About Westcountry Willows
Handmade Willow Baskets & Willow Coffins in County Roscommon, Ireland
We’re Kate and Alan Burrows of Westcountry Willows, professional basket makers and natural coffin makers based in County Roscommon. We grow our own basket willow on our land and weave it by hand, using traditional techniques to make willow baskets and eco-friendly willow coffins. From the field to the finished piece, everything happens right here.
Our Journey in Traditional Basket Making
It started over ten years ago, when Kate learned to weave her first basket. What began as an introduction to an old craft soon became a lifelong passion. Since then, we’ve travelled abroad to learn from master basket makers, studying regional willow weaving styles and traditional basketry skills passed down through generations. We bring that knowledge home to every basket and coffin we make.
Natural Willow Coffins: Sustainable End-of-Life Choices
We started making willow coffins in early 2023, and it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of our work. Each coffin is woven by hand from willow we’ve grown ourselves. It’s a natural, biodegradable choice for green funerals, natural burial and cremation. Families can also come and help weave a coffin with us.
Irish Willow Grown in Roscommon
Every basket and coffin we create uses willow cultivated on our land in County Roscommon, Ireland. Surrounded by native rushes and wild hedgerows, our growing site provides ideal conditions for producing high-quality basket willow. By growing our own materials, we ensure complete control over the sustainability and quality of every piece we make.
Basket Weaving Workshops and Willow Craft Education
We are passionate about preserving and teaching traditional basketry skills. Through our basket weaving classes and workshops, we share centuries-old techniques with students interested in learning willow craft, sustainable making, and traditional Irish crafts.
Learn Traditional Basketry: Workshops Across Ireland
Basketry represents more than skilled handwork—it embodies a sustainable way of life deeply connected to Irish craft traditions. Through our basket-weaving workshops held throughout Ireland, we teach both the practical techniques and the cultural stories that have been preserved across generations. Whether you're interested in creating functional handmade baskets or learning the art of willow coffin making, each piece is crafted with purpose using natural, biodegradable materials.
Viking Heritage and Ancient Weaving Traditions
We’re also Viking reenactors, which brings a different angle to our work. Basketry is one of the oldest crafts there is, and it was as much a part of Viking life as the longships. That’s where our willow Viking ships come from. Our courses welcome beginners and experienced weavers alike.
