Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering Charlie Mahon's handmade Irish pottery – from Christmas posting dates and gift wrapping to caring for your pieces. Can't find your answer? Call us on 087 298 7703 or email charlie@charliemahon.com.
Christmas & Delivery
What is the last date to order for Christmas delivery?
These are An Post's last recommended posting dates for parcels to arrive before Christmas 2026. Please order at least three days before the date shown so we have time to pack and post your gift safely.
| Destination | Last posting date |
|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | Friday 18 December |
| Northern Ireland | Friday 18 December |
| Great Britain | Thursday 17 December |
| Rest of Europe | Thursday 17 December |
| USA | Tuesday 8 December |
| Rest of the World | Tuesday 8 December |
International delivery times are estimates from An Post and can be affected by local postal delays, so the earlier the better. Missed the date? You can still collect in person from our shop in the English Market or at our Little Island Studio – see below.
Do you offer free postage?
Yes – postage is free on all orders over €50 delivered within the Republic of Ireland. Free postage does not apply to Northern Ireland, Great Britain or anywhere outside Ireland – postage for those orders is added at checkout.
Do you post outside Ireland?
Yes, we post to Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, the USA and worldwide – our pottery makes a lovely piece of home for family and friends abroad. Postage is charged on all orders outside the Republic of Ireland, whatever the order value, and is calculated at checkout before you pay.
Can you post a gift directly to someone else?
Absolutely. Just enter their address as the delivery address at checkout. We post every order in our sturdy branded boxes, with plenty of protective packaging so it arrives safely.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes. Orders posted from our website travel in our branded boxes, ready to give. If you collect in person from our shop in the English Market or our studio in Little Island, we'll wrap your gift in our black biodegradable gift bag with pink tissue or in our branded biodegradable brown box – just ask.
Can I collect my order instead?
Yes – choose free Click & Collect at checkout and pick up from either:
- Our shop: Unit 43, English Market, Cork, T12 WER8
- Our studio: Unit 20A, Euro Innovation Business Park, Little Island, Cork T45 PF98
We'll let you know when your order is ready.
About Our Pottery
Is every piece really handmade?
Yes. Every mug and bowl is thrown by hand on the potter's wheel, every plate and platter is shaped over moulds Charlie made himself, and every piece is hand-painted by Charlie in white earthenware here in Cork and signed by him. Nothing is printed or mass-produced.
Will my piece look exactly like the photo?
Very close, but not identical – and that's the beauty of it. Because each piece is shaped and painted by hand, the brushstrokes, colours and dots vary slightly, so yours will be truly one of a kind. For the same reason, all measurements and weights are averages.
Is your pottery dishwasher safe?
We recommend hand washing in warm soapy water to keep your pottery looking its best for years. That said, Elmarie puts everything in the dishwasher at home and has never had an issue!
What are Charlie's designs?
Charlie paints four signature designs: Mackerel Fish, inspired by fishing in Glengarriff; Grá Heart – grá is the Irish word for love; Green Heart; and the cheeky Witty Sheep. He also makes original framed ceramic art, sculptures and seasonal Christmas ornaments along with painting with oils and watercolors.
Where can I buy Charlie Mahon pottery?
Only from us – at our shop in Cork's English Market and here on our website. So whichever you choose, you're buying directly from the makers.
Orders, Returns & Custom Pieces
What if my order arrives broken?
We pack every order with great care, but if something does arrive damaged, please photograph it straight away while it is still in its packaging and send the photos to us at charlie@charliemahon.com within five days of receiving it. We'll sort it out for you.
What if I'm not happy with my order?
Please return the piece to us and let us know what the issue is, and we'll replace it as soon as possible.
Do you take custom orders or personalised pieces?
Yes. Charlie can add names and dates for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, christenings and birthdays, and he takes on commissions. Please allow six weeks for custom work. All commissions are made and painted in Charlie's own style. Get in touch to talk about your idea.
Visiting Us
When is your English Market shop open?
Monday to Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm. We're closed on Sundays and bank holidays, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from late October to mid-November and from mid-January to March.
How can I contact you?
Call us on 087 298 7703, email charlie@charliemahon.com, or call into the shop at Unit 43, English Market, Cork. Studio visits in Little Island are by appointment.