - Galway, Ireland
“I gave one of Craig’s pens to my wife, a professional writer, and she loved the feel and balance - it’s now her favorite to write with.”
Tim Brennan - Halifax, Nova Scotia
