My Story

I grew up on the western suburbs of Cork City, both my parents having roots in rural west Cork. I have an inquisitive personality which led me to regularly exploring my natural environment and studying life sciences in school. I earned a BSc Hons degree in Biochemistry from University College Cork & furthered my studies with a Higher Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. I subsequently spent a number of years working in the pharmaceutical industry. I wanted more from my professional life and I maintained a desire for something more expressive with my time. Whilst thinking about a career change I undertook part time courses in furniture making and AutoCAD, amongst others, whilst drawing & making items in my spare time. In 2008 I committed to a change and ventured into making full-time. I have never looked back.

Declan Ryan Wood was officially established in 2008. I was lucky enough to spend some time under the tutelage of my friend and furniture maker Sacha Whelan who set me off on the right road to a life in woodworking. I also had the privilege of 7 years as an employee at Joseph Walsh Studio which connected me to a different level of processes, projects and people. I worked on some incredible commissions, including Magnus Modus, part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. During this time I gained invaluable experience in every part of realising beautiful pieces. Two years ago, in 2018, I moved into my current workshop, furthering my journey to conceive, design & build items reflecting my own original ideas. I currently live in Kinsale with my wonderful wife, 4 young boys and a big fluffy dog.