Johnny Shiels - Handmade Spinning Wheels

The sound of the spinning wheel has been part of the music of rural Ireland. And it's a sound which has been an important part of the life of the Shiels family in Carndonagh through the years.

Johnny makes Dutch-style wheels in the workshop in Bridge Street in Carndonagh, not far fromIreland's most northerly point, Malin Head. Each wheel is hand-crafted by Johnny "from start to finish." It is a fully functional spinning wheel, and also a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

The work of the Shiels' family is widely-known, and has been featured in the book "Ireland's Traditional Crafts" and the RTE "Hands" series. Johnny is an accomplished woodturner and makes a range of hand-made timber products. His pieces vary in design to include some one-off original items.