An Annual Irish Tradition and How It All Began
An Annual Irish Tradition
In the summer of 1988, a chance visit to Belleek Pottery sparked a new holiday tradition. Wayne Palach, Belleek’s Chicago-based sales representative, and Margaret Denny, the Belleek buyer for Marshall Field’s Company, travelled to Belleek to discuss upcoming sales strategies. In the midst of these conversations, the idea of creating Belleek’s very first Christmas ornament was born.
Producing a new ornament in such a short timeframe was no small feat. With the goal of shipping by September to make it to stores for the holidays, Belleek’s team faced the challenge of designing, modelling, and preparing an ornament in under two months. After some creative thinking, the team chose a design based on the delicate cup from the Shamrock Egg Cup, adapting it with a ribbon fitting. With quick collaboration and focused craftsmanship, production began within a week, and Belleek’s first Annual Christmas Ornament made its debut right on schedule.
The annual ornament series has since become a beloved tradition, with each new design capturing a unique piece of Belleek’s heritage and artistry. Each ornament is avidly purchased each year by loyal collectors and lovers of the brand. This year, the 2026 Annual Ornament marks the 39th edition and is a tribute to the Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny Castle was founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland and was originally a fortified structure designed to control a fording point on the River Nore. It was seen as a symbol of Norman occupation. However, over the years the castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing uses and circumstances. Today Kilkenny Castle is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle and is open to the public. Set in 50 acres of rolling parkland, this attraction also features a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands housing an abundance of wildlife and a
man-made lake that were added in the nineteenth century.
Here is the full list of Annual Ornaments since 1988
Year 1988 - 1st Edition - Shamrock Christmas Bell
Year 1989 - 2nd Edition - The Round Tower Bell
Year 1990 - 3rd Edition - The Leprechaun Bell
Year 1991 - 4th Edition - The Church Bell
Year 1992 - 5th Edition - The Cottage Bell
Year 1993 - 6th Edition - O’Brien’s Pub Bell
Year 1994 - 7th Edition - The Castle Bell
Year 1995 - 8th Edition - The Georgian House Bell
Year 1996 - 9th Edition - The Cathedral Bell
Year 1997 - 10th Edition - Hazelwood House Bell
Year 1998 - 11th Edition - Ballylist Mill Bell
Year 1999 - 12th Edition - Dunore Lighthouse Bell
Year 2000 - 13th Edition - The Clegga Boathouse Bell
Year 2001 - 14th Edition - O’Neills Toyshop Bell
Year 2002 - 15th Edition - Kelly’s post office
Year 2003 - 16th Edition - Foley’s Forge Bell
Year 2004 - 17th Edition - Adare Cottage Bell
Year 2005 - 18th Edition - Clarecastle Bell
Year 2006 - 19th Edition - Clancy’s pub
Year 2007 - 20th Edition - Trademark Bell
Year 2008 - 21st Edition - Belleek Pottery Bell
Year 2009 - 22nd Edition - The Quiet Man Cottage Bell
Year 2010 - 23rd Edition - St Patrick’s Cathedral Bell
Year 2011 - 24th Edition - Old Parliament House Bell
Year 2012 - 25th Edition - Old Schoolhouse Bell
Year 2013 - 26th Edition - Kilmakeder Church Bell
Year 2014 - 27th Edition - Claddagh Cottage Bell
Year 2015 - 28th Edition - Castlecaldwell Gatehouse Bell
Year 2016 - 29th Edition - Ballintoy Church
Year 2017 - 30th Edition - Fisherman’s Cottage
Year 2018 - 31st Edition - Kerry Farmhouse
Year 2019 - 32nd Edition - Azalea Cottage
Year 2020 - 33rd Edition - Annalong Cornmill
Year 2021 - 34th Edition - Mussenden Temple
Year 2022 - 35th Edition - Ballycopeland Windmill
Year 2023 - 36th Edition - Leprechaun Pot of Gold
Year 2024 - 37th Edition - Keenaghan Cottage
Year 2025 - 38th Edition - Giant's Causeway
Year 2026 - 39th Edition - Kilkenny Castle
Start your collection and view our Annual Pieces Here
