meso

our story

Meso, the first of its kind in Ireland, is a new and contemporary range of jewellery designed by Helen Conneely of Celtic Roots in Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

For years Helen has been working on sculptures and gifts in bogwwod with her studio, but this is the first time she has created something very personal that can be worn and is a whole new departure for her.

She feels that to wear an ancient jewel, over 5,000 year's old, which originates from the centre of the bog and Ireland (and the location of mesolithic man and woman!) is capturing the essence of our culture in a contemporary way and connects us with the landscape that we can often have left behind.It is like a talisman, particular to us, as oak is naturally connected to health, protection and strength.

Meso fuses new with old, ancient bog wood over 5,600 year's old with freshwater pearls, leather, sterling silver, oxidised sterling silver and onyx beads, to create a unique modern look.

Eddie Shanahan who worked with Helen as part of a product development class with other craftspeople in the Leitrim Design House, and developed the story for the photo shoot. It and the photography captures beautifully what Helen has created in the jewels and highlights our native landscape in a powerful way.

The photography was shot in the local Bord Na Móna bog in Offaly and close to Lough Boora; the inspiration for these collections.

She is home again......

This woman of the modern world, untouched by it's worldly ways.
Effortlessly engaging in her confident freckled beauty, her tousled hair, her choice of simple adornment.

She is home again.......

Always coming back to this place where she grew up, where ancient touchstones are extracted, etched, inscribed to become a spiritual link across 5,600 years and a talisman imparting both a sense of place and a sense of self.

She is home again......

Present under a billowing sky, against a wooded horizon, on a carpet of peat bog stretching into the distance.

She is home again.....

In all her simple, gentle, powerful presence.


The product range includes a number of collections reflecting the various materials used which are all designed with a vintage feel to tie in with the concept of Meso. All of the Meso collections are available to purchase online here and in store at the Celtic Roots Studio in Ballinahown Craft Village. Meso will also be offering customers additional features to its jewellery line such as personalising jewellery pieces for loved ones as well as unique gift ideas.

Finally, Helen would like to acknowledge the support that rural development funding from Westmeath Community Development had in ensuring that a small exciting new brand can be launched with excellence in mind, supporting it in terms of photography, training for developing this website onsite; and launching a new jewellery range in very difficult market conditions. Innovation and creativity is key for small craft companies and small producer's survival, but if this process is supported then the maker does not feel alone and this in itself is a huge encouragement.

• Celtic Roots Studio is located in Ballinahown Craft Village approximately 7 miles outside Athlone town on the Ferbane/Birr Road. To find us from Dublin or Galway, take exit 8 off M6 motorway for Athlone exit. At N6 roundabout take old N6 Dublin road and follow signs for N62 and Ballinahown Village. We are located right in the centre of the village in the old school master's house.
• Celtic Roots specialises in designing and sculpting unique gifts and commissions in bog wood. These are available to purchase within the retail store at Celtic Roots Studio, as well as online at www.celticroots.ie.
• Ballinahown Village is an award-winning craft village located on the Offaly and Westmeath border. It is host to Core Crafted Design and Celtic Roots Studio, showcasing the best of Irish contemporary craft and design.