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DONNA IRONMONGER STARTED working with clay as a hobby but her evocative designs soon proved popular with customers. Here she talks to Ruth O’Connor about her ceramics business Run Baby Run, the work that goes into each piece and why they make great gifts for Christmas.
What inspired you to start your business? Tell us more about yourself.
Run Baby Run Pottery was born out of the need to create. I started ceramics as a hobby approximately eight years ago as a creative outlet from a pressurised career in FMCG and immediately fell in love with clay. Ever the creative, I found my peace in ceramics. I loved the complete mindfulness, the malleability of the material and the little bit of magic that happens in each glaze firing.
What have you learned so far in business?
The most important thing I’ve learned in business to date is that a good community is essential, especially for craft people who work alone. I’m a member of the DCCI, on the committee of Ceramics Ireland and also a member of the fabulous Biscuit Factory – these groups all provide different types of support, advice and mentorship.
What has been the most challenging time for you in business?
The popularity of my designs has happened very quickly and my challenge at the moment is demand versus supply. Ceramics by its nature is a very slow process and this is particularly prevalent in my designs. I hand make each and every item, and each piece is hand painted in three layers of up to eight different coloured glazes to create the unique glossy finish. My work takes three 24-hour kiln firings to complete – it’s a real labour of love!
Where do you look for inspiration?
My inspiration is taken directly from my surroundings. My intention is to bring a sense of peace and harmony into homes by echoing the brand’s nature-inspired ethos through each piece.
What sets your products apart from others in the Irish market?
Run Baby Run Pottery stands out in the Irish homeware market thanks to its deeply artistic and locally-inspired approach. The reaction achieved in the carefully applied glazes creates wonderfully atmospheric scenery and serve as beautiful statement pieces in the home.
How have consumers responded to what you do?
My work evokes an immediate and emotional response from the consumer. My designs are instantly recognisable as Irish beachscapes or landscapes, and the consumer identifies with them through memories of childhood holidays in coastal locations or the rolling hills of home. Many items are purchased for family and friends that live abroad as small reminders of their homeland.
Describe your workspace.
I’m lucky enough to be a hop, skip and jump from my workspace. My studio is located at the bottom of my garden in Malahide, Co. Dublin. It’s a bright, peaceful place where I can watch the birds while I work, and it is close enough to my kitchen where the coffee pot is always on.
Describe a typical working day.
Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. Not commuting to work helps me on my sustainability journey, but it is also tempting to work all hours – I’m sure that the neighbours have seen me checking on the kiln whilst in my PJs on more than one occasion. A typical day for me consists of the usual hustle and bustle that goes with family life in the mornings. My first port of call involves checking on my overnight kiln firing followed by a small amount of communication follow ups and admin at my laptop. My days tend to be split into either handbuilding my ceramic forms, or glazing the items after the first firing. The two processes are very different so I tend to dedicate full days to each, with time put aside for packing and posting my orders.
How important is collaboration to what you do?
The collaboration that I have with my retail partners is invaluable. The appetite for Irish handcrafted wares with a beautiful design aesthetic is stronger than ever. It’s essential to support retailers who stock Irish-made craft, and that people recognise the importance of shopping local in order to preserve culture and creativity. For every €10 spent on Irish products, more than €40 of benefit is generated for local communities.
If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing?
I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else now.
What’s next for you and your work in 2025?
At this time of year my focus is solely on Christmas. I’m currently finishing off
deliveries to my stockists and updating my website with my Christmas range. I’ll be
exhibiting at Gifted in the RDS this year, and you’ll find me at stand 138 from
December 3rd to 7th . As for what’s next… watch this space, I have a couple of design
ideas that are keeping me awake at night, so there will be exciting new products for
2026!
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