About Us

My Story

Hi, I’m Sinéad, the founder of Irish Design House.

I’m originally from Co. Cavan, Ireland, and moved to Toronto in 2013. Before moving here, I had my own knitwear brand in Ireland, which I started in 2008. Fashion design, sewing and making have always been a huge part of my life, and creativity has always been at the heart of what I do.

I came to Canada thinking I would stay for just two years. I had already built a creative career in Ireland, with my own knitwear brand, and I brought that experience — and my love of making — with me.

I never planned to build a business in Toronto. But one thing led to another, and in 2014 I opened a small pop-up on Queen Street East. That little pop-up became Irish Design House, and what started as a temporary adventure has grown into my home and my dream.

The funny thing is, even though I’m now much further away from Ireland, I feel more connected to home than ever. Through Irish Design House, I’ve built relationships with makers, designers and small businesses across Ireland, and I get to share the things I love about home with people here in Toronto.

I’ve always believed that Irish design is about so much more than shamrocks and souvenirs. Ireland has an incredible community of designers, craftspeople and independent makers creating beautiful, thoughtful and genuinely well-made things. That’s what I look for when I’m choosing what to bring into the store.

From Aran and Donegal knitwear to Irish linen, pottery, jewellery, candles and homewares, I work with makers I believe in — many of them small, family-run businesses that have been creating in Ireland for generations. I love discovering the people and stories behind the products and being able to share those stories with our customers here in Toronto.

Over the years, Irish Design House has grown far beyond what I imagined when I started that first pop-up. It has become a place where people can find a little piece of Ireland, whether they’re Irish themselves, have Irish roots, have a connection to the country, or simply love beautiful things that are made with care.

Today, I feel incredibly lucky to have built a business that keeps me connected to where I come from while allowing me to create a little piece of Ireland here in Toronto. And I get to do it alongside my husband and our two boys — my little helpers — which makes it even more special.

Bringing a little bit of Ireland to Toronto, supporting the people who make it, and sharing the things I love about home.

Thanks for being here.

Sinéad x