The Selkie of Graball Bay – Bringing Irish Myths to Life

Every custom order I receive is a trust placed in my hands to turn a feeling, a memory, or a myth into solid wood.

Recently, a customer asked me to carve a Selkie—the mythical seal-woman of Irish folklore who sheds her skin to walk on land, always longing for the deep blue sea.

“Climbing down the ancient, weathered stone layers of Graball Bay, carrying a modern Irish legend in my bag.”

Before this piece traveled to its new home, I knew she needed to see the ocean one last time. I took her to the rugged, jagged rocks of Graball Bay, right across from the Roches Point Lighthouse. Climbing these ancient, slippery stone layers in County Cork was a challenge, but myths aren't born in comfortable places.

“The hand-carved Selkie resting on the dark rocks, listening to the eternal song of the Atlantic tide.”

“Shadows and salt. The raw beauty of Irish folklore, sculpted in pine and shaped by the sea breeze.”

When I placed her on the dark, weathered rock, she looked completely at home. The wood grain seemed to whisper back to the tide. We sat there for a long time, watching the boats pass by the lighthouse, listening to the waves.

A quiet moment of reflection, watching the ships pass by the iconic Roches Point Lighthouse.

This is how we create. I don't just carve wood; we take each piece on a journey so it carries the salty air, the wind, and the true spirit of Ireland with it.

If you have a story, a mythical creature, or a dream you would like me to bring to life from pine, my custom orders are always open. Let’s create a modern heirloom together.

Behind the lens: My partner (my very own Highlander!) catching the perfect angle for the Selkie. A true team effort to bring these stories to you. :))

With salty hair, wind in our faces, and a camera full of memories, my Highlander and I head home to the pastures of Cork. This is the journey behind the wood.

This is the heart of Meek Pine.”